The Missouri Envirothon is a problem-solving, natural resource education program for high school students — grades 9-12. The Envirothon stimulates, reinforces and enhances students' interest in the environment and our state's natural resources. In the field, teams of students are challenged to hone critical thinking skills and work together. Students answer written questions and conduct hands-on investigation of environmental issues in five categories:
- Soils and land use
- Aquatic ecology
- Forestry
- Wildlife
- Current environmental issues
In addition to a written test, the teams also give an oral presentation solving a specific natural resource issue. Reference materials for students and teachers are available through local soil and water conservation districts.
History
The concept was originally created by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts as an outdoor hands-on competition. From "Environmental Olympics," the concept expanded to other states. When the national competition was added in 1988, the name was changed to Envirothon. The continuing support of the program reflects the participation and support of the state conservation district associations and cooperating state and federal resource agencies.
Competition Information
The Missouri Envirothon Program consists of 5 regions across the state with each regional holding a competition either in the fall or early spring. Conservation districts with cooperating agencies, educators, community and interest groups conduct regional competitions.
The top four teams from each of these regional competitions advance to the state competition, the Missouri Envirothon. The state competition is held in the central part of the state in early May. The winning team will represent Missouri at the National Conservation Foundation Envirothon, the largest natural resource competition. The Envirothon is held in varying locations across the United States and Canada with teams from Canadian Provinces and Territories, China and the majority of the United States. For current competition information, visit the official Missouri Envirothon website.
Past Competition Photos
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