Chapter 9
The Power Transmission System
Goals
- Identify and describe the main components of electric transmission systems.
- Discuss reasons why electric transmission systems operate at high voltages.
- Explain some differences between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) high-voltage transmission systems.
CTE Energy & Natural Resources Career Subcluster
Utilities
Activities
Understanding Electric Power Generation
This lesson introduces students to the primary sources of energy used in the United States.
160 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
- Identify and describe three major electric power transmission system components and their function.
- Define a transmission line right of way.
- Identify some system characteristics that influence transmission tower type and height.
CTE Energy & Natural Resources Career Subcluster
Conservation & Land Management
Utilities
Activities
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 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.
$
Unit Plan: Electrify Everything!
This collection of activities includes Current Affairs: Understanding the U.S. Electrical Grid, Modernizing the Grid, Electrify Your Home, Electrify Your School, and Advocate to Electrify takes 5 90 minute periods.
90 min.
Free
Goals
- Identify ways energy companies prepare for extreme weather events.
- Discuss why transmission infrastructure maintenance is critical to public and worker safety.
- Explain why expanding the transmission system is essential for adding more renewable energy generation to the utility grid.
CTE Energy & Natural Resources Career Subcluster
Utilities
Activities
Understanding Forms and Sources of Energy
Students will learn about the differences between forms and sources of energy in order to talk about and make informed energy choices.
160 min.
$$
Industry Engagement Activity
This activity connects local K-12 educators with industry professionals to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world career demands.
60-90 min.
Varies
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 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 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.
$
Unit Plan: Electrify Everything!
This collection of activities includes Current Affairs: Understanding the U.S. Electrical Grid, Modernizing the Grid, Electrify Your Home, Electrify Your School, and Advocate to Electrify takes 5 90 minute periods.
90 min.
Free
Educator Resources
- KidWind Power Grid Basics - Presentation
- KidWind Why Power Grid Education? - Presentation
- KidWind Spark Sessions: Grids & Clean Grids
- NREL Power Grid Basics
- How Do Electric Transmission Lines Work?
- Comparison Between HVAC and HVDC Transmission Systems
- Today I Learned: Transmission - Podcast
- What Is the Grid? - Video