Community presentations
Presentations for students
We offer a variety of classroom presentations on water, energy and safety topics. Expand the sections below to view descriptions of each presentation and request a presentation.
Raptor adaptations & protections (1st-4th grade)
Students explore raptors’ unique adaptations and senses using taxidermy birds of prey. The program highlights our efforts to protect raptors on power lines and offers students the chance to touch a raptor’s wings and talons.
Academic standards
The program aligns with Life Science academic standards for grades 1-4.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. A 6-foot table is required for the bird display. The Raptor Protection Program has limited availability and is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The science of safety (3rd-5th grade)
Students participate in hands-on experiments that demonstrate how safe use of electricity and natural gas affect daily life. Topics include forms and sources of energy, electrical circuits and injury prevention. The program also covers the origins of natural gas, the natural gas system and how it is used in homes today. Students learn the three S’s of natural gas safety—sight, smell and sound—and what actions to take if they detect natural gas.
Academic standards
The program aligns with Physical Science, Earth & Space Science, and Prevention & Risk Management academic standards for grades 3-5.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet and access to a projector to present slides.
Water wonders (2nd-3rd grade)
Students participate in active demonstrations to learn about water properties, freshwater on Earth, water cycle processes, cloud formation and water conservation. The program concludes with a discussion of how students can conserve and protect water.
Academic standards
The program aligns with Physical Science and Earth & Space Science academic standards for grades 2-3.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet.
Water watchers (4th-5th grade)
Students review the distribution of water on Earth, play the “Incredible Journey” water cycle dice game, and explore human impacts on water quality through the “Stormwater Soup” activity. The program includes a visual overview of how Colorado Springs Utilities transports water from the Rocky Mountains.
Academic standards
The program aligns with Earth & Space Science academic standards for grades 4-5.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet and access to a projector to present slides.
Water wise (6th-8th grade)
Students learn about the water cycle, the local water supply system, water and wastewater treatment processes, and water conservation. The program includes an interactive water system challenge and videos of the treatment processes, including live microbes.
Academic standards
The program aligns with Earth & Space Science academic standards for grades 6-8.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet and access to a projector to present slides.
Energy Smart (6th-8th grade)
Students learn how Colorado Springs Utilities generates electricity and how energy is used. Students measure the energy demand of common household items using watt meters and complete an “Energy Planner for a Day” activity to explore the environmental, economic and logistical challenges of energy delivery. The program concludes with a discussion of how students can contribute to a sustainable energy future.
Academic standards
The program aligns with Physical Science and Earth & Space Science academic standards for grades 6-8.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet and access to a projector to present slides.
Energy system overview (9th-12th grade)
Students learn about Colorado Springs Utilities’ electric and natural gas systems. Topics include sources of energy, electricity generation and distribution, and uses of natural gas. The program concludes with a discussion of how Colorado Springs Utilities balances reliability, cost and environmental stewardship in planning for future energy needs.
Academic standards
The program supports classes studying environmental science or engineering.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet and access to a projector to present slides.
Water system overview (9th-12th grade)
Students conduct water quality testing and learn about the local water supply system, water and wastewater treatment processes, and water conservation. The program concludes with a discussion on Colorado Springs Utilities’ long-term planning to ensure a reliable water supply for a growing community.
Academic standards
The program supports classes studying biology, chemistry or environmental science.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet and access to a projector to present slides.
Fire and flooding (9th-12th grade)
Students learn about the local water supply system and the effects of catastrophic wildfire on watershed health. Students complete a lab to explore why flooding occurs after wildfires and conduct water quality testing.
Academic standards
The program supports classes studying geology, earth science or environmental science.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-30 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet and access to a projector to present slides.
Water law (9th-12th grade)
Students learn about the history and use of water rights in Colorado, evaluate water rights scenarios and play a trading game to explore the challenges of providing water to all users.
The program concludes with a discussion on Colorado Springs Utilities’ long-term planning to ensure a reliable water supply for a growing community.
Academic standards
The program supports classes studying social science, environmental science or math.
Presentation information
The 50-minute presentation accommodates groups of 15-45 students. Multiple presentation sessions are available. Please provide our presenter with a table near an electrical outlet and access to a projector to present slides.
Presentations for adults
Whether it’s a large event like Labor Day Liftoff or a presentation to a smaller group, we’re happy to share information about current initiatives, energy and water use, safety, the environment and more.
Expand the sections below to find more information about our community presentations and event booths.
Community presentations
Invite us to present at your next meeting or event. Our staff provides enlightening information about utilities, energy and water use, safety and the environment.
To request a presentation, we require a minimum group size of 10 individuals.
Energy system today and tomorrow
We share information about our community’s energy production methods, our vision for the future and how we’re planning to address our future energy needs.
Water system and future supply
Discover how we acquire, treat, and deliver water from 100 miles away to homes businesses in Colorado Springs. We’ll also share our plans for a sustainable future.
Efficiency for your home
Visit us at our Conservation & Environmental Center. Our experts will share energy and water-saving tips for your home. The session includes touring our interactive displays highlighting conservation inside and outside the home.
Other
Request a custom presentation for your group.
Event booths
Our interactive information booths are perfect for larger community events, school family nights, or education/safety fairs with at least 100 people expected to attend.
Explore the topics below and choose the right booth for your event.
Energy and water interactive information booth
Learn about our water, electric, wastewater and natural gas systems through our interactive YOUtility trivia challenge game, informational displays, hands-on learning and opportunities to chat with our experts about safety, efficiency and rebates for your home or business.
Electric and natural gas safety
Witness a live electric demonstration that shows the importance of safety around electricity. Play our interactive safety games and learn how to be safe around natural gas.
Raptor protection
Students and adults can interact with our raptor display, which features taxidermy birds of prey and shows our commitment to raptor protection efforts on power lines. This engaging demonstration provides the opportunity to touch raptors’ feet, talons and wings.