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New free K-10 virtual electricity class now available

by | Aug 20, 2020 | Uncategorized

For immediate release:
12:00 p.m. – Thursday, August 13, 2020

K-10 teachers looking for electricity and renewable-energy based science curriculum can sign up for a free 45-60 minute virtual class from San Isabel Electric and power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.

Story Behind the Switch teaches kids about the different components of electricity. Students will explore:

  • Electrical safety
  • The path from the power plant to their home
  • Renewable energy
  • Electrical cooperative career paths

Each course is adjusted based on age group.

This program is completely free and requires no preparation. Teachers can enjoy a minute to relax as presentation speaker, Michelle Pastor, leads the lesson. Pastor is the Senior Education Program Advisor for Tri-State. She has been teaching this course for five years. Well informed and ready to keep students engaged, she will share her knowledge of electricity.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Pastor enjoyed traveling to schools located throughout Colorado to work directly with kids.  The in-person sessions included hands-on activities working with a Van de Graaff generator and plasma ball.  Although not as hands on, the virtual experience will capture attention and inspire children.

“My typical day includes time spent in local schools. That has changed with the new stay-at-home directive so to continue providing electricity education I have created an online version of Story Behind the Switch. My goal is to continue those a-ha moments and spark fascination with electricity remotely,” said Pastor.

Continuous learning and community engagement are two of the seven cooperative principles.  As two Colorado electric cooperatives, San Isabel Electric and Tri-State are eager to join forces to encourage both principles through the energy education course offered to students in their service territory areas.

Teachers can schedule Story Behind the Switch to be taught in their classroom today! To learn more, visit siea.com/storybehindtheswitch or call Youth Outreach Coordinator, Emma Vallejos at 719-647-5917.

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As a not-for-profit cooperative utility, San Isabel Electric provides affordable, reliable electricity with exceptional service to communities throughout southern Colorado. Serving nearly 20,000 member-owners and 24,000 meters, San Isabel Electric has been keeping the lights on since 1938. We don’t just serve communities. We are part of communities.