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State energy pathway · North Dakota

Start with the energy systems shaping North Dakota.

North Dakota produces energy from coal, oil, and wind at a scale that supplies not just the state but also sends electricity to neighboring states and Canada. That scale gives North Dakota students a state-level example of what it means to manage multiple resource types in one interconnected system.

Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.

See why energy matters hereJump to the matched course

Why Energy Matters in North Dakota

Coal, Oil, and Wind in One State

Coal fires 54% of North Dakota's electricity, making it the state's largest generation source. Wind produces 35% of the state's electricity and ranks #6 nationally. Together with oil, gas, and a smaller share of hydro, North Dakota's multi-source generation mix means students can model how those resources interact and compete for grid priority.

Power Lines and Export

Nearly one-third of North Dakota's electricity generation goes to other states and Canada, creating real grid-reliability questions. High-voltage transmission lines connect ND to neighboring states and the Canadian border, requiring continuous planning and investment to move power reliably. Students can explore how a producing state manages the infrastructure choices that let it serve both local and regional demand.

In the Microgrid project, students can design and test different energy mixes to see how North Dakota balances coal and wind in its power system—and then use what they learn to explain real grid decisions.

Energy data is from the EIA State Energy Data System, EIA State Electricity Profiles, NCSL State Energy Legislation Database, and state economic development offices.

Start here for North Dakota

The Microgrid: Optimization & Resilience

North Dakota holds the world's largest deposit of lignite and ranks #6 nationally in coal production, yet also generates 35% of its electricity from wind and exports one-third of its power to other states. That mix of fossil and renewable sources competing in the same grid—and the export-dependent infrastructure—makes it an ideal place where students can model how different energy sources can share the same power system.

Mission spotlight

Scenario Building

Students can design and test different grid scenarios where coal, wind, oil, and other sources compete for the same electricity demand, using simulation to see which mix works best for North Dakota's specific geography, generation costs, and export commitments.

Included in LEA curriculum

Pilot proof

Students enjoy the work because it feels real.

In January 2026, 39 fourth-grade students in Indianapolis completed every lesson from start to finish — coding real pocket computers (microcontrollers), collecting live energy readings, and presenting findings to an audience.

4.6/5

Student enjoyment

72% of students gave it a 5-star rating

100%

Reported learning something new

Every student who took the survey said they learned something new

39

Students completed the entire course

Every student finished all five lessons, coded a pocket computer (microcontroller), and presented findings

Available to book today

Book the support that fits North Dakota.

Whether you want to get LEA into the hands of students this semester, plan for a pilot next year, or just learn more about the state-specific approach, you can book a session with our team to get the support you need.

School or district consultation

Review the state-specific entry point, pilot scope, and what implementation would look like for your classrooms.

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Founder-led instruction session

Bring Dr. Naeem Turner-Bandele in to teach a project and show what high-quality facilitation looks like with students.

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Family or community guidance

Get help choosing the right starting point for home learning, after-school use, or a community organization rollout.

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Utility or business partnership call

Discuss local workforce relevance, territory fit, and how we can collaborate to support energy education in your community.

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Find your path

Choose your next step based on how you want to use LEA in North Dakota.

Select your path below to see the approach designed for how you will use LEA in North Dakota — whether you run a classroom, lead a school, or support a student at home.

Find the right starting point

Schools

Curriculum and professional development for your district

Teachers

Lesson plans and resources for your classroom

Parents

Learn alongside your child with guided family activities

Community

Hands-on energy programs for clubs and community groups

Utilities

STEM outreach and workforce pipeline programs

Businesses

Partner with Latimer Energy Academy to build the energy and technology workforce