Workshops
To become a certified IDAH2O Master Water Steward or a Project WET certified teacher, you must complete a six- to seven-hour course of study.
IDAH2O workshops include two parts: an online self-paced course of study (~three hours) followed by half-day (~three hours), hands-on practicum in a representative stream. Select to access the online course and registration.
The classroom and online portion covers a wide variety of topics, such as water quality issues in Idaho, starting a monitoring plan and how to network with local citizens interested in water quality. Contact Jim Ekins, Extension water educator, for more information: 208-292-1287.
Another opportunity for K-12 teachers (formal and non-formal educators) is the Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) program. Project WET workshops include interactive, hands-on activities to teach all aspects of water to youth, navigating the 600-page curriculum and activity guide, and access to robust educational resources, all connected to state educational standards. Contact Jim Ekins, UI Extension water educator, for more information: 208-292-1287; idah2o@uidaho.edu.
Eligibility
Workshops are open to any individual or group with an interest in water quality and monitoring. The online part is free. The $46 practicum fee covers instructional expenses. Preregistration and prepayment is required.
2025 Dates and Locations
The classroom portion of IDAH2O Master Stewards workshops are currently available online as an asynchronous, self-paced course of study. You must complete all seven modules, all the quizzes and the evaluation form to be eligible for the optional in-stream, in-person practicum. Please contact the IDAH2O coordinator, Jim Ekins, for additional information, jekins@uidaho.edu).
2025 Practicum Field Classes:
- Friday, May 16: Coeur d'Alene, U of I Cd'A center (1 p.m. start). Standing Water Assessment-focused
- Saturday, May 31: Boise, Boise WaterShed Education Center, 11818 Joplin Rd. (9 a.m. to noon)
- Friday, June 6: Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center (9 a.m. to Noon)
- Friday, July 11: Liberty lake/Spokane Valley, Doris Morrison Learning Center/Saltese Flats (9 a.m. to Noon)
- Additional 2025 practicum classes will be scheduled as groups request
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) Workshops are available online and in person; please contact the IDAH2O coordinator, Jim Ekins, for registration information, jekins@uidaho.edu).
- Project WET has an online course of study about the Foundations Curriculum and Activity Guide. Contact jekins@uidaho.edu for access.
- Check back periodically for new Project WET workshops scheduled for northern Idaho
Other related workshops:
- Thursday, Aug. 22: Restoring Idaho Streams, Clearwater County/Orofino
- We are still developing additional 2024 outreach schedule options
- Any workshop can be arranged specifically for your group (commitment of 12 participants or more)
Topics
IDAH2O workshops focus on topics like:
- Watershed investigations
- Why and how monitoring works
- Water safety
- Hands-on field experience
- Other related water quality topics
Project WET workshops are entirely interactive, including thorough participation in at least six Project WET activities tailored for the grade bands represented by the teachers present in the workshop.
Certification
Upon completion of an IDAH2O workshop, all participants will be IDAH2O Master Water Stewards. Upon completion of a Project WET workshop, all participants will be Project WET certified.
Master Water Stewards who commit to regular monitoring and register a monitoring location on a stream (or lake/pond) are either assigned a complete water quality monitoring kit for use while actively monitoring or access to one of several Lending Library kits housed in Coeur d’Alene, Driggs, Island Park area, Moscow and Boise.
Certified Project WET participants will be given the 600-page Activity and Curriculum Guide, plus other resources.
Professional Development Credits
Professional development credits are available for K-12 educators for most workshops.
Continuing Education
Additional workshops may be available for certified IDAH2O Master Water Stewards who wish to continue developing their monitoring skills.
Please contact Jim Ekins, IDAH2O coordinator, at idah2o@uidaho.edu or 208-292-1287 for more information.
Tailored Workshops
Tailored workshops for any group of 12 or more people can be arranged almost any time of year.
IDAH2O can also be taught directly to high school classes that commit to regular stream monitoring.