Chapter 12
The Drive for Grid Modernization
Goals
- Define blackouts and brownouts.
- Identify common causes of power outages.
- Describe physical and cyberattacks.
- List national organizations focused on preparing for cyber and physical energy infrastructure threats.
CTE Energy & Natural Resources Career Subcluster
Utilities
Activities
DarkSky Investigations
In this interactive activity, students explore the science of light pollution and its impact on ecosystems, human health, and astronomy.
60 min.
Free
Understanding Electric Power Generation
This lesson introduces students to the primary sources of energy used in the United States.
160 min.
Free
NEED Baseload Balance
Students explore the differences between baseload and peak demand power, and how power companies and grid operators maintain supply to ensure customers have power as they need it.
Varies
Power Grid Balance Sim
Students explore how decentralized energy sources can be managed through a power plant simulation. Acting as grid operators, they work to maintain grid stability.
45 min.
Free
Power Grid Flow Sim
Acting as system operators, students adjust generator outputs, manage substations, and respond to changing energy demands to prevent overloads and blackouts.
50-100 min.
Free
Power the Grid Game
Students manage a virtual power grid by operating power plants, allocating resources, and investing in upgrades to maintain a stable and efficient energy supply while responding to fluctuating demand and limited resources.
60-90 min.
Free
Current Affairs: Understanding the U.S. Electrical Grid
Students will be able to identify why electricity is essential in their lives, how electricity reaches communities across the U.S., and limitations of the current U.S. electrical grid.
90 min.
$
PBS Power Grid Lab
Students take on the role of energy system designers tasked with building a clean, cost-effective energy for a U.S. city, exploring the trade-offs between different energy sources.
90-150 min.
Free
Unit Plan: Electrify Everything!
This collection includes 5 90 min. activities: Understanding the U.S. Electrical Grid, Modernizing the Grid, Electrify Your Home, Electrify Your School, and Advocate to Electrify.
90 min.
Free
Goals
- Describe why the national grid needs to grow, evolve and modernize.
- Define grid congestion.
- Identify reasons why the nation needs more transmission lines.
CTE Energy & Natural Resources Career Subcluster
Clean & Alternative Energy
Conservation & Land Management
Environmental Protection
Utilities
Activities
DarkSky Investigations
In this interactive activity, students explore the science of light pollution and its impact on ecosystems, human health, and astronomy.
60 min.
Free
NEED Baseload Balance
Students explore the differences between baseload and peak demand power, and how power companies and grid operators maintain supply to ensure customers have power as they need it.
Varies
Power Grid Balance Sim
Students explore how decentralized energy sources can be managed through a power plant simulation. Acting as grid operators, they work to maintain grid stability.
45 min.
Free
Unit Plan: Electrify Everything!
This collection includes 5 90 min. activities: Understanding the U.S. Electrical Grid, Modernizing the Grid, Electrify Your Home, Electrify Your School, and Advocate to Electrify.
90 min.
Free
KidWind Battery Curriculum
Coming soon!
Varies
Free
Goals
- Differentiate between the “historic grid” and the “smart grid.”
- List a smart grid’s components and characteristics.
- Explain the benefits of smart meters.
- Describe SCADA systems and line sensors.
CTE Energy & Natural Resources Career Subcluster
Clean & Alternative Energy
Conservation & Land Management