Free, editable Google Slides deck for Science of the Electric Grid: reading, computation, data set, and lab, ready to project.
Science of the Electric Grid – Switch On
Summary
A complete electric grid unit covering how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed, and how microgrids are expanding access in rural and disaster-prone regions. Students move through a video, vocabulary, readings, math, real EIA data analysis, and a Puerto Rico microgrid case study with research and debate options. Includes teacher guide, answer key, and flexible pathways for APES or high school Earth science.
Activities
Bell Ringer
Choose one of the Bell Ringers provided to display for students to answer.
Video
Play this short video on the electric grid to spark curiosity and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Vocabulary + Quiz
Have students review the vocabulary terms, watch the video, and answer the questions in the quiz (Kahoot).
Reading
Have students read the info sheet on the Science of the Electric Grid and answer the comprehension questions.
Extended Reading
Have students read the extended info sheet on the Science of the Electric Grid and answer the comprehension questions.
Computation
Calculate power output and energy production for a rural solar microgrid system.
Data Set
Analyze real electricity generation patterns across multiple energy sources, examining variability, dispatchable resources, and grid balancing.
Hands-On - Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide to walk students through the microgrids case study.
Hands-On - Student Guide
Use this handout with students to evaluate battery storage capacity, compare microgrid scale to traditional power plants, and assess tradeoffs in resilience and infrastructure design.
Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide that serves as a walkthrough with answers for the Science of the Electric Grid lesson.
Answer Key
This short document provides answers to key activities in the Science of the Electric Grid lesson.
Downloadables