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
Contact us to bring our mobile classroom to your program or school.
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.
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.
Holly Keifer, Senior Analyst, AES Clean Energy
Working in an industry that is growing as much as it is, we love to see kids getting interested in wind and other energy resources.
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.
