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Smart Power Grid
http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/nsn11.sci.engin.systems.smartgrid/

WGBH Educational Foundation NOVA scienceNOW, Teachers' Domain

This video segment, adapted from NOVA scienceNOW, addresses how new technology can help monitor and modernize the infrastructure of the U.S. power grid, which is ill-equipped to handle our increasing demand for electricity. Video provides a great overview of how electricity is generated and how the grid works.

Video length: 5:05 minutes.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Climate Literacy

This Video builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Energy Literacy

This Video builds on the following concepts of Energy Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • Video could be used in a discussion of how both non-renewable and renewable energy sources can feed into a "smart" grid.

About the Content

  • Video shows how new technology is creating a "smart" grid that allows utility companies to monitor power needs and respond quickly to distribute it more efficiently, prevent outages, or repair problems.
  • Comment from expert scientist: This is a very good resource to explain in general how a smart grid can work to Gr 6-12 students.

About the Pedagogy

  • Background essay, discussion questions, and a link to standards are included.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • Closed-captioned text available.
  • Picture quality somewhat degraded when on full screen.
Entered the Collection: October 2012 Last Reviewed: August 2016

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