Envirothon is a problem-solving, natural resource competition for high school students. In the field, teams of students are challenged to hone critical thinking skills and work as a team to both answer written questions, and conduct hands-on investigation of environmental issues in five categories. Water, Soil, Forestry, Wildlife, and Current Environmental Issues. A sixth component integrates all five test categories and requires teams to use an interdisciplinary approach to present an oral presentation on the current environmental issue topics.
How
Reference guides for students, and study-area guides for teachers are provided to participating schools. Local conservation district personnel can mentor teams that participate. Envirothon can also be used as a curriculum guide for classroom study at any level. Conservation districts, in conjunction with cooperating agencies, educators, community groups, and interest groups run local Envirothon competitions in the Spring. Winning teams from each conservation district, compete in a State contest, and the winning State team goes on to the Canon Envirothon Competition.
Why
Envirothon stimulates, reinforces, and enhances students' interest in the environment, and our state's natural resources. Envirothon was created by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts in 1979 as an outdoor hands-on competition. In 1980 the name was changed from Environmental Olympics, and as the concept expanded to other states and a national competition added, the name was changed in 1988 to Envirothon. More than 17 states along with some Canadian provinces participate. Envirothon affords a unique interdisciplinary approach to teaching more environmental education. And it's fun!
Goal 1
To promote a desire to learn more about the natural environment and develop knowledge and skills to apply the basic principles and practices of resource management and ecology.
Goal 2
To promote stewardship of natural resources and develop critical thinking skills, cooperative problem solving skills, and decision making skills of students to balance the quality of life and the quality of the environment.
Goal 3
To provide students with experience in environmentally oriented activities to enable them to become environmentally aware, action oriented citizens.
