The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE's) Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) joined forces with the Smithsonian Science Education Center to increase understanding of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies among a group of 30 K–12 science teachers attending the Center’s week-long, science-focused course in Washington, D.C. FCTO’s participation included an opportunity for teachers to ride in one the world’s first commercial fuel cell cars as well as a presentation highlighting how hydrogen and fuel cell technologies work, how they are being used today, and how they fit into the national energy economy. Most of the teachers were not aware there are now more than 5,000 hydrogen fuel cell cars on U.S. roads, and they were excited to bring new hydrogen- and fuel cell-related topics to their classrooms for the upcoming school year. By teaching the teacher, events like this one make a powerful impact on public understanding of America’s energy opportunities and help foster STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning in the classroom.

To learn more about how fuel cells work and get involved, download the Increase your H2IQ training resource to give a hydrogen and fuel cells presentation in your classroom or community and visit the FCTO website.