This CNNfyi.com lesson plan is supplemented with material from

Fuel of the future

March 20, 2001
Web posted at: 3:57 PM EST (2057 GMT)

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Have students read the CNNfyi.com article, "Pumping up hydrogen," and ask the following:

1. On what fuel does BMW's new experimental sedan run? Why has BMW chosen to fuel the car in this way? What "chicken or egg" problem does BMW face in this venture? What possible ways could the new fuel be made more available, thus making it more advantageous for both consumers and manufacturers?

2. What are the benefits of a hydrogen-fueled vehicle? What are some disadvantages, and how might these be overcome? Why are people afraid of this fuel? Would you want to own a hydrogen-fueled vehicle? Why or why not?

3. Where is Dubai? Do you find any significance in premiering the hydrogen-fueled car in a country in which 45 percent of its exports are crude oil? Explain. Why are "oil companies" now referring to themselves as "energy companies"? Do you think that oil companies will begin to explore more alternative energy sources? Why or why not? Do you think it is wise for them to develop other fuels? Explain.

4. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is abundantly plentiful. Have students imagine a world in which at least three-quarters of vehicles and industries are fueled by hydrogen or other alternative energy sources. Ask them to write essays about their vision for the state of the world in regards to redistribution of wealth, environment, imports/exports and personal lifestyles based on this single change.

5. For more in-depth information on human health risks created by overuse of fossil fuels, use Riverdeep's Reducing Smog story, activities, and simulations.

6. For more information on another alternative fuel source, solar power, use Riverdeep's Going Solar.

Extension: Students can research major fuel corporations to learn what research, if any, they are doing on alternative energy sources and/or environmental issues. Students can each choose one corporation to research and report their findings in essays or class presentations.

Global warming talks
March 5, 2001

BP Company Homepage: A leading provider of energy and petrochemicals
Chevron Corporation Home Page: a worldwide petroleum and chemical company
Conoco Inc.
Shell The Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies
Explore and Discover - Texaco

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