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.

Mike in front of brick wall
Mike Estergard, Education Outreach Coordinator

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.

A child works with a volunteer to set up their experiment
The mobile classroom in front of the Powerhouse Energy Campus
Two children complete a STEM activity with an intern's help.
Platter River Power Authority and Efficiency works; Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont, and Loveland

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.

A child holds their turbine in front of a group of judges.
A team stands behind their turbine holding their trophy
Student at KidWind event

Alexis, Student Participant

When I am able to do hands-on activities, it helps me to learn a lot better than just being told.

Student at KidWind Challenge

Madison, Student Participant

I've learned a lot of things - how my turbine will act and how to present to the judges.

Woman sitting in Powerhouse lobby

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.

Scientist in fountain with students watching fog

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.

Schedule your tour today!

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

A group of students watch a presentation at the Powerhouse.
A group of children stand on the roof of the Powerhouse on a tour.