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State energy pathway · South Dakota

Start with the energy systems shaping South Dakota.

South Dakota generates a higher share of its electricity from renewables than almost any other state, driven by wind and hydroelectric generation. That high renewable share gives South Dakota students an example of what a grid looks like when wind and hydroelectric power dominate the supply mix.

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 South Dakota

Wind and Hydro Leading

South Dakota's renewable energy base comes from two very different sources: wind power that goes up and down with the weather, and water power that can be turned on when needed. Managing both at the same time is a systems challenge because wind and hydro work differently in terms of timing, reliability, and how far power can travel. Students who understand how South Dakota balances that mix learn how high-renewable power systems still require careful design.

Transmission to Neighboring States

South Dakota's wind and hydroelectric power travels across state lines to reach where people use it—and deciding how that power flows between states is now a central part of the state's energy system. Students who model multi-source systems can compare how different combinations of power sources and different connection choices affect whether power reliably reaches where people need it.

Students can model how South Dakota's grid—powered 59% by wind and 21% by hydroelectric dams—behaves under different conditions. With 81% of the state's electricity coming from renewable sources in 2024 (the second-highest share nationally), students can investigate real constraints: maintaining reliability when water availability drops or wind patterns shift. By exploring these tradeoffs, students can develop explanations for how South Dakota's specific energy mix creates both opportunities and challenges.

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 South Dakota

The Microgrid: Optimization & Resilience

In 2024, South Dakota generated 81% of its electricity from renewable sources—wind (59%) and hydropower (21%)—the second-highest renewable share in the nation. This specific composition creates real learning scenarios: students can model how two variable sources interact, investigate transmission and regional coordination, and test grid stability under physical constraints. For students exploring how high-renewable grids actually work, South Dakota's system offers a concrete, proven case to study.

Mission spotlight

Scenario Building

Students can compare how wind and hydro work together in South Dakota's grid—examining how these two sources (59% wind, 21% hydropower) provided 80% of the state's electricity in 2024. Students can model how this mix maintains reliability despite the natural variability of both sources, testing different seasonal and weather conditions. Through these comparisons, students can develop explanations for how high-renewable grids balance generation and demand in practice.

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 South 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 South Dakota.

Select your path below to see the approach designed for how you will use LEA in South 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