Introduction to the Electric Grid – Designing an Electric Grid Hands-On – Student

Summary

This electric grid model activity is a hands-on STEM project that lets students demonstrate how electricity moves through generation, transmission, substations, transformers, and distribution. Students design a grid layout on poster paper, label required components, and use four yarn colors to represent voltage changes from power plants to buildings.

This project is the hands-on extension of the Intro to the Electric Grid lesson plan.

What students build

• 2 to 3 power plants connected to step-up transformers
• High-voltage transmission lines leading to regional substations
• Distribution transformers and medium-voltage lines
• Low-voltage lines delivering electricity to houses, schools, and commercial buildings

What teachers get

• Clear teacher guide and student handout
• Color key with voltage ranges for each yarn type
• Planning section for sketching and system design
• Reflection prompts on resilience, safety, and growth
• Assessment rubric for fast grading

How to use it

• Use as the culminating activity after the vocabulary and data set
• Run as individual, partner, or group project work
• Add a short gallery walk so students explain design choices