On Wednesday, April 26, the Seneca East 7th and 8th-grade science students celebrated Energy Day. The afternoon activities included energy activities and demonstrations by North Central Electric Cooperative. These activities correlate with the E3 Smart program sponsored by NCE and taught in Mrs. Ellen Lynch’s 7th-grade science classroom.
NCE Lineman Andy Ruffing, and Safety and Compliance Coordinator, Mike Stahl captivated their audience with a shocking presentation about power line safety. The high voltage line demonstration stressed the importance of staying away from fallen power lines, calling the OOPS line before digging near power lines in your yard, and checking any generator hookups so that there is no feedback into the NCE power lines. Some of the electric power that is used in our area is generated at the Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Ohio. This power is generated at 23,000 to 25,000 volts. Transformers outside the plant step up the voltage up to 138,000 volts and 345,000 volts so that it can be transmitted efficiently to NCE members at great distances. Now the electric power is available to be delivered to over 8,000 members in Crawford, Hancock, Huron, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, and Wyandot counties.
The linemen demonstrated the importance of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as rubber gloves and sleeves, helmets, safety glasses, hard-toe leather boots, fire-resistant clothing, and v-watch devices that signal when electrical energy is present at a job site. The Seneca East students saw what could happen when a person comes into contact with downed power lines due to storm damage, accidents, and fire on electric poles. Objects such as tree limbs, kites, and animals have the potential to interrupt the power service to their homes.
Students also participated in learning activities that reviewed the information taught through E3 Smart lessons at the games station. Students generated their own power at the Human Power station and finally completed activities using solar energy at the GEM, Green Energy Machine, and the solar balloons. The High School Science Club members facilitated the energy stations for the middle school students.
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