Adviser’s Guide
IDAHO ENVIROTHON 2016
Living Waters Ranch -Challis, Idaho
April 25 and 26, 2016
Current Issue for 2016
“Invasive Species – A Challenge to the Environment, Economy & Society”
Table of Contents
About the Competition
Introduction & Goals……………………………………………………………3
How Does the Competition Work……………………………………………………………4
Envirothon 2016……………………………………………………………5
Awards & Recognition……………………………………………………………5
Facilities: Envirothon 2016 (Living Waters Ranch).…..………………….…………………………………6
Accommodations: On-site & Off-site ……………………………………………………………7
Schedule of Events……………………………………………………………8
For Advisers …………………………………………………………..10
Before the Competition (To Do List)…………………………………………………………..10
Arriving at the Competition…………………………………………………………..11
Conservation Project ………………………………………………………….. 12
Conservation Project Display ………………………………………………………….. 12
Preliminary Oral Presentation…………………………………………………………..13
Final Oral Presentation…………………………………………………………..14
Rules and Guidelines
Rules for Envirothon 2016…………………………………………………………..15
Guidelines for Envirothon 2016…………………………………………………………..17
Learning Objectives
Aquatic Ecology…………………………………………………………..19
Forestry…………………………………………………………..23
Soils/Land Use…………………………………………………………..26
Wildlife…………………………………………………………..30
Current IssueTopic Summary
“Invasive Species” …..……………………………….……………………… 35
Sample Test Questions
Soils/Land Use, Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife & Current Issue…………………………………..37
Resource/Study Materials
Idaho Envirothon Resource Websites ……...………………………………….……………….…42
Additional Information
Envirothon Coordination & Contacts …………………………………………..……………..43
Conservation District Offices …………………………………………..……………..44
Oral Presentation: Sample Judge’s Criteria Sheet …………………….…………..………………...…..48
Appeal Guidelines…………………………………………..……………..49
Forms
Idaho Envirothon Appeal…………………………………………………………..50
Conservation District Intent to Sponsor a Team…………………………………………………………..51
School/Team Registration…………………………………………………………..52
Reservation/Payment (Sponsor District) …………………………………………………………..53
Medical Information/Release Form …………………………………………………………..54
Parental Consent/Photo Release Form…………………………………………………………..55
Spectator Registration…………………………………………………………..56
Introduction and Goals
The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (IASCD), sponsors of the statewide Envirothon program, welcomes you to Idaho Envirothon 2016! By participating in the Idaho Envirothon you have become part of our state’s environmental education history. This advisers’ guide contains information necessary for successful participation in this event.
The Envirothon is the ultimate natural resource education experience. Over the course of several months of previous classroom study, participants prepare themselves for competition in the areas of Soils/Land Use, Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife and this year’s current issue – Invasive Species”
Designed to foster cooperation and teamwork, five-member teams are tested on their basic knowledge in these topic areas and ability to apply that knowledge to solve real-life problems. Problem solving and teamwork are skills that will enhance the participants’ ability to take leadership roles after high school or college, no matter what their chosen field or career.
The Envirothon began in a single county of Pennsylvania in 1979. The program had such appeal that by 1988, it had expanded into three states and had taken on a national scope. The program has since grown to include more than 50 states and Canadian provinces and is North American’s largest high school environmental competition. Idaho joined the Envirothon “family” in 1992.
The overall goal of the Envirothon is to promote natural resource education in a manner that succeeding generations will be environmentally literate, with the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding the environment.
All questions regarding the Idaho Envirothon may be directed to Tamra Cikaitoga, Yellowstone (208) 624-7266 or Karma Bragg, Custer SWCD at (208) 879-4428
More information regarding the North American Envirothon Program may be found at
How Does the Competition Work?
The competition is based on instructional stationsand oral presentations, all of which address a current issue developed by the North American Envirothon committee.
Students competing as a five-member team, rotate through a series of five teaching/testing stations where they receive instruction from natural resource professionals. For example, a forester may conduct the forestry station and a soil scientist can be expected to coordinate the activities at the soils station. The students receive instruction and may conduct a variety of hands-on experiments at each teaching/testing station.
