The North Dakota Envirothon

The Envirothon is a problem-solving, natural resource competition for high school students. The goal of this science-based competition is to cultivate awareness and enhance knowledge of natural resources and environmental issues, as well as the skills and commitment to take responsible actions as adults.

Teams of five students from a school, school organization or after school club are challenged to solve problems relating to soil, water, wildlife, forestry and a current conservation issue. The winning state team enters the national Canon Envirothon competition.

Three Pennsylvania soil and water conservation districts started the Envirothon in 1979. The idea caught on in neighboring states and in 1988 the first national contest was held. Forty-six states and three Canadian provinces sent a state team to the national contest in 2001.

The Coalition for Conservation and Environmental Education, in conjunction with cooperating agencies and soil conservation districts, organizes and runs the state competition. An evening orientation session is held the first evening. The next day, the teams visit five "in-the-field" test stations where written and hands-on problem solving is required.

The Envirothon involves a year of preparation. Interested teams receive free study materials and resources to work on before the competition is held. The resource materials and competition are aligned to help meet the State Science Content Standards. Prior to the competition, local soil conservation districts and cooperating state and federal resource agencies should be contacted to help the participating team with any assistance or guidance it might need.

Teachers, students or parents are encouraged to put together a team of five students who can begin studying in the fall. A video and brochures explaining the Envirothon are available free on loan to any school, club or organization now. To obtain this information or for any additional questions, contact us by calling (701) 282-2153 Ext 3 or by email

North Dakota State Envirothon web site

National Envirothon web site

 

Updated 3/29/2010