1. What is the Envirothon?

The Envirothon is an outdoor, hands-on, high school competition on the environment. The Envirothon tests students' knowledge of soils, forestry, wildlife, water, and a current environmental issue.  Top

2. How does the competition work?

Testing at the region and state competition involves visiting five stations, one for each study unit, located within easy walking distance from other stations at the competition site. Teams move between the competition sites in groups, usually four to five teams per group. At each station site team examinations are administered by the station coordinator. Tests contain many question formats including narrative responses, true/false, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and matching. Teams may also be given a brief presentation by the station coordinator on ecosystem issues important to that station. Teams have 45 minutes per station except at the state, where the presentation station is generally 20 minutes.     

Questions come from the study materials sent to each team once they register for the competition. Many of the questions involve investigating the site not just recall of study material to correctly answer the questions. During the state competition, the current environmental topic will involve a team oral presentation that asks the team to solve a specific problem.  Top  

3. How do I prepare my students for the Envirothon?

When your registration is received, a packet of information will be sent to you that has been prepared by various state and federal agencies with expertise in each competition area. The agencies that prepare the packet will be the agencies that will test your students during the competition.  Top      

4. After I get the packet, where do I start?

The packets are extensive, but a list of what you will need to learn for each section is included in the Envirothon Guide included in your Information and Registration Packet. Study materials will be the source of all questions used for the station examinations.  Top   

5. What if I, as a teacher, don't have the foggiest idea how to teach these skills?

If you, as a teacher, are new to the Envirothon, you will receive a free copy of a video that will explain the competition as well as walk you through a real competition. Additionally, it is suggested that you call an expert for help. See the attached contact list for state station coordinators, a good place to start to find local experts. You can also find experts among your fellow teachers, in the community, or in your classroom (the kid who could be less interested in chemistry, but who knows everything there is to know about fishing). Another good contact is your local Resource, Conservation, and Development (RC&D) office. Historically, the teams that have done better in the competition contact local agencies for help.  Top    

6. How many students may I have on a team at the regional and state competition?

Each team may consist of a maximum of six students from the same school or organization. If your team wins the right to advance to the state competition, at least four members of the regional competition team must participate at the state competition. If your team is unable to advance to the state competition with four original members, your team will lose its right to advance and the next highest scoring team will receive the right to advance.    Top    

7. How many students may I take to the international competition?

Only five students can comprise the state team at the national competition. As in the regional and state competition, at least four of the original members of the team winning the state competition must participate in the national competition. If your team is unable to advance to the national competition with four original members, your team will lose its right to advance and the second place team will receive the right to advance.  Top      

8. What grades are eligible to participate?

Students enrolled in grades 9-12 are eligible to compete.  Top     

9. How many teams may I register to represent my school?

You may register up to two teams.  Top   

10. What is my registration money used for?

Your registration money goes toward paying for use of the competition site and facility, trophies, and general administrative expenses.   Top    

11. When is the competition?

Visit our registration page.