Subsequent to the teaching portion at each of the five teaching/testing stations, each team will be given a written test. The test is to be taken as a team with all team members participating in answering the questions. Each team’s preliminary oral presentation will also be done on a rotation basis at a presentation station. (See Guidelines for Envirothon 2016, pg.17 for details)
The oral presentation will be based on a hypothetical problem scenario (reflecting the current theme) that students must solve as a team. The scenario will be provided onsite during the Idaho Envirothon.
Scores from the written tests and preliminary oral presentation are combined to determine team placement. The fiveteams having the highest scores will advance to the final oral presentation round.
During the final round, teams again give their oral presentation to a panel of judges. Final team placement will be determined by the cumulative scores of the written tests and the final round of the oral presentation.
All teams should review this Idaho Envirothon Advisers Guidebook to become familiar with the rules and guidelines. Also, take the time to review the North American Envirothon competition overview at
Envirothon 2016
The current issue for the 2016Envirothon is “Invasive Species”.
A Schedule of Events will be posted on and distributed onsite the first day of competition. For additional information, contact your local Conservation District or to Tamra Cikaitoga, Yellowstone (208) 624-7266 or Karma Bragg, Custer SWCD at (208) 879-4428
Awards and Recognition
The first place team will have the opportunity to represent Idaho at the 2016 National Conservation Foundation Envirothon competition in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. The event, featuring teams from throughout the United States and Canada, will be held July 24 – July 29 at Trent University. 80% of the events registration fees and travel will be provided to the first place winning team by Idaho Envirothon. The other 20% is the winning teams responsibility.
The second place winning team will receive $500; third place $300; fourth place $200, and $100 to the team placing fifth. Team advisors will be encouraged to spend the awards on materials, or items, promoting natural resource education.
Teams receiving the highest test score at each station will also be recognized at the awards
ceremony.
What is expected of the Winning Team
This year being the winner of the Idaho Envirothon means you get to travel to another country. Meaning your whole team will have to get passports.Passports take a while to obtain so this process needs to be started as soon as you return home. If your team isn’t willing or able to get passports then you may forfeit your trip and the second place winners will take your place. The Envirothon committee needs to know as so as possible if this is going to be the case so the second place winners have plenty of time to obtain their passports and start reviewing the study guide themselves.
The 1st place team is required to attend 3 study sessions prior to the national event. These events will be set up by the State committee. Study sessions will be held via video conference or conference calling. The 2nd place team is also invited to attend study sessions in case of 1st place team defaulting.
Fundraising is encouraged for each team prior to and after the state event. If your team is the winning team with an opportunity to represent Idaho at the National Event, you should anticipate that 20% of the total cost will be your team’s responsibility. The state committee will be financing the remaining 80% of the balance (Total Anticipated Budget is $11,000). As soon as the winning team is known a deposit of 10% is due to the committee. The remaining 10% is due within 60 days. All deposits are non-refundable.
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Idaho Envirothon Facilities:
Living Waters Ranch
April 25 and 26, 2016
Idaho Envirothon welcomes you to Living Waters Ranch! The Envirothon offers a challenging yet fun competition. We look forward to your participation and the opportunity to make new friends.
Living Waters Ranch is approximately 4.2 miles west of Junction US 93 and the town of Challis. The ranch is located on 142 acres along a stream surrounded by a beautiful mountain view. There is a bunk capacity of 120 and the Lodge has three rooms that sleep 50. Bunkhouse rooms sleep 15 and have a sitting area with two futon couches. Guests staying in bunkhouses will need to bring sleeping bags, pillows, towels and toiletries.
During the month of April (when the competition is held), we have experienced weather ranging from blowing, cold snow to hot sunshine. Please be prepared and dress accordingly.
NOTE: All Envirothon Teams are required to stay on site, in assigned bunkhouses and bunks.
Private bed and bath units are available. Living Waters Ranch also has RV hookups and sites for tent camping. This facility is designed as a religious retreat; however they do allow other groups and organizations to use the site.
Rules prohibit any illegal drugs, tobacco or alcohol use or possession on the grounds.
CHECK-IN upon arrival is mandatory.
Living Waters Ranch Accommodations for Support Staff/Spectators
On-Site Accommodations for Envirothon 2016
- Bunk Facilities/per person/per day
- Small motel unit with private bath, 2 twin beds
- Chalets, 2 or 3 bdrm-kitch/DR/LR (2 people)
- R.V. Hook-ups/no hook-ups (2 people)
- Tent sites (2 people)
- Extra person daily rate for RV or tent sites
NOTE: Students and advisers will be placed in the bunkhouses. Room and board fees are covered under the registration fee of $200.00. Teams will be required to stay on site.
