Kearney High School, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — Today, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, representatives from Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will visit Kearney High School to collaborate with 9th grade physical science students in a dynamic and interactive learning experience.
NPPD officials will spend the day working in the Scott D. Morris area of the school, guiding students through discussions on energy production, the Nebraska energy grid, and the real-world applications of energy flow systems.
This visit ties into an ongoing unit where Kearney High School’s 9th grade physical science students are investigating the flow of energy through Earth’s systems. Central to their learning is the question: How can we design more reliable systems to meet our communities’ energy needs?
The unit takes a deep dive into energy transfer, with a real-world case study focused on the Texas power crisis of February 2021. Students examine the social, environmental, and physical factors that contributed to the crisis, with an emphasis on how energy transfers from generators to communities and what factors make an energy source reliable.
As part of the learning process, students will model the energy crisis on multiple scales and conclude the unit with a design task. In this final project, they will propose reliable energy solutions for their local community, informed by interviews with family members and insights gained during NPPD’s visit.
“NPPD’s participation will provide students with firsthand knowledge about local energy production and the unique aspects of Nebraska’s energy grid,” said teacher Alison Klein. “We are thrilled to offer our students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, equipping them with the skills to make informed decisions about energy solutions and to become responsible consumers of science and technology.”
NPPD’s involvement is part of Kearney Public Schools’ ongoing efforts to provide students with engaging, real-world experiences that enrich their understanding of critical science topics.
