Photo Credit Basin Elementary

From Kerry McClay, National SnowSchool Director (2/19/25)

In the heart of Central Idaho, students at Basin Elementary aren’t just bundling up to stay warm—they’re stepping outside to learn.

Throughout January, K-6 students from Basin Elementary in rural Central Idaho ventured out into their local winter wildlands on snowshoes, turning snow-covered forests into living classrooms.

Kindergarteners followed animal tracks in the snow. Fourth graders became citizen scientists, measuring snowpack depth and contributing to real-world research.  Meanwhile, 6th graders examined the geospatial variability of mountain snow and discussed nearby SNOTEL data , gaining firsthand insight into the science behind their local watershed.

This hands-on, outdoor learning is part of the district’s years-long effort to integrate SnowSchool’s unique outdoor science explorations across all grade levels. Engaging rural school districts and utilizing the snow right outside of the classroom door has become a top priority for SnowSchool in recent years. The partnership with Basin Elementary is a perfect example of how this vision is coming to life.

A Grassroots Effort with Big Impacts

At the Basin School District this is a project with grassroots beginnings. What started as a snowshoe adventure for Basin’s fourth graders in 2017-18—led by SnowSchool, Boise National Forest hydrologists, and dedicated teachers—has since snowballed into something much bigger.

What has followed in the years since has included a district wide SnowSchool professional development workshop, and ongoing collaboration with snow science researchers and a full  STEM School accreditation for Basin Elementary!

Basin Elementary teachers and students alike are feeling the magic of SnowSchool.

We greatly appreciate all of the support you provided to staff and students! This year’s Snow School experience was one of the best for our students! Our teachers learned more about what Snow School should be and they are feeling much more confident for future times. Our students are still talking about it and we are continuing with follow-up lessons!

– Jamie Pilkerton, Basin Elementary Principal

The next generation of snow scientists in Central Idaho are already gearing up for more discoveries ahead!

What’s next?

The next big step for SnowSchool progression at Basin Elementary is just around the corner! This spring, a large yurt will be installed to house outdoor science activities and equipment. This is program model, already used at other SnowSchool sites, has produced amazing results by giving students a dedicated space for SnowSchool. Stay tuned for more updates on this project later this spring!