TeslaTown

Functionality & Mechanism

This interactive educational tool, developed by the Office for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (MSTE) and the Information Trust Institute (ITI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, visualizes electricity generation and delivery. The platform allows users to explore a virtual town, tapping on structures like hydroelectric plants and wind farms to learn how they function. Through interactive illustrations and integrated informational photographs, the app demonstrates core concepts of electromagnetism and the mechanics of various power sources.

Development & Context

• The app was created to address a lack of public knowledge about electricity sources and to encourage student interest in science and technology careers.
• Its development was part of a larger initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security to support a secure smart grid.
• The news coverage highlights that shortly after its launch, the app was downloaded over 2,000 times and was featured by the National Science Teachers Association.

Intended Use & Scope

TeslaTown is designed as an introductory resource for upper elementary and middle school students (grades 3-8) and for co-learning with parents. Its scope is focused on foundational learning, demonstrating the basics of the electricity grid to spark curiosity rather than providing in-depth technical instruction. The information presented is for educational support.