The Indian River Lagoon Envirothon
What is the Envirothon?
The Envirothon is a scholastic competition for high school students that tests their knowledge on five topics: soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife and a current issue. Middle school students can participate at the regional levels but do not continue to state and national level competition.
It is a unique approach to environmental education. The teams of five students are challenged to use critical thinking skills and cooperate as a team to answer written questions and conduct hands-on investigations of environmental issues.
The IRLE is organized by local Soil and Water Conservation Districts that partner with a diverse group of local resource districts and cooperating state and federal natural resource agencies.
The multi-county competition between Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties has a sixth topic, the INDIAN RIVER LAGOON. The Lagoon is a major part of our regional economy and requires protection by every individual. This section will supply students with the fundamental knowledge necessary to make important decisions to support the protection of the Lagoon.
Advantages to Participating in the EnviroThon:
Teachers: Shows your “pro-active” involvement above and beyond the classroom Engage students who are looking for “something
more” Use as a “reward” for students-have a lottery as a
means of choosing who can be involved as a team member
Students: Scholarship money
Experience to add to your college resume Fun time meeting students from other schools Network with environmental professionals
Why Teachers Like This Program Preparation for Envirothon including individual, group and
classroom study, as well as contact with environmental professionals will:
Increase students’ knowledge of total quality management of our natural resources.Promote environmental awareness and stewardship.Develop students’ critical thinking, cooperative problem solving and decision making skills.Present balanced options for management of our renewable and non-renewable natural resources.Provide awareness of and accessibility to resource organizations offering assistance in environmental issues.
The challenges facing educators are formidable. Envirothon affords a ready-made program that fosters a well-rounded approach to environmental education.
How the Teacher/Sponsor Is Involved:1. Invite Diane and Brenda to visit your school to meet with you, (or the group/club
sponsor i.e. parent) to present this power point to them and address questions.
1. Complete the registration sheet available at xyz website or call Brenda
2. Attend orientation meeting Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 5 – 7 PM at the UF/IFAS-St. Lucie County Extension Office in Fort Pierce. Registration forms and information packets will be available. Attendance is NOT required by provides the opportunity for teams to meet area professionals will be available to answer questions.
3. Meet with your 5 member team as a class or club to study and review the suggested study resources for the 6 topics (Note: there is no rubric. All groups study the same resources. No test questions will be pulled from material other than the suggested study resources. This means that all students are working on the same level: IB and AP students will not have any advantages over other students.)
4. Day of competition:Arrive at 8 a.m.Your group of students will visit each of the 6 topic stations for 30 minutes to
answer questions as a team (not individually). A volunteer chaperone will accompany each rotation of teams.A snack and lunch are provided.Awards are presented.Departure is at 2:30.
The Soil Pit at the Soils Station
Key Concepts:
• Classification
• Profiles
• Characteristics
• Soil Surveys
• Land use
• Erosion
• Conservation practices
The Forestry Station
Key Concepts:
• Forest ecology
• Tree identification
• Insects
• Diseases
• Measurement
• Forest history
• Timber stand improvement
• Forest management
AquaticsKey Points:
• Water ecology
• Water chemistry
• Ground water
• Surface water
• Wetlands
• Conservation
Wildlife
Key Points:
• Ecology
• Conservation principles
• Habitat
• Species identification
• Rules and Regulations
Indian River Lagoon
Key Points:
• Species identification
• Management problems and practices
Current Issue
The Current Issue Topic for the 2011 Envirothon is
Salt and Fresh Water EstuariesSalt and Fresh Water Estuaries
The 2011 Envirothon will be held on Friday, February 25, 2011 at the
Environmental Learning Center in Wabasso!
Students:
Remember how much fun you had and how much you learned at Lagoon Days when you were in elementary school?
Here’s your opportunity to enjoy a deeper, richer experience at the Environmental Learning Center.
Volunteers
Putting on a high-quality Envirothon, such as the Indian River Lagoon Envirothon, would be nearly impossible without the generosity and hard work of our volunteers!
Lunch
Awards Ceremony
2010 Indian River County Winners and Wildlife Category Winners – St. Edwards School
The winning team from each county advances to the State level of competition and from there may qualify for the National Competition.
The team from
Storm Grove Middle School
How to make it happen…How to make it happen…
Indicate your interest to Diane and Brenda and schedule their visit to your school.
If you are unable to lead/sponsor your school’s team, the local environmental staff person (i.e. NPDES
Coordinator) for your city will be available to work with your team as the resource and/or sponsor. The
coordination in arranging the bus transportation would be the only thing needed by one of the school science
teachers.
Registration forms and information packetsare available at this presentation.
Contact Information
• Diane Wilson, Indian River County Storm Water Educator
Phone: 772-226-1565
Email: [email protected]
• Brenda Davis, Indian River Soil & Water Conservation District
Phone: 772-770-5005
Email: [email protected]
