NYPA Press Release

New York Power Authority Hosts Midwinter STEM Events at the

John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone

UTICA—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will hold free midwinter STEM workshops at the John S. Dyson New York Energy Zone between Tuesday, Feb. 18, and Friday, Feb. 21. The workshops will run between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The STEM programming series begins on Tuesday, Feb. 18, with a workshop featuring STEM kits from Infento, which include modular parts to build scooters, bicycles, and tricycles. For the rest of the week, beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 19, the Power Authority’s robotics team will run workshops featuring a variety of drones and robots. Participants of those sessions will learn how NYPA uses robotics to aid in its operations, and will have the opportunity to test-pilot a drone. The midwinter STEM events are scheduled as follows:

• Tuesday: Infento
• Wednesday: Robots and Drones (grades 9 to 12)
• Thursday: Robots and Drones (grades 7 to 8)
• Friday: Robots and Drones (grades 5 to 6)

Workshop sizes are limited, and guests are encouraged to call the Energy Zone at 315-792-8720 to reserve a space.

Additionally, each day after the workshops end, participants of the morning programs will receive complimentary admission to the neighboring Utica Zoo.

Through NYPA’s extensive in-house drone program, it is researching and testing new applications to implement drone use in day-to-day utility operations while maintaining the highest standards of aviation professionalism and safety. Drones are operated at various NYPA sites throughout the state to monitor asset health, including the inspection of transmission lines, vegetation management and monitoring of overgrown trees, and spillway erosion mapping.

The NY Energy Zone is a fully immersive and hands-on science center designed for visitors of all ages, guiding guests on a powerful journey through the past, present, and future of electricity. Visits to the 15,000 square-foot facility kickoff with an eye-popping 3-D movie—directed by legendary filmmaker Douglas Trumbull—about Nikola Tesla and his contributions to modern electricity systems. The visitors center has more than 40 interactive displays and games that simulate flying a drone through transmission lines, operating a power plant, and building a tabletop microgrid. The Energy Zone is open every day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and admission is always free.

For more information about the New York Energy Zone, visit nypa.gov/nyenergyzone.

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About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.