COD training event looks at Smart Grid technology

More than 40 middle and high school educators from DuPage County recently participated in a Smart Grid for Schools training event at College of DuPage.

Presented through University of Illinois' Energy Learning Exchange program, the Smart Grid for Schools training event provides area educators the skills needed to teach middle and high school students about the new Smart Grid technology currently being implemented by area utility companies.

As part of the program, participants wired smart grid and smart home kits, mock electrical kits that simulate electrical grids and smart home energy grids systems.

Participants also learned how to incorporate the curriculum into their own lesson plans for a comprehensive unit of classroom study.

The event was organized by COD Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program coordinator Bob Clark, who said he was thrilled with the success of the event.

"This event is one more step toward our goal of being the professional development choice for this area's educators," he said.

A statewide exchange developed from a partnership of universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, companies, labor unions, and other public and private organizations and individuals, the Energy Learning Exchange aims to further Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education while preparing students for career pathways in energy and provide Illinois companies with a superior energy workforce.