From the Viewpoint of Mr. Gates

First of all, Mrs. Bronson, I want you to know that the class project was approved by the school board. This assignment was in no way responsible for what happened. I do admit that we were experimenting with electricity and flammable gases, these were done in a very safe manner. We followed all the guidelines to the letter. I’m not stupid. The project was simple. We ran a small electric current through a tub of water splitting the molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The burners were used to distill the water. Tap water has chlorine and other contaminants that could affect the outcome of the project. Anyway, that’s getting off the subject. You want to know what happened.

I came in before class began so that I could make sure that each desk had everything they needed. I added water to the distillers. I placed a flameless igniter on each desk. They are safer than regular lighters. Nothing was plugged into any outlets. The electricity was supplied with solar panels. Again, safety. I gave everybody large test tubes to collect the gases. The students would not have to grab anything themselves. The less movement during the test the better.

All the students came into the classroom. They all grabbed all of the appropriate PPE, that’s personal protection equipment, and lit the burners to get the water boiling. I told you that we distilled the water, didn’t I. When the water was finished, just to let you know, I was demonstrating everything at my desk; they poured the water into a small tank, added the solar panels and started the project.

It was not a quick process. While the gases were collecting, I played a short video showing how this simple experiment can be used for clean energy. A hydrogen fuel cell generator uses, as the name suggests, uses hydrogen to create electricity. The hydrogen can be collected simply by running wires from a solar panel into a tank of water. Also, the exhaust from fuel cells is nothing but water. The cycle starts all over.

The way it works is this. Inside the tank of water there are 2 jars. Both jars are filled with water and have a piece of metal with a wire attached. As the water is electrified, hydrogen collects in one jar and oxygen in the other. As the gases collect the water is pushed out. Carefully, we sealed the jars for the next step. Oliver complained that the room was hot and asked if the windows could be opened. I didn’t mind.

The next step was to collect both gases into another container. If done correctly, when ignited you should see a quick blue flame, and the new container, which was dry at first, should be wet.

Now, I must say, I did not expect the loud noise it made. It wasn’t a bang, just a puff. But it was loud and sharp. There was no explosion. There was no fire. Everything was safe.

Shortly after that, the bell rang, and the kids left the room. When I left, Qwan, Johnny, Betty, Sandy, Mike, and Tommy were still here. I had gone to the bathroom. 5 cups of coffee would do that to you. While I was there, I heard the blast. It shook the walls. When I came back, the kids were gone, and the science room was destroyed.

I was not there. I didn’t see what happened. Class was over, so I was in my right to leave. It wasn’t my fault.