Britton-Hecla fourth graders had an electric time a few weeks back thanks to the local electric co-op. Lake Region Electric Association visited Paula Hanson’s students for their ‘Co-ops in the Classroom’ program.
The program is designed to help children learn the importance of respecting electricity through hands-on lessons. According to Lake Region’s Laura London, “’Co-ops in the Classroom’ teaches students ways to conserve electricity, how to be safe around electricity, helps them recognize where electricity comes from and also introduces them to careers in the power industry, the cooperative business model and cooperative principles.”
Both London and Jennifer Gross from Lake Region’s power transmission partner East River Electric visited with the students and provided various demonstrations. One activity included a student-pedaled bicycle with a small generator attached to demonstrate manmade electricity and efficiency of different types of light bulbs. Another activity was with a Van de Graaff generator and a plastic stool to demonstrate the movement of electrons and static electricity.
The co-ops visit the fourth graders every year for Co-ops in the Classroom.
Amber Bowen is pictured with her family. Left to right, Colton,Amber, Elise, Josh and Brenden. The family moved to Britton in October where Amber works for the UFC remotely.
