Electricity is one of the most 
essential things society needs. Electricity goes through the electric grid, where it is generated, transmitted, and distributed to people who use it. Most of the time, there is enough power for everyone, but when many people buy things that consume large amounts of electricity, like electric vehicles, there can be problems! One way to fix this problem is to use distributed generation, which is installed in the distribution system, close to homes. They provide less power than power plants, but are smaller, cheaper, and use renewable resources like the sun and wind. In order to use them properly, however, they need to be in the correct location and be the correct size!
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design
challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
Distributed Generation TEK8 Instructor’s Guide
This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.
Alternative PowerPoint Presentation
The presentation can be used in conjunction or in place of the Design Challenge Video.