K-12 Education and Community Outreach
A practical approach to teaching clean energy to a broad audience. Contact us to inspire the next generation to meaningfully engage with clean energy.
Mobile Classroom
Our hands-on science modules are appropriate for K-12 students and are available at no cost to schools.
All of our Clean Energy Labs feature:
- Curriculum-relevant, age-appropriate and customizable engineering material that covers topics in STEAM
- Hands-on experiences that inspire students
- Expert content provided by CSU researchers at the forefront of hydrogen, wind, solar, and more
We are now scheduling requests for spring 2026, and we would be thrilled to visit your school. Our schedule is expected to fill up, so signing up early is recommended. Let’s work together to find the best date to visit you and your students!
The mobile classroom is powered by the Platte River Power Authority and Efficiency Works.
KidWind
We are home to Colorado’s KidWind Challenge. Students 4th – 12th grade build a wind turbine, present their design to a panel of judges, and test their design in a wind tunnel.
This event is part of the Wind For Schools program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, in collaboration with the KidWind Project and the National Energy Education Development Project. This nationwide project involves installing active wind turbines at local schools, allowing for a hands-on educational curriculum around wind energy.
Questions? Please contact: [email protected]
Register for 2026 KidWind
High School Teams
High School Teams
Date: January 28, 2026
Location: CSU Spur Campus, 4777 National Western Dr, Denver
Registration Deadline: January 21, 2026
Elementary and Middle School Teams
Elementary and Middle School teams can choose between two locations and dates: SPUR Campus and the Powerhouse Energy Campus.
Powerhouse Energy Campus
Date: March 11, 2026
Location: Powerhouse Energy Campus, 430 N College Ave., Fort Collins
Registration Deadline: January 30, 2026
SPUR Campus
Date: March 13, 2026
Location: CSU Spur Campus, 4777 National Western Dr, Denver
Registration Deadline: January 30, 2026
Alexis, Student Participant
When I am able to do hands-on activities, it helps me to learn a lot better than just being told.
Madison, Student Participant
I've learned a lot of things - how my turbine will act and how to present to the judges.
Maury Dobbie, KidWind Volunteer
If we teach them where they can go in the future, they will.
Energy Week
Every Summer in July, the Energy Institute and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County collaborate for an Energy Week. The multi-day event includes activities and lab demonstrations around the Powerhouse Energy Campus.
Field Trips
The Energy Institute is pleased to host free tours of the Powerhouse Energy Campus for student groups, CSU students, and visitors from other universities. Tour groups will get an up-close look at the innovative and exciting research taking place at the Powerhouse.
In addition to a tour, we particularly encourage middle and high school groups to ask about opportunities for full-day and half-day programming. If you are interested in clean energy or engineering educational programming, please contact Mike Estergard.
Our Outreach and Education Program is Supported By:
