On Wednesday, June 4, approximately 60 students attended Electricity School, a free event sponsored by Adams Electric Cooperative, Ameren, University of Illinois Extension, and JWCC Workforce Development Center. This year, the school was held at John Wood Community College Workforce Development Center. Students, ages 8-18 participated in an energy usage game, watched a Power Town safety demonstration, and attended workshops based on experience levels.
First and second year students built soda can solar cars. This class was taught in two groups, one by Ameren and one by Adams Electric. (Next year, extension cords will become our second year class and soda can solar cars will remain the project for first year students.) Third year students, in the circuits and switches class, were taught the basics of house wiring.
Fourth and fifth year students participated in a new Electrical Careers class. Students learned about the career of a lineman from AEC Line Foreman Brennan Caspermeyer. JWCC instructor Dave Hetzler discussed the career of an electrician and the opportunities provided through JWCC. Last, AEC Manager of Engineering and Operations, Alex Mossman, covered an electrical engineering career and demonstrated the Co-op’s drone used to troubleshoot outages. The topic for this class will alternate to provide additional learning opportunities.
“Electricity School is a unique opportunity for area students to learn about electricity. Although many of our students are 4-Hers, that’s not a requirement. Kids come from all over to attend this free event,” said Laura Bergman, Manager of Communications, from Adams Electric Cooperative.
Instructors were: Laura Bergman, Joyce Bockhold, Brennan Caspermeyer, Kristi Kirlin, Brad Koenig, Alex Mossman, Brinkley Mueller, Tara Neisen, Mike Ohnemus, Adam Uppinghouse, Chad Reische, Brad Smith, Bill Stalder, and Katina Sunde of Adams Electric Cooperative; Siera Duesterhaus, Shelby Crow, Kristin Huls, Jennifer Shelts, Justin Shelts, and Emma Whitaker of University of Illinois Extension; Chris Brassfield, Lauren Mehaffy, and Greg McMillan of Ameren; Dave Hetzler and Kelly Lewis of JWCC WDC; and volunteer Bill Jaynes. Thank you to Home Depot for donating supplies this year for the Circuits and Switches class!
For more information on Electricity School, contact Laura Bergman at (217) 509-7761 or visit Adams Electric’s website at: adamselectric.coop.