Science of Energy
Energy is the ability to do work and/or bring about a change. It exists in many forms, such as heat, light, chemical energy, and electrical energy. Thermodynamics is the study of energy.
Fundamentals of Efficiency
In this lesson on the laws of thermodynamics and fundamentals of efficiency, students will learn the basic principles governing energy transfer and conversion. The lesson will begin with an introduction to the three laws of thermodynamics, including the conservation of energy, the tendency of energy to move from high to low concentrations, and the impossibility of achieving absolute zero temperature.
Connected to Kirkoff’s Law
Students will learn about the basic principles of thermodynamics, including the first and second laws, and how they relate to electrical circuits. They will also learn about Kirchhoff’s laws, which describe the behavior of electric circuits, and how these laws are connected to the laws of thermodynamics.
Heat Engine
Heat engines are mechanical systems that convert thermal energy into mechanical work, operating based on the principles of the Laws of Thermodynamics. The first law, also known as the conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another.
Entropy
Entropy is a measure of the disorder of a system. Entropy also describes how much energy is not available to do work. The more disordered a system and higher the entropy, the less of a system’s energy is available to do work.
Teacher Resources
Various career awareness opportunities are made available to you and your school including:
- classroom presentations about NPPD careers or specific careers if a subject matter expert is available;
- attending your school's career fair;
- coordinating student tours of NPPD facilities; and
- making career materials available to you
Additional Resources
If you would like more information on any of the opportunities we have to offer, contact Careers Outreach Specialist Kim Liebig.
Career Interest Assessment
With fun, interactive tools and informational resources, Nebraska Career Connections will help you learn about the careers you may be interested in, plan for education, and prepare for career success. Build a career around your unique interests and skills.
5–6th Graders: Explore the six career fields to discover the world of work.
7–8th Graders: Learn about the 16 Career Clusters, start a Personal Learning Plan, and find out your options after high school.
9–12th Graders: Research your career pathway options more in depth and start making college, financial aid, and scholarship decisions.
Postsecondary Students: Make sure you are on track with your plans. And don't forget to create a resume, practice interviewing skills, and look for job opportunities in Nebraska.
To log on to Nebraska Career Connections to take the Assessment you will need to contact your school counselor for a batch code.
Math
Agriculture
Advanced Manufacturing
Innovation / Entrepreneurship
Science
Science
Robotics
Public Power
Human Performance
Generation Strategies & Management
Environmental
Engineering
Domestic Energy & Research
Nuclear
Public Power
Sustainable Energy
Transmission & Distribution
System Controls
Engineering