The Australian Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (H&FC) Education Program is a new initiative representing the first steps in the development of an accessible and simple H&FC technology education kit to complement Australian primary and secondary school teaching. The program aims to bolster the quality and relevance of teaching in emerging areas of science and technology using hydrogen, in its capacity as a versatile energy carrier, as the educational basis for teacher and student learning.

The program concept was developed by Luigi Bonadio & Associates in 2004, inspired by the content and quality of the Japan Hydrogen Fuel Cell Program and the US Department of Energy H&FC educational programs. The program's school cluster comprises a multi-disciplinary team of technical and educational experts from several universities, CSIRO and industry that have collaborated with nine trial schools.

Over the course of 2005 and 2006, 900 students (Year levels 4 to 10) and 44 teachers have broadened their understanding of H&FC technologies and the underlying scientific principles utilized in their development. Students have considered the diverse and emerging issues facing the fuels and energy industry and the critical role the scientific and engineering professions play in meeting societal needs of the future.

The program features a dedicated research and evaluation study, a professional and learning development course for teachers and an extensive range of school implementation programs in schools. Students and teachers communicated their work at the program's Awards Forum held in conjunction with key industry groups and government departments to further develop essential marketing skills in a professional setting.

The Program is one of the Australian School Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics (ASISTM) Projects funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training as a part of the Boosting Innovation in Science, Technology and Mathematics Teaching Programme. More information regarding the program can be sourced from www.lbaa.com.au/education.