Science on Ice transforms a day at the rink into a genuine classroom experience. Fifth and sixth graders explore real scientific principles — phase changes, Newton’s laws of motion, rotational physics — using the ice rink itself as their laboratory.
It’s physical education and science instruction in one field trip, built around the USFS’s nationally recognized curriculum.
What Students Learn
Properties of Water: how molecules behave, phase changes, and how a Zamboni resurfaces the ice
Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion: force, mass, and acceleration demonstrated with hockey puck slingshots
Rotational Motion: how mass distribution affects spin — the physics behind an ice skater’s twirl
By the Numbers
Since its founding in 2008, Science on Ice has grown into one of the most far-reaching educational programs the PIR supports. Schools come from across the Palouse and beyond — Moscow, Pullman, Genesee, Potlatch, Lena, Colton, Palouse, and as far as Missoula and Whitefish, Montana.
17 seasons running (2008–2026)
7,105 students served to date
558 students in the 2025–26 season — the highest single-season total in program history
Over 100 volunteers have contributed across the program’s lifetime
For booking and information, visit scienceonice.org or contact the rink.
About Dr. Brian P. Dyre
The classroom is named for Dr. Brian P. Dyre, a University of Idaho psychology professor, passionate hockey player, and devoted member of the PIR community. Brian coached youth hockey at every level from mites through bantams, played on two adult teams each season, and inspired his entire family to take up the game. He was known for his humor, his kindness on and off the ice, and an infectious love of sport.
Brian passed away in 2019. He is greatly missed by the players, coaches, and families who were lucky enough to know him.
Stay in the Loop
Get rink news, schedule updates, and event announcements.
