view - Boise Environmental Education

2012-2013

Boise Environmental Education

D TOURS N A S N O S S E L D E BOISE WATERSH Located at the West Boise Wastewater Treatment Plant, the Boise WaterShed Environmental Education Center promotes water stewardship by teaching people of all ages how to protect and conserve our precious natural resources for future generations. Free lessons and tours correlated to Idaho State Content Standards are offered on-site and at your location. The LEED-certified building features a high-tech exhibit hall, library, theater and amazing artwork. Nearby, lessons at the Boise River, ponds and Hyatt Wetlands immerse students in our local water resources. Groups consisting of 10 or more people must make a reservation at least two weeks in advance.

TOURS _______________________________ EXHIBIT HALL TOUR

GRADES: PRE-K–12 / 30–60 MINUTES / BOISE WATERSHED Students will be introduced to the term “watershed” using the Boise River watershed wall map and explore touch-screen exhibits about water in the interactive exhibit hall to learn how to protect and conserve our precious resources. Scavenger hunts available upon request.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TOUR

GRADES: 4–12 / 60 OR 90 MINUTES / BOISE WATERSHED During this popular outdoor walking tour, students will see and smell the step-by-step process and learn how to help protect our water quality. Sustainable processes from the microorganisms to the methane and biosolids farm will be presented. Come see why we’re #1 in treating #2! Closed-toe shoes required. The 90-minute lesson also includes a short wastewater video, a trip through the Dewatering Building to view biosolids processing (M–Th only), or a trek to see where treated wastewater is released into the Boise River.

K-12 LESSONS _______________________________ DECOMPOSERS: NATURE’S ROTTEN RECYCLERS

GRADES: 4–6 / 60 OR 90 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will discover the different types of decomposers and their importance in the environment. Several experiments will help students understand what types of material decompose, factors that promote decomposition, and the role of decomposition in the food web. Additionally, students will find out how decomposition is a central role of wastewater treatment and what ultimately happens after they flush the toilet!

EXPLORE YOUR WATERSHED

GRADES: 3–6 / 60 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will discover that we all live in a watershed by participating in a mapping activity. Then using a model, we’ll demonstrate sources of pollution specific to the Boise River and how our actions can affect those who live downstream. Students will take home helpful tips for protecting our watershed.

GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

GRADES: K–3 / 60–90 MINUTES / BOISE WATERSHED Walking a half-mile to the Boise River from the center, students will see signs of wildlife, learn about camouflage, and explore natural objects in mystery boxes. Students will use their senses and participate in hands-on activities to learn about local wildlife and the great outdoors. Offered March–October.

THE H2O BELOW

GRADES: 4–8 / 60 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Get to know groundwater and its important role in our water supply. Students will work in teams to build a model aquifer to understand the types of substrate that water moves through. They’ll discover how the water cycle cousins, groundwater and surface water, interact as students infiltrate water and “pollution” through an aquifer model. Students will learn how to protect our groundwater and prevent pollution.

GEOTHERMAL: THE HEAT BENEATH YOUR FEET GRADES: 5–8 / 60 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Get to know the story behind geothermal resources and their important uses in Idaho. Observe mantle convection and learn about the geologic features that make geothermal such an abundant resource in the Western United States. Finally, build your own geyser to demonstrate what you’ve learned!

608-7300 (TTY 800-377-3529) • [email protected] • boiseenvironmentaleducation.org

MICROORGANISMS: WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

GRADES: 4–12 / 60 OR 90 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will be introduced to microorganisms through a Powerpoint presentation. Then they’ll make agar plates and find out how easy it is to grow microorganisms from virtually any surface. Younger students will try to guess the relative size of different microbes and explore how we use microbes to make important products and to improve our lives. Older students explore how microbes use enzymes to break down their food and the role they play in the environment. Using microscopes, students can identify some of the microbes that are put to work during the wastewater treatment process.