NOTE:Advisors are discouraged from bringing children. However, if they need to come, you need to make your own arrangements for housing, plus need to have your own sitter.
Please contact Living Waters Ranch for rates
ALL arrangements must be pre-paid!
Registration for Individual Participants: $40.00 and includes all meals
Off-Site Accommodations for Envirothon 2016
North Gate InnVillage Inn Motel/Restaurant Holiday Lodge Motel
Highway 93 Highway 93 Highway 93
Challis, ID 83226 Challis, ID 83226 Challis, ID 83226
Ph: (208) 879-2490 Ph: (208) 879-2239 Ph: (208) 879-2259
NOTE:
Because absolutely no illegal drugs, tobacco or alcohol are allowed on the Living Waters Ranch property, we recommend that anyone who may not be able to observe this request, stay at an off-site accommodation in Challis. All of the above listed motels offer clean and comfortable accommodations with reasonable rates.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, April 25, 2016
12:30 p.m.Registration (Teams will be given bunkhouse assignments and an information packet at registration)
1:00 p.m. Educational Trailers: For students learning
1:30 p.m.Opening Session/Welcome (Celebration Hall)
1:45Orientation –
Emergency Evacuation Plan if needed
2:00-3:00Presentations: Group #1 Aquatics
Group #2 Current Issue-Invasive Species
3:00-3:15Tests
4:15-5:00 Presentations: Group #2 Aquatics
Group #1 Current Issue-Invasive Species
5:15 -5:30Tests
5:45Dinner
6:15Display (Poster) Judges Orientation –Celebration Hall
6:45Teams provided Current Issue problem
(Posters/Markers/Note Cards will be provided to teams)
7:45Mandatory Advisor’s Meeting with Planning Committee – Celebration Hall
10:30All presentation materials are gathered, bagged, labeled and locked
up for the night
11:00Lights out
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
7:00 a.m.Breakfast
(move presentation materials to assigned locations)
7:30Preliminary Oral Presentation Judges Orientation
7:45Morning Welcome to Teams and Presenters
8:00 a.m.Rotations begin: This includes a rotation for Preliminary Oral Presentations
(based on 3 to 4 teams in each the rotation-total 18 teams)
First Station08:00 - 08:45
Test08:45 - 09:00
Rotation move09:00 - 09:05
Second Station09:05 - 09:50
Test 09:50 - 10:05
Rotation move 10:05 - 10:10
Third Station 10:10 - 10:55
Test 10:55 - 11:10
Rotation move 11:10 - 11:15
Fourth Station 11:15 - 12:00
Test 12:00 - 12:15
11:30 Final Round Judges Orientation
12:15 pmLunch (Celebration Hall)
01:15pmBunkhouse inspections *See explanation below
01:30 pm Final Round of Oral Presentations (teams draw for presentation order)
1st Team01:30 – 01:45
2nd Team01:45 – 02:00
3rd Team02:00 – 02:15
4th Team02:15 – 02:30
5th Team02:30 – 02:45
02:45 pmSnack – Check in all Equipment (clip boards, lanyards, supplies)
03:15 pmAwards Presentation
*Teams meet with their assigned Envirothon team leader (adviser usually) for bunkhouse inspection before leaving the Envirothon site. Any team that does not follow check out procedures will be subject to a $25 cleaning fee. Bunkhouse inspections shall be performed before leaving site, according to checkout list provided to each team at registration.
For Advisers
The adviser is the backbone of the Envirothon team. This individual serves to organize the team, motivate the members and provide materials pertinent to the Envirothon program.
Throughout the year, the adviser guides the team’s preparation for the competition. The major components of the adviser’s job is teaching team skillsand providing learning opportunities in each of the Envirothon categories. The adviser has a tremendous responsibility and is to be congratulated for making such an important contribution to the growth of the team members in knowledge and experience.
Before the Competition (Advisers)
Maintain close contact with your local Conservation District Office (A directory is included in this handbook, page 43). Ensure the following checklist is completed.
(Note: All fees must be paid prior to the competition.)
