Cool Science / CRES – Interactive Microgrid, Fuel Cell/Battery, Solar Oven, etc.

Colorado Renewable Energy Society – Southestern Chapter returns to the Cool Science Carnival Day with a booth and activities! This is one of many booths with activities primarily for grades K-8, but microgrids and fuel cells may interest adults as well!

The event and parking are free. No need to register.

Booth Location:
Our booth will be located in front of the UCCS Library, near the Mountain Lion Statue.

Activities & Demonstrations at the SECRES Booth:
We are planning several interactive STEM exhibits that showcase sustainable energy technologies and their real-world applications:

1. Microgrid Prototype
A small-scale working model of a microgrid, to demonstrate how multiple energy sources (solar, battery storage, and hydrogen fuel cells) can work together to power a mini “community.”

Educational Focus:

• How distributed energy systems work
• Importance of grid resilience and energy independence
• Real-world applications in remote or disaster-prone areas

2. Fuel Cell & Battery Integration Demo
This setup will show how hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity and how energy can be stored in batteries for later use.

Educational Focus:

• Zero-emission energy generation
• The role of hydrogen in future energy systems
• Storage and load-balancing challenges in renewable energy

3. Solar-Powered Car Demonstration
A functioning mini solar car will be available for kids and adults to see in action. Attendees can learn about how solar panels generate electricity to power small motors.

Educational Focus:

• Basics of photovoltaic technology
• Solar energy as a clean transportation fuel
• Hands-on fun for kids, with simple science explanations

4. Solar Oven Display
We will have a solar oven set up to show how sunlight can be harnessed for cooking. Depending on the weather, we may even do a live demo with simple items (like melting chocolate or warming snacks).

Educational Focus:

• Solar heating
• Energy conservation in daily life

These activities are designed to be engaging for all ages while sparking curiosity about clean energy and sustainability.

Draws to the Booth:

• Interactive, hands-on STEM activities
• Real-world applications of green energy technology
• Friendly student and faculty volunteers
• Educational giveaways

We’re still looking for volunteers to help staff the CRES booth throughout the event. SECRES is also in need of additional volunteers to help with our fall programming. Email Derek Law ([email protected]) if you are interested.