PHOTO (Above): students learn about electricity in "The Story Behind the Switch" presentation

PHOTO (Above): Basin Electric's Emily McKay engages students with hands-on activities and lively discussion

Snowy, windy days didn’t stop The Story Behind the Switch being told in our elementary and middle schools during the week of January 28 th. Some 250 students from Fraser, Granby, Grand Lake, and West Grand schools were treated to this special presentation. Emily McKay of Basin Electric Power Cooperative travels from Bismarck, North Dakota with a 45-minute program about electricity for, explaining what electricity is, how it is made, how it gets to where it’s going, and how it affects our every day lives. The program is designed for 4 th-6 th grade levels.

Looking on in awe, volunteers from the student audience raised their hands in hopes of trying one of the demonstrations, especially the static electricity demo. Students learned about electrical safety when flying kites, climbing trees or operating farm equipment new power lines. This story will be told many times over as kids share what they’ve learned with family and friends.

North Park schools in Walden were closed on the day of Emily’s presentation due to the blowing snow conditions, but Emily and her traveling program will be coming again to our schools in the fall. If you would like to learn more about The Story Behind the Switch, click here.