Electrical Power Grid System
Manufacturing Engineering
Lesson Plan
Performance Objective
After completing this lesson, the students will be able to discuss operations of an electrical power grid system
operations, to the teacher’s satisfaction.
Specific Objectives
 Explain the theory of operation of an electrical power grid system
 Research and discuss terms used in a typical electrical power grid system
 Discuss an electrical power grid system operational layout
Terms
 Alternating Current (AC)- electrical current that changes direction and strength;
primarily used by power companies for distribution to residential areas
 Electrical generator- the power plant that creates three phase AC power for the electrical
power grid; it can be driven by a diesel engine, or a steam turbine powered by coal,
natural gas, oil, or a nuclear reactor
 Transmission substation- used to convert voltage from the power plant to high electrical
voltage (200,000 volts and higher) for long distance transportation along the power grid
 Transmission grid- electrical power from the substation is transported along the grid
through heavy cables on large steel towers, up to 300 miles at a time
 Distribution grid- electrical power lines used to transport and reduce voltage levels to be
used by customers in residential or business locations; at this point the grid uses
transformers to reduce the voltage levels to less than 10,000 volts
 Transformer drum- a cylindrical shaped device usually attached to a large pole near the
residence or building; this device steps down the voltage from the distribution grid to
approximately 240 volts AC for the consumer
 Electrical meter- a measuring device or gauge used to determine the amount of electricity used in a
residence or building; electrical energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
 Circuit breaker- a switch (used as a safety device) installed within an electrical circuit;
designed to stop the flow of electric current through a circuit if the current reaches
excessive levels (i.e. short circuit), preventing fires and electrical shocks
Time
This lesson should take approximately 180 minutes.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1
Manufacturing Engineering
 130.329 (c)
o (5) The student performs functions and solves problems in the electricity and electronics field.
The student is expected to:
(A) develop solutions to use control devices; and
(B) troubleshoot control devices.
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I
 110.31 (b)
o (1) Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it
when reading and writing.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/)
Job Title: Electrician
O*Net Number: 47-2111.00
Reported Job Titles: Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Inside Wireman, Control
Electrician, Electrician Technician, Industrial Electrician, Journeyman Wireman
Tasks
 Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
 Repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
 Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing
devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
 Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and
local codes.
 Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to
locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
Soft Skills
 Troubleshooting
 Repairing
 Active listening
 Critical Thinking
 Operation Monitoring
 Active learning
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
Preparation
 Review and become familiar with the terminology, website links, and the slide presentation.
 Prepare materials, slide presentation, and websites prior to the start of the lesson.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
2
References
 http://websters.yourdictionary.com
 http://www.thefreedictionary.com
Instructional Aids
 Electrical Power Grid System slide presentation and notes
 Warm-up Activity (Slide 3)
 Electrical Power Grid System Matching Terms and Definitions handout for each student
 Electrical Power Grid System Matching Terms and Definitions Answer Key
 Electrical Power Grid System Quiz for each student
 Electrical Power Grid System Quiz Answer Key
Introduction
The main purpose of this lesson is to help students understand the operational principles of an electrical
power grid system.

Ask
o Have you ever thought about how important electrical power is to your daily life?

Say
o As we go about our daily activities, most of us use our electrical devices and equipment and never
think about the complex processes required to create electrical energy.
o We will discuss the operational principles of an electrical power grid system used to supply power to
many modern homes.
Show
o Videos or photos of a variety of power plants (coal, gas, hydroelectric, and nuclear).

