It was a science lesson like no other for fourth and fifth grade students at Birchwood. There was laughter, learning, and more than a few surprises as PSEG Long Island unveiled its brand new electrical safety teaching tool, the Live Lines Trailer, at the school on March 21st.
Live Lines is a 40-foot-long, 15,000 pound trailer sporting a three-quarter-scale model of the electric distribution system. It includes high voltage wires, poles and other familiar items that can be found around any home or neighborhood. And students can now see how dangerous electricity can be when things go wrong. The teaching crew of real PSEG Long Island lineworkers set up certain scenarios, including a live wire down on a vehicle and metal fence, an aluminum pool skimmer coming into contact with an overhead wire, and a squirrel (stuffed toy used for demo) on the electric line shorting out the circuit. The students gasped in fascination as those demonstrations resulted in sparks, flames, and electric arcs. And there were more than a few jumps when the kids were surprised by the loud pop of a transformer blowing out.
The lineworkers also demonstrate the lifesaving importance of the personal protective equipment utility workers wear. A thick rubber safety glove with even a small hole in it was no match for a live wire, and a hot dog that stood in for a human finger eventually went up in flames when it came in contact with a metal toy pedal car that was electrified by a fallen wire.
While the lessons are very serious, the personable lineworkers made the learning fun, and had the students laughing, squealing, and asking lots of questions.
PSEG LI also brought a bucket truck for our dual language fifth grade classes Safety Sleuth event to learn about the equipment lineworkers use to keep the power on. Thanks to PSEG LI for helping to make learning science even more fun and to everyone at Birchwood for making this special unveiling a real crowd pleaser!
Newsday TV - "Elementary school students learn electrical safety"
HuntingtonNOW- "PSEG-LI Workers Show Students the Hazards of Electricity"
Patch - "PSEG Unveils New Live Lines Trailer Trailer At South Huntington School"
PSEG lineworker Pete had the students asking lots of questions.
PSEG LI lineworker shows Birchwood students what happens when a damaged safety glove comes in contact with a live wire.