Colours of Hydrogen
Games
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Chemistry, Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by King's Centre for Visualization in Science
What it is
- This interactive game has students build their own hydrogen production factory and transition between different "colors" of hydrogen, which label the different methods of producing hydrogen.
- Students compare the greenhouse gas emissions and costs of each production method.
- To win, students either earn enough money based on the difficulty level or sell every color of hydrogen before producing too many greenhouse gases.
Teaching tips
Misconceptions:
- Clarify to students that hydrogen is a colorless gas; the colors signify where the hydrogen is coming from, similar to how we sometimes classify water as "gray."
Classroom Implementation:
- Use this game as an early finisher activity during a unit on energy sources.
- Tie the prompts from the game, like when subsidies are introduced, to a discussion about government and market mechanisms that incentivize or pose barriers for clean energy.
Extensions:
- Extend the activity by having students research where each production method fits in the global push toward net-zero emissions.
- Dive deeper into hydrogen energy and climate change with this lesson that covers batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen generation, and replacement of fossil fuels.
From the scientist review
This interactive resource teaches students about the different sources of hydrogen, which can be used as a fuel instead of oil, gas, and other fossil fuels. Students will learn how hydrogen can be produced and compare the greenhouse gas emissions from each production method. To finish the game, students either need to sell each type of hydrogen (i.e., hydrogen from all sources) or earn a certain amount of money. A link to a website with additional information about hydrogen, its production, and uses is included for students.
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