NEW! PLAYING WITH POLYMERS

GRADES: 4–6 / 60 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Make ‘slime’ to explore the physical properties of polymers! Through teamwork and experimentation, students will infer how the different compounds in slime influence its characteristics. Finally, students will become familiar with some of the polymers they use every day and discover the difference between natural and synthetic polymers.

NEW! SNOW SCIENCE

GRADES: 4–6 / 60 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will be introduced to snow science and the amazing properties of water through demonstrations and hands-on activities. We start with a review of the properties of water while students create their own magnetic water molecules. Students learn how snow forms, design a snowflake based on snow science principles, and make their own Borax snow crystal.

WASTEWATER: WE TREAT IT RIGHT!

GRADES: 4–8 / 60 OR 90 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Learn the process of wastewater treatment through hands-on fun! Students will work in teams as wastewater engineers to clean up a sample of simulated wastewater. Together they will test and analyze several treatment methods in an attempt to make it clean. The 90-minute lesson also includes an up-close look at sludge and treated biosolids and a discussion about the “secret weapon” for treating wastewater: microorganisms. Recommended: Follow-up tour of the wastewater treatment plant.

WATER CONSERVATION: EVERY DROP COUNTS

GRADES: K–12 / 60 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS This lesson will be modified for your grade level. Beginning with an activity that demonstrates how little fresh water is on the blue planet, students will understand how precious water is. Students will learn how water is used around homes, schools and communities, as well as how to save water during daily activities such as taking a shower or washing the dishes. Younger students will participate in a water-saving demonstration, and older students will learn about water management in Idaho through an interactive activity.

WATER QUALITY FIELD EXPERIENCE

GRADES: 4–12 / 90–120 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Hike to the Boise River (.5 mile walk) to learn about natural and human impacts to water quality. Using water quality testing kits, students

will analyze the temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and pH of the water above and below the effluent outfall. Students will learn about bioassessment as they examine and identify aquatic macroinvertebrates (water bugs). In the end, they will have a snapshot of the Boise River’s health. Offered March–October. Note: If the river level is too high, students will compare the water quality between two ponds located at the wastewater treatment plant.

NEW! WEATHER AND THE WATER CYCLE

GRADES: 2–6 / 60 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Get to know H2O and how it moves around the Earth! Students will learn about the connections between the water cycle and weather by cooking up the water cycle and witnessing the can crusher experiment. Second and third graders will learn about seasonal changes in weather and play a quiz game to share their knowledge. Fourth through sixth graders will learn the difference between weather and climate and will go outside to make cloud observations using charts.

NEW! WETLAND INVESTIGATORS

GRADES: K–3 / 60 OR 90 MINUTES / HYATT WETLANDS Students are introduced to an urban wetland environment through guided hands-on activities at the Hyatt Wetlands. Using their five senses and tools such as binoculars and field guides, students will look for signs of wildlife. Discover special adaptations wetlands animals use to survive and play an interactive habitat game! Offered March-October.

NEW! WETLANDS MYSTERY

GRADES: 4–6 / 60 OR 90 MINUTES / HYATT WETLANDS Students are introduced to an urban wetland environment through guided hands-on activities at the Hyatt Wetlands. Using a wetland model, students demonstrate the function of a wetland in mediating flooding, erosion and pollution. Additionally, students participate in a role playing game which explores the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pollution up the food chain. Offered March-October.

WONDERFUL WATER CYCLE

GRADES: K–3 / 60 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Discover how water moves around the world as we cook up the water cycle and introduce terminology. Students will play a game called The Incredible Journey to simulate a water drop traveling to oceans, lakes, clouds, and more. At the conclusion, students will dance to “The Water Cycle Boogie” to show their enthusiasm for water.


PRESCHOOL LESSONS _______________________________ NEW! CLOUD FORMATION

GRADE: PRE-K / 45 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will be introduced to the process of cloud formation, called nucleation, through a story, song and hands-on experiments. Prepare to be amazed as we witness nucleation in a Coke and Mentos geyser explosion! An introduction to the water cycle and molecules is recommended prior to this lesson.