1. Ensure team members are trained in each of the five focus areas – Soils/Land Use, Aquatic
Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife and the current issue. Students should be prepared for college entry
level material and testing (see “Learning Objectives” starting on page 19).
2. Locate resource materials and classroom presenters for the current issue:“Invasive Species”
Suggestion:Go to the following websites, or and invite resourceprofessionalsto theclassroom(i.e, Bureau of Land Management, Natural Resources Conservation Service).
3. Contact your local conservation district office(page 44) to confirm attendance at the 2016
program and to request sponsorship of your team(s). Complete and return the “School/Team
Registration (page 52) form to Idaho Envirothon, ATTN: Robbie Taylor.Deadline: March 15, 2016.
4. Have parent or guardian complete and return bothforms: the “Medical Information/
Release Form” (page 54), “Parental Consent/Photo release Form” (page 55).
Deadline: March 15, 2016.
5. Confirm that your sponsoring Conservation District Office has paid registration fees, when
applicable.
6. Arrange transportation to the competition (If assistance is needed, contact your
Conservation District Office.).
7. Team members and advisers must be familiar with all rules of the Idaho Envirothon.
Arriving at the Competition
BE ON TIME! Allow ample time to reach the competition site. Arrive thirty minutes prior to the assigned registration time. The first meal will be served at 5:45 p.m. on Monday night. Teams arriving before lunch or after dinner must make their own meal arrangements. Teams will be provided with bunkhouse assignments and team packets.
*Please notify Karma Bragg, , 208-879-4428, before arriving to the competition should there be any changes in team members, especially if there is a gender change.
Advisers should accompany their team to the orientation. Be certain team members understand all instructions.
Advisers may NOT consult with or accompany their team once the competition begins. However, advisers may choose to rotate through the teaching/testing stations with a team other than their own, if wishing to observe.
Conservation Project (optional)
Prior to the Idaho Envirothon, each team may choose and implement an actualconservation project that impacts their community and addresses natural resource concerns. This is an optional exercise, however, teams can earn an additional 25 points by creating a display describing an actual conservation project planned and implemented by the team during the year.
Conservation projects must be hands-on projects implemented by the team that address a natural resource problem and possible solutions. The solutions should include involvement of the community, and possible impacts on the community and watershed. All conservation projects should address two or more of the Envirothon’s areas of focus-soils/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife or“Invasive Species”.
The conservation project must be completed prior to the Envirothon and summarized in the form of a display at the competition. (See rules below)
Conservation Project Display
Displays must reflect two or more areas of Envirothon focus: soils/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife or “Invasive Species”.
The display may be a combination of photographs, art work, newspaper clippings, text or other items featured on a poster board.
The overall poster display may not exceed 36X48 inches.
Displays exceeding 36X48 inches will be disqualified
Displays will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Addresses two or more Envirothon areas of focus.
2. Shows direct involvement of the team members.
3. Demonstrates a link between the environmental concerns, community and any agencies
involved.
4. Contains project results and conclusions.
Preliminary Oral Presentation
The oral presentation will be based on solving a problem scenario that reflects the current issue: “Invasive Species”. The current issue problem scenario will be given out at the competitionfollowing dinner on the first day. The preliminary oral presentation will be part ofthe rotation schedule on Tuesday.
b) All materials (poster board, flip charts, easels, markers and other appropriate
supplies and equipment) will be furnished to each team. Teams are
encouraged to be creative with the contents of the materials given to them in
the bag with no limitations to the amount of visual aids. However, they cannot
use the bag in which the materials were provided. Teams may NOT use cell phones or
other electronic devices during the preparation of their presentation (or any other time
during the competition).
c) Teams will be given a maximum of 4 hours to prepare their presentation (Monday evening).
d) Teams are only allowed to use those materials obtained from, and personal notes
taken at, the current issue presentation (Monday). No other outside materials or
information may be used or brought to the competition.
e) No electronic visual aids may be used.
f) Envirothon shirts will be worn visibly during team presentations. No other clothing
which indicates represented school, city or district may be visible.
g) All team members must participate in the 10-12 minute oral presentation.
(Teams will be penalized a total of 10 points for oral presentations lasting less than 10
minutes or more than 12 minutes).
h) Judges may conduct a five minute question and answer period following each oral