News Article

Another year of Science Unwrapped has begun at Utah State University and iUTAH was there to help kick it off.  iUTAH had a booth at this month’s event, showcasing differences in properties of fresh water and salt water.  Two glasses were filled with water, one with fresh water and the other with salt water.  Food coloring was added to the fresh water.  After pouring the fresh water in with the salt water, the fresh water floated on top of the salt water with the food coloring contained only in the fresh water. EOD staffers Caitlyn Lewis and Mark Brunson were on hand to describe how the differences in water density affect Great Salt Lake ecosystems.

One of USU’s Watershed Science faculty members, Wayne Wurtsbaugh, spoke at the event.  Wurtsbaugh studies inland waters and has studied lakes and other bodies of water all across the globe.  During his talk, entitled “Great Salt Lake: Stranger in Your Backyard,” Wurtsbaugh spoke about the special qualities of the largest lake west of the Mississippi River.  Wurtsbaugh’s talk centered around how important the Great Salt Lake is to Utah’s ecology and economy.  

Wurtsbaugh stressed the point that the Great Salt Lake is drying up.  Rivers that usually flow into the lake are being used for other purposes or being diverted.  All of these things brought light to a distressing situation. The discussion highlighted a few of the many reasons why iUTAH’s mission of science for water sustainability is critical for the state.

Many booths at the event provided other hands-on activities and demonstrations to help strengthen the interest and involvement of the general public in science.  Science Unwrapped continues throughout the spring and fall semesters with another event being held each month. iUTAH plans to be present at each event as this year’s theme focuses on the “Year of Water.”