FISHING FOR FUN

GRADE: PRE-K / 45 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Based upon Project WILD for Early Learners curriculum, students will discover who lives in the Boise River! Students will learn the parts of a fish while making a fish craft, hear a story about salmon, and become salmon in an interactive game as they use their noses to find their way home.

GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

GRADES: PRE-K / 60 MINUTES / BOISE WATERSHED Exploring the grounds around the center, students will see signs of wildlife, learn about camouflage, and explore natural objects in mystery boxes. Students will use their senses and participate in hands-on activities to learn about local wildlife and the great outdoors. Offered March–October.

HYDRO HEROES

GRADE: PRE-K / 45 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will learn about water conservation and the importance of water to everyone in the community through an interactive activity. Children will learn ways to save water in their home and why it is important.

NEW! MOLECULES

GRADE: PRE-K / 45 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will learn that water molecules are tiny building blocks of water as they hear a story, look under microscopes to understand size, and

build a molecule out of gum drops. They’ll end with a demonstration and make a craft to show how molecules influence water’s unique properties.

RAIN OR SHINE

GRADE: PRE-K / 45 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will describe today’s weather and participate in a felt board activity to see how people dress for the weather. A story will introduce students to the four seasons. Children will learn a song, create a thunderstorm, and explore mystery season boxes.

WATER IN MOTION

GRADE: PRE-K / 45 MINUTES / BOISE WATERSHED Students will learn about the three different forms of water (solid, liquid, and gas) in fun and colorful ways at the “Water Laboratory.” This fun lesson uses experimentation to investigate the different properties and states of water.

WONDERFUL WATER CYCLE

GRADE: PRE-K / 45 MINUTES / YOUR PLACE OR OURS Students will learn how water moves around the Earth through a story, felt board activity and interactive game, where students travel the water cycle. They’ll make water cycle bracelets and finish by dancing to “The Water Cycle Boogie!”

LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER _______________________________ The Micron Technology Inc. Foundation Library and Resource Center contains books, videos, DVDs, educational software, music CDs, curriculum books, and kits that educators can reserve for their use. Call to reserve resources for a two-week period. See our complete list of available resources online. THE FOLLOWING CLASSROOM KITS ARE AVAILABLE:

GROUNDWATER MODEL

Students learn about groundwater and sources of pollution.

TABLETOP STORMWATER AND WASTEWATER / DRINKING WATER MODELS

Students set up the landscape, create pollution or waste and watch what happens when it “rains.”

MACROINVERTEBRATE PACK

Students use magnifiers, ID cards and tools to examine water bugs up close in a river, stream, or pond.

INCREDIBLE JOURNEY DICE GAME

In this popular Project WET activity, students travel as water drops around the earth with the roll of a die.


EVENTS _______________________________ The Boise WaterShed offers several all-ages special events throughout the year in addition to our regular education programs. Visit BoiseEnvironmentalEducation.org for dates and information about upcoming events.

WATERSHED WEEKENDS

Go with the flow every third Saturday of each month with special themed programs the whole family can enjoy! Activities and crafts take place from 10am–1pm, followed by a wastewater treatment plant tour from 1pm–2pm. Free admission! No pre-registration required unless indicated. Note: Tours are weather-permitting; closed-toe shoes required.

SCHOOL BREAK DROP-IN PROGRAMS

Drop in to fun children’s programs offered on school break days! Check our web site for dates. In addition to the exhibit hall, special activities and crafts will take place from 10am–12pm, with a wastewater treatment plant tour at 11am. Tour limited to 40 people, closed-toe shoes required, no strollers. FREE admission! Community groups, home schools and Mom’s clubs welcome! No pre-registration required.

STORM DRAIN MARKING

Storm drain marking is a visible reminder that storm drains are for stormwater only. Marking increases awareness about the importance of the river and the environment. FREE marking materials and a training are provided for Boise City schools and residents. Contact the Boise WaterShed for more information.

