[Echoes of the Empire]
Local Schools “Switch” Things Up BY LINDA DEAVERS || MEMBER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE
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Basin Electric, located in Bismarck, North Dakota, is one of the primary energy providers in the Midwestern United States. Its service territory includes not only North and South Dakota, but Montana, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Minnesota and New Mexico as well. However, providing energy isn’t Basin Electric’s only commodity. Educating students about energy production and safety is also an important aspect of its service. Recently, Basin Electric’s presentation coordinator, Kimberly Kranz, visited the Cortez area bringing with her a wealth of information. “The Story Behind the Switch” is an informative presentation combining education about the generation of energy, electrical safety and the importance of energy efficiency and conservation. Through this program, over 12,000 students in the Basin Electric service territory are educated about electricity each year. Kranz recently revamped the presentation using modern technology. Flip charts and cue cards have been replaced with a 46-inch flat screen high-definition television and a PowerPoint show featuring two electric “super heroes.” The program, geared toward
Sixth-grade middle school student Alyssa laughs as her hair stands on end as static electricity is generated by the Van de Graaff generator. The device looks like a big aluminum ball mounted on a pedestal and the demonstration is a favorite with the schoolkids.
third- through sixth-grade students, is designed to be an interactive and exciting introduction to the world of electricity. Kranz explained that, there is true value in this program. “The students are engaged in the hands-on activities and enjoy the opportunity to ask questions,” she said. “You can see their wheels turning.” During Kranz’ visit she did presentations at several local schools. “I love
Kimberly Kranz, Basin Electric’s presentation coordinator, speaks to a group of fourth- and fifth-graders at Lewis-Arriola Elementary School.
teaching our young people this important message,” she said. “There is no resource more valuable than our youth and we need to reach out to them.” Kranz said that out of all the gadgets she uses throughout the demonstration, the Van de Graaff generator is always a favorite. With a hand placed on top of the ball and the student standing on a plastic stool, static electricity builds up and causes one’s hair to stand on end. Because of Basin Electric’s expansive service region, the presentation is only provided in the Four Corners area every two years. Kranz would prefer to visit more often but said, there are too many schools and too little time. The presentation is due to return to this area in 2015. Kranz passionately believes that this message is critical for young people to understand. She stressed again and again that electrical safety is paramount. “Many times in life you can make a mistake and get a second chance to fix it,” she said. “But with electricity, there aren’t many second chances. One mistake can cost you your life.” ColoradoCountryLife.coop November 2013 9