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
3
Outline
MI
OUTLINE
I.
II.
Introduction of lesson
A. Bell Work Activity
B. Warm-up Activity
Electrical power grid system operation
A. Overview
B. Theory of operation of an
electrical power grid
III.
Electrical power grid system
A. Terms
B. System layout
IV.
Electrical Power Grid System Quiz
A. Distribute quiz
B. Grade using answer key
NOTES TO TEACHER
Begin Electrical Power Grid
System slide presentation.
Have students work on the
Bell Work Activity.
(Slide 2)
Warm-up Activity
Using the Electrical Power
Grid System Matching
Terms and Definitions
handout, students (in pairs)
will teach each other the
terms and definitions. They
may do computer-based
research to look up the
meanings.
(Slide 3)
Review, discuss, and
overview Electrical Power
Grid System Operation slide
presentation.
(Slides 4-8)
Each slide is meant to be
discussed. Have some
background knowledge, and
challenge the students to
make some contributions to
the discussion.
Administer quiz and grade
using answer key.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
4
Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
The teacher and students search the Internet to find different informational sources to gain more insight into
 Unique ways electrical power grid systems are created and used around the globe
 Companies using cutting edge technology to create new electrical power grid systems
Independent Practice
 Have students write a 50-word essay on various electrical power grid systems (nuclear, coal, gas, wind,
etc.).
 Have students research the impact of new environmental regulations on the electrical power industry
online.
Summary
Review
Students review the terms from the Warm-up Activity and key points from the Electrical Power Grid System
slide presentation.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Teacher will assess students with questions and answers. Students will discuss definitions of terms and key
points from the Electrical Power Grid System slide presentation.
Formal Assessment
Teacher will administer the Electrical Power Grid System Quiz.
Enrichment
Extension
Students will research leading electrical power companies in the United States on the Internet and write a
paper about the information.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
5
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Electrical Power Grid System
Matching Terms and Definitions
Directions
Match the terms in Section One with the definitions in Section Two.
Section One
A. Alternating Current (AC)
B. Electrical generator
C. Transmission substation
D. Transmission grid
E. Distribution grid
F. Transformer drum
G. Electrical meter
H. Circuit breaker
Section Two
1. ______ a cylindrical shaped device usually attached to a large pole near the residence or building;
this device steps down the voltage from the distribution grid to approximately 240 volts AC for the
consumer
2. ______used to convert voltage from the power plant to high electrical voltage (200,000 volts and
higher) for long distance transportation along the power grid
3. ______the power plant that creates three phase AC power for the electrical power grid; it can be
driven by a diesel engine, or a steam turbine powered by coal, natural gas, oil, or a nuclear reactor
4. ______electrical power from the substation is transported along the grid through heavy cables on
large steel towers, up to 300 miles at a time
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
6
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class___________
5. ______electrical current that changes direction and strength; primarily used by power companies
for distribution to residential areas
6. ______a switch (used as a safety device), installed within an electrical circuit; designed to stop the
flow of electric current through a circuit if the current reaches excessive levels (i.e. short circuit),
preventing fires and electrical shocks
7. ______electrical power lines used to transport and reduce voltage levels to be used by customers
in residential or business locations; at this point the grid uses transformers to reduce the voltage
levels to less than 10,000 volts
8. ______a measuring device or gauge used to determine the amount of electricity used in a
residence or building; electrical energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
7
Electrical Power Grid System
Matching Terms and Definitions
Answer Key
1. F. Transformer drum- a cylindrical shaped device usually attached to a large pole near the
residence or building; this device steps down the voltage from the distribution grid to
approximately 240 volts AC for the consumer
2. C. Transmission substation- used to convert voltage from the power plant to high electrical voltage
(200,000 volts and higher) for long distance transportation along the power grid
3. B. Electrical generator- the power plant that creates three phase AC power for the electrical power
grid; it can be driven by a diesel engine, or a steam turbine powered by coal, natural gas, oil, or a
nuclear reactor
4. D. Transmission grid- electrical power from the substation is transported along the grid through
heavy cables on large steel towers, up to 300 miles at a time
5. A. Alternating Current (AC)- electrical current that changes direction and strength; primarily used
by power companies for distribution to residential areas
6. H. Circuit breaker- a switch (used as a safety device), installed within an electrical circuit; designed
to stop the flow of electric current through a circuit if the current reaches excessive levels (i.e.
short circuit), preventing fires and electrical shocks
7. E. Distribution grid- electrical power lines used to transport and reduce voltage levels to be used by
customers in residential or business locations; at this point the grid uses transformers to reduce the
voltage levels to less than 10,000 volts
8. G. Electrical meter- a measuring device or gauge used to determine the amount of electricity used
in a residence or building; electrical energy is usually measured in kilowatt hours
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
8
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Electrical Power Grid System
Quiz
1. The electrical power grid distribution system is the ____________ to energy sources for our entire
country.
2. A transmission substation increases the voltage for ______________________ along the power grid.
3. The ____________________ steps down the voltage from the distribution grid to approximately 240
volts AC for the consumer.
4. Electricity for the consumer is measured in _______________ by an electrical meter attached to a
residence or building.
5. A safety device, installed within an electrical circuit and designed to stop the flow of electricity through
a circuit if the current reaches excessive levels is called ____________________.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
9
Electrical Power Grid System
Quiz Answer Key
1. The electrical power grid distribution system is the ____________ to energy sources for our entire
country.
Answer- vital link
2. A transmission substation increases the voltage for ______________________ along the power grid.
Answer- long distance transportation
3. The ____________________ steps down the voltage from the distribution grid to approximately 240
volts AC for the consumer.
Answer- transformer drum
4. Electricity for the consumer is measured in _______________ by an electrical meter attached to a
residence or building.
Answer- kilowatt hours
5. A safety device, installed within an electrical circuit and designed to stop the flow of electricity through
a circuit if the current reaches excessive levels is called ____________________.
Answer- a circuit breaker
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
10