HELP SUPPORT THE BOISE WATERSHED ___________________

Classrooms or individuals can buy a brick paver that will help us bring Phase II to the Boise WaterShed. Pavers start at just $45! Visit boisewatershedexhibits.org to order.

IDAHO CONTENT STANDARDS _______________________________ DECOMPOSERS: NATURE’S ROTTEN RECYCLERS 4: 4.S.1.1.1, 4.S.1.2.1, 4.S.1.2.2, 4.S.1.3.1, 4.S.1.3.2, 4.S.1.6.1, 4.S.1.6.2, 4.S.1.6.3, 4.S.1.6.4, 4.S.1.6.5 5: 5.S.1.1.1, 5.S.1.2.1, 5.S.1.3.1, 5.S.1.3.2, 5.S.1.6.1, 5.S.1.6.2, 5.S.1.6.3, 5.S.1.6.7, 5.S.1.8.1 EXPLORE YOUR WATERSHED 4: 4.S.1.2.3 5: 5.S.5.1.1 6: 6.S.5.1.1 GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE K: KS.1.6.1, KS. 2.1.1, KS. 3.1.1, KS 1.7.1, KS.1.8.1 1: 1.S.1.7.1, 1.S.1.8.1, 1.S.5.1.1 2: 2.S.1.7.1, 2.S.1.8.1, 2.S.3.2.2 3: 3.S.3.1.1 THE H2O BELOW 4: 4.S.1.1.1, 4.S.1.2.3, 4.S.1.8.1 5: 5.S.1.2.3, 5.S.5.1.1 6: 6.S.1.2.3, 6.S.5.1.1 7: 7.S.1.2.3 8: 8-9.ES.1.2.2, 8-9 ES.1.6.1, 8-9 ES.1.6.2, 8-9 ES.1.6.4

