What does a local school’s engineering and robotics division of students and its local energy provider have in common? In a recent collaboration with Northeast Academy’s Engineering and Robotics Division, Roanoke Electric Cooperative’s Vice President of member services, marketing, and public relations, Dennis McFee, helped students make that connection – literally.
While visiting the academy’s Lasker campus this week, McFee walked students through the generation and distribution processes of what it takes to get electricity to their homes. Students were separated into groups and tasked with designing and building their very own model power grid.
“This exercise allowed students to think critically about each step in the power generation process and decide how that process should look physically,” McFee explained.
Students who participated are part of the FIRST LEGO League – which introduces science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to children up to age 16, through fun hands-on learning. Led by head coach, Tony Usalis, students are inspired to experiment and grow their critical thinking, coding, and design skills through hands-on STEM learning and robotics.
“These are the future thinkers and innovators of our communities,” McFee noted. “Investing in their education and knowledge is critical to supporting them in our effort to create a brighter future.”
Northeast Academy’s Engineering and Robotics Division is scheduled for its next district competition on Dec. 10.
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About Roanoke Electric Cooperative:
Roanoke Electric Cooperative provides service to 14,500 members in Bertie, Hertford, Halifax, Northampton, Gates, Perquimans and Chowan counties. Chartered in 1938 to provide light and power to farms, the co-op today serves as an engine of economic development and provides educational, recreational and community assistance services to enhance the quality of life of its member-owners throughout the diverse communities it serves. Roanoke Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.