Third graders use a simple circuit to test objects as conductors or insulators. Courtesy NPPD.
On the surface, it wouldn’t seem that public power and a classroom are a good fit. What could an electric utility teach students, anyway? But peering in over the edge, it becomes clear: energy education.
“Public power utilities can offer schools creative learning exercises that fits within STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) guidelines,” said Chelsea Gengenbach, Dawson PPD Communications Specialist. “Understanding how electricity works, how to be safe around it, and emerging technologies that generate and use electricity are all valuable topics for every classroom.”
Public power strives to educate all of its consumers, including youth, about electricity and related issues. Partnering with its wholesale provider, Nebraska Public Power District, Dawson PPD works with area schools to bring hands-on, STEM-related activities to any classroom at no cost to the school.
Energy education topics include:
- Environmental stewardship
- Electricity generation
- Forms of energy
- Conductors/Insulators/Circuits
- Electrical safety
- Careers in electric utilities
For more information, please call 308-324-2386.
August 2016