What happens when you flip a light switch at home? Where does that instant burst of light come from? How does this everyday act connect to the broader world of energy generation, distribution and demand? Educators learned the answers to these questions and unraveled other mysteries about electricity at the 2023 Empower Energy Education Workshop.
Wiregrass Electric Cooperative (WEC) partners with PowerSouth Energy Cooperative and other sister cooperatives in Alabama and Florida to organize this two-day workshop. Its goal is exchanging ideas and equipping teachers with innovative ways to teach students about power.
“It’s about empowering teachers with the tools to ignite the curiosity of the next generation,” says Jennifer Ward, WEC’s communications and public relations manager. “Energy is everywhere. You can learn about the concept in a textbook, but this conference provides unique ways to bring those lessons to life in the classroom.”
The Empower conference also illuminated the scope of the electric utility sector and introduced educators to an array of career opportunities within this vital industry. From engineers and technicians to customer service representatives and environmental specialists, the utility sector has many paths for the future workforce.
Educators returned from the conference enthused and armed with a Science of Energy kit, curriculum guides and access to online resources from the National Education Energy Development Project. Furthermore, they earned continuing education credits.
Wiregrass teachers, now supercharged with fresh insights and resources, stand ready to turn on the light in their students’ minds. WEC is proud to sponsor continual learning and empower these individuals to nurture the curiosities of future scientists, engineers and leaders in electrified classrooms across the Wiregrass region.