MICROORGANISMS: WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? 4: 4.S.1.2.1, 4.S.1.2.2, 4.S.1.6.1, 4.S.1.6.2, 4.S.1.6.3, 4.S.1.6.4, 4.S.1.6.5, 4.S.1.6.6, 4.S.1.8.1 5: 5.S.1.2.1, 5.S.1.6.1, 5.S.1.6.2, 5.S.1.6.3, 5.S.1.6.5 7: 7.S.1.6.1, 7.S.1.6.3, 7.S.1.6.4 9-10: B.1.3.3, 9-10: B.3.3.1, 9-10: B.5.1.1, 9-10: B.5.2.1 PLAYING WITH POLYMERS 4: 4: 4.S.1.3.2, 4.S.1.6.2, 4.S.1.6.4, 4.S.1.8.1, 4.S.2.1.2 5: 5.S.1.2.1, 5.S.1.3.2, 5.S.1.8.1, 5.S.2.1.1, 5.S.2.1.2, 5.S.2.1.3, 5.S.5.2.1 6: 6.S.1.2.2, 6.S.1.3.2, 6.S.1.6.2, 6.S.1.8.1, 6.S.2.1.1, 6.S.2.1.5, 6.S.5.2.1 SNOW SCIENCE 5: 5.S.2.1.2, 5.S.2.1.3, 5.S.5.3.1 6: 6.S.2.1.5, 6.S.4.1.2, 6.S.5.3.1 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TOUR 4: 4.S.1.1.1 5: 5.S.1.1.1, 5.S.5.1.1, 5.S.5.2.1, 5.S.5.2.2 6: 6.S.1.1.1, 6.S.5.1.1, 6.S.5.2.1, 6.S.5.2.2 7: 7.S.5.2.1, 7.S.5.2.2, 7.S.1.1.1, 7.S.1.2.2, 7.S.5.3.1 8: 8-9.ES.5.1.1, 8-9.ES.5.2.1 9: 9-10.B.5.1.1, 9-10.B.5.2.1 WASTEWATER: WE TREAT IT RIGHT! 4: 4.S.1.1.1, 4.S.1.2.1, 4.S.1.2.3, 4.S.1.3.1, 4.S, 4.S.1.8.1 5: 5.S.1.1.1, 5.S.1.2.3, 5.S.1.3.1, 5.S.5.2.1, 5.S.5.2.2, 5.S.5.1.1, 5.S.5.2.1 6: 6.S.1.1.1, 6.S.1.2.3, 6.S.5.2.1 7: 7.S.1.2.3, 7.S.5.2.1 8-9: 8-9.ES.1.2.2, 8-9.ES.5.1.1 WATER CONSERVATION: EVERY DROP COUNTS K: K.S.1.2.1, K.S.1.3.1, K.S.1.6.1, K.S.1.7.1, K.S.1.8.1 1: 1.S.1.2.1, 1.S.1.3.1, 1.S.1.6.1, 1.S.1.7.1, 1.S.1.8.1 2: 2.S.1.2.1, 2.S.1.3.1, 2.S.1.7.1, 2.S.1.8.1 3: 3.S.1.2.1, 3.S.1.3.1, 3.S.5.1.1 4: 4.S.1.8.1, 4.S.1.3.2 5: 5.S.5.1.1, 5.S.5.3.2 6: 6.S.5.1.1 8-9: 8-9.ES.5.1.1, 8-9.ES.5.3.1 9-10: 9-10.B.1.8.1, 9-10.B.5.1.1, 9-10.B.5.3.1 WATER QUALITY FIELD EXPERIENCE 4: 4.S.1.2.1, 4.S.1.2.1, 4.S.1.3.1, 4.S.1.6.2, 4.S.1.6.3, 4.S.1.6.4, 4.S.1.6.5, 4.S.1.8.1 5: 5.S.1.2.1, 5.S.1.3.1, 5.S.1.6.1, 5.S.1.6.3, 5.S.1.6.5, 5.S.5.1.1 6: 6.S.1.6.1, 6.S.1.6.3, 6.S.1.6.4, 6.S.1.6.5, 6.S.1.6.6, 6.S.5.1.1 7: 7.S.1.2.1, 7.S.1.6.2, 7.S.1.6.3, 7.S.1.6.4 8-9: 8-9.ES.1.6.1, 8-9. ES.1.6.3, 8-9.ES.1.6.4, 8-9.ES.5.1.1 9-10: 9-10.B.1.2.1, 9-10.B.1.2.3, 9-10.B.1.6.1, 9-10.B.1.6.3, 9-10.B.1.6.4, 9-10.B.5.1.1 WEATHER AND THE WATER CYCLE 9-10: 9-10.B.5.1.1, 9-10.B.5.2.1 WETLAND INVESTIGATORS K: K.S.1.2.1, K.S.1.8.1, K.S.2.1.1, K.S.3.1.1 1: 1.S.3.2.1, 1.S.5.1.1 2: 2.S.3.2.1, 2.S.3.2.2 3: 3.S.3.1.1, 3.S.5.1.1 WETLANDS MYSTERY 4: 4.S.1.2.3 5: 5.S.1.2.3, 5.S.5.1.1 6: 6-8.H.1.1.3, 6.S.1.2.3, 6.S.5.1.1 WONDERFUL WATER CYCLE K: K.S.1.6.1, K.S.1.7.1, K.S.1.8.1 1: 1.S.1.7.1, 1.S.1.8.1, 1.S.2.1.1, 1.S.2.2.1 2: 2.S.1.7.1, 2.S.1.8.1, 2.S.2.1.1, 2.S.2.2.1, 2.S.4.1.1 3: 3.S.1.2.2, 3.S.2.1.2, 3.S.2.1.3

GEOTHERMAL: THE HEAT BENEATH YOUR FEET 6: 6.S.2.1.3, 6.S.2.1.4, 6.S.2.1.5 7: 7.S.1.1.1, 7.S.1.2.3, 7.S.5.3.1
