As Water Rocks!, the water quality and conservation outreach program from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, marks its 10th year in operation, the team is gearing up for a full summer schedule — for the first time in two years. From Iowans who have participated in Water Rocks events in the past to those who are just learning about Iowa’s unique and award-winning program that melds music, art, science and learning about the natural world, there will be many opportunities to see what Water Rocks is all about this summer.

“Summer is our busiest time of year for public outreach, and since we had to cancel or cut back our in-person activities for the past two summers, there is a lot of pent-up demand,” says Ann Staudt, Water Rocks director. “Adding five water resources interns during the summer months will help us meet the demand as we travel across Iowa — often with two Conservation Stations and teams going in different directions on any given day.”

The keystone of Water Rocks’ summer outreach is the fleet of Conservation Station trailers that house demonstrations, information and activities to make learning about best practices in conservation and agriculture accessible to all audiences. Hands-on activities, including a watershed table, rainfall runoff demonstrations, museum-quality wetland models and various games, attract and engage visitors young and old. Staffed by Water Rocks and Iowa Learning Farms staff and interns, plus other experts from Iowa State University, the Conservation Stations provide the backdrop for fun and effective learning.

These versatile trailers also support Water Rocks school visits throughout the school year, as well as agricultural field days and farmer-focused educational activities conducted by Iowa Learning Farms, a partner program to Water Rocks.

Find Water Rocks, Conservation Station appearance near you

Events and appearances already scheduled for summer include multiple community and town celebrations, farmers markets, public libraries and youth summer camps. There are also more than 25 county fairs on the docket. The Water Rocks outreach calendar provides the latest information about when and where to visit a Conservation Station and see the Water Rocks team in action.

A musical adventure

From its inception in 2012, Water Rocks has used original music as a teaching tool that connects with people of all ages and helps convey science-based information in fun and memorable ways. Building on 10 years of musical tradition, Water Rocks is preparing for the world premiere of “Water Rocks: The Musical,” featuring an original script and score. The show tells the story of four quirky students dreading a looming science exam who are given a miraculous chance to become water and explore the world. In a whirlwind tour of the water cycle, they discover water’s origin story, its transformations, and how closely it’s connected to humans. They also become prepared and excited to face challenges that affect humans and nature alike. The debut performance will take place June 16 at the Ames City Auditorium, with a reprise performance June 23.

“We brought in a professional who has a strong background in musical theater development to collaborate with the Water Rocks creative team in producing what we anticipate will be a very entertaining night of music and laughter,” Staudt says. “We are very excited to continue celebrating Water Rocks’ 10th anniversary with this new venture, and we anticipate each show being an entertaining evening of music and laughter.”

Information about showtimes is available at waterrocks.org.

Teaching teachers

Another critical component of the Water Rocks summer schedule is the Water Rocks Teacher Summit. Classroom teachers from across the state apply to attend these intensive two-day seminars to learn how to teach the Water Rocks lessons in their classrooms through a combination of hands-on activities, sample lessons and exposure to a comprehensive set of teaching materials and resources.

“Making up for lost time, we are holding two teacher summits this summer, bringing together teachers and Extension youth educators from across the state. We’ve even had applications from several surrounding states,” Staudt says. “Teachers who have attended in the past are among our most passionate promoters, and they often encourage colleagues to attend. We are delighted with this enthusiastic response as it reassures us that we are filling a need in the classrooms of the next generation of thinkers and leaders in Iowa.”

The teacher summits will take place on the campus of Iowa State University June 16-17 and June 23-24.

Looking ahead

In conclusion, Staudt says, “Getting back into the groove of a full summer schedule is a great feeling. We are thrilled to launch ‘Water Rocks: The Musical,’ and are looking forward to meeting lots of new people and offering learning opportunities for thousands of Iowans as we travel with the Conservation Station trailers. The first 10 years of Water Rocks has been an amazing and fulfilling ride, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone in a multitude of ways this summer.”

Stevenson is a visual outreach specialist and conservation educator with Iowa Learning Farms and Water Rocks at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.