Hydropower at the National Western Stock Show
January 2026 | Back to Powerhouse Post
From January 13 – 17, our Education and Outreach team brought our hydroflume to the 2026 National Western Stock Show, allowing participants to see hydroelectric power in action.
The hydroflume is a custom-designed and built system made in collaboration with the Rapid Prototyping Lab. It includes key components of a hydroelectric power plant, such as a reservoir, the penstock (the ramp water runs down), and the turbine.
Using a variety of blocks, participants can alter the flow of water to the turbine. As the flow of water changes, the turbine spins faster or slower. Sensors calculate the power generated, and the results are displayed live on a tablet for participants to see.
Our Education and Outreach team, led by Mike Estergard, is comprised of current CSU students. In addition to attending community events, like the National Western Stock Show, the team also brings interactive STEM activities to K-12 students via the Mobile Classroom. Since 2023, the team has reached more than 13,500 K-12 students throughout Colorado.
Our Outreach and Education program is sponsored by:
