Submitted photo Area teachers get a lesson in energy concepts and the electrical grid from Michael Arquin, KidWind Project Founder and inventor of the Power Grid Kit. New Ulm Public Utilities has purchased a Power Grid Kit, which can be borrowed for classroom use throughout the school year.

NEW ULM — New Ulm Public Utilities (NUPU) recently held a hands-on workshop for area teachers revolving around renewable energy concepts and the electric grid.

This year, NUPU purchased the Power Grid Kit, a modular platform for K-12 students to explore how the electrical grid functions. In addition to demonstrating traditional power generation resources, the Power Grid Kit also allows students to explore the impact of solar and wind power (renewables) along with electric vehicle charging, smart grid technology and energy efficiency.

Twelve teachers from the New Ulm area had the opportunity to learn from Michael Arquin, KidWind Project founder and inventor of the Power Grid Kit.

Area teachers primarily explored the Power Grid Kit platform along with discussion on electrical generation and all the political, social, economic, and environmental impacts and opportunities. 

Area teachers were also instructed on ways to break up the Power Grid Kit into multiple systems for larger class sizes and conducted experiments with the kit, including making their own wind turbine.

With the purchase of the Power Grid Kit, teachers can borrow the kit free of charge through the NUPU for classroom use throughout the school year.