Wednesday Agenda

Good morning!  Today we'll be exploring several issues that affect water availability: climate change and urbanization.  We skyped with Zion Klos, University of Idaho climate scientist (www.zionklos.com) to learn more about how climate change is being observed and what models are forecasting for the future in Idaho.  Then U of I grad students Sarah Olsen and Kysha Harris led teachers in an activity that used physical models to explore how changes in the form of precipitation that we get (more rain instead of snow) will affect the timing of runoff and summer streamflow.   The lesson plan plus two others that explore stakeholder involvement in water availability will be posted to the Teacher Resources tab of this web site.  Ada Soil and Water Conservation District board member  and farmer Glen Edwards will discuss how water availability affects his farm, his crop selection and income.  Following that, BSU Hydrology graduate student Andrea Leonard will lead us in an activity that demonstrates the risk involved in farming and crop selection choices.  Finally we'll wrap up the day with a bike ride on the Boise River greenbelt in West Boise/Eagle to see the intersection of agriculture, development and industry while Dr. Jaap Vos from BSU will discuss urbanization studies.  Digi-Learners, we hope you get the opportunity to ride the greenbelt this week to look at the river through the lens of socio-ecological systems (SES).  Look for more resources being posted to the Resources tab later today!