WHAT IS THE ENVIROTHON
The New Jersey Envirothon competition is a one-day event that takes place at the end of the school year. Teams will be tested on environmental topics through hands on interactive problem-solving at five testing stations. The team that best demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of natural resources, as well as teamwork and communication skills, moves on to represent New Jersey in the Canon Envirothon competition which is North America's largest High School Environmental Education Competition. This multi-day event further tests the team's understanding of the environment and involves teams from all regions of the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Envirothon is a dynamic hands-on Environmental Education Program for high school students. Teams of students who wish to compete in the state-level Envirothon competition explore different natural resource related topics throughout the school year, including SOILS, FORESTRY, AQUATICS, WILDLIFE ECOLOGY and CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. As they strengthen their background in natural resources, students practice working in teams, considering information and differing viewpoints to reach a decision through consensus and teamwork. One of the purposes of this program is to encourage students to become better-informed, active participants in natural resource management decisions and problem-solving`.
Throughout the year, students will explore different natural resource-related topics, including soils, forestry, aquatics, wildlife ecology and current environmental issues. The 2008 issue is "RECREATIONAL IMPACTS ON NATURAL RESOURCES."
The team advisor or "coach" facilitates team preparation for the competition. The Envirothon sponsors offer training and study guides for this preparation. Organized training sessions give students the opportunity to meet a wide range of professionals working in environmentally-related fields. Hands-on activities outlined in the educational study guide acquaint students with the Envirothon testing format.
The study guide can also be used to supplement regular lesson plans or added to a resource library. Preparation for the Envirothon will help teachers meet New Jersey Core Curriculum content Standards in Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies.
For more information about the Envirothon, contact Richard Belcher, Envirothon Coordinator or your local Soil Conservation District.