Programs for Students

NREL's education programs promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using clean energy technologies to capture student interest.

Students and a teacher at a hands-on wind energy experiment.

Visit the general registration page to view all K–8 program dates and high school program offerings.

Stories and STEM With NREL

We invite children ages 4–8 to join an NREL staff member on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. as they read a story and provide a related activity. Sign up for a virtual Stories and STEM program (via Zoom), or we will travel up to 30 miles from NREL to deliver an in-person program.

Tours

We offer virtual tours for 4th–12th grade students and in-person tours for high school students.

Virtual Tours

Our virtual tours demonstrate how NREL exemplifies environmental sustainability throughout its operations and facilities. Students will leave with a better understanding of how NREL's world-class research is transforming the way we generate, consume, store, and distribute energy.

In-Person Tours

High school students can experience a more focused in-person tour of one or two facilities, along with an activity or presentation on a predetermined NREL research topic. Register for an in-person tour, offered on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Field Trips

We offer students in grades 4–8 an in-depth, 2-hour field trip with activities related to NREL research areas. Register for a grade 4–8 NREL field trip, offered every Tuesday and Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

We offer high school students an in-depth, 2-hour field trip with activities related to NREL solar research. Register for a high school NREL field trip, offered every Tuesday and Thursday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Virtual Experiments

For teachers and K–6 students who are unable to travel to NREL, we offer virtual 60-minute experiments related to an NREL research topic (solar, wind, or energy transformation). Register for a virtual experiment, offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Exploring STEM With NREL

Join NREL experts in a 1-hour exploration of renewable energy career, science, and engineering topics, either at your school or virtually. Experts will provide a short talk about their education story and what they do at NREL followed by a demonstration of their work. Programs are held on Wednesdays at 1 or 1:30 p.m.

Additional Resources

Find books, videos, and other energy education resources for students in grades K–8.

Contact

For more information about STEM programs, contact the NREL Education Center.