Bismarck Envirothon inspires Teens to Reconnect with nature
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A unique high school competition in Bismarck,North Dakota,is fostering a new generation of environmental stewards by directly engaging students with the natural world.
Bismarck is set to host an “Envirothon” competition designed to immerse high school students in critical environmental issues.The event, taking place on October 8th at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, challenges teams to apply their knowledge across a spectrum of topics – from forestry and water quality to wildlife management.
The Envirothon isn’t simply about rote memorization. Teams navigate a designated trail, tackling real-world problems and answering questions that test their understanding of complex ecological concepts. Scores are tallied collectively, determining the winning team.
“As I’m working with kids throughout the year, we’re noticing they’re not spending as much time outdoors, and that we really create a disconnect between our students and the natural resources. And so Envirothon is really a cool possibility to bring high school-aged kids out to nature.”
Beth Hill, outreach and education manager for the North Dakota Forest Service, highlighted a growing concern: a diminishing connection between young people and the habitat. The Envirothon directly addresses this issue by providing a hands-on,immersive learning experience.
Students who excel at the local competition will have the opportunity to advance to the state envirothon competition in May.
The Growing Importance of Environmental Education
Environmental education is increasingly recognized as vital for addressing global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Programs like Envirothon play a crucial role in equipping future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and advocate for sustainable practices. The trend towards experiential learning – learning by doing – is gaining momentum in education, as studies show it leads to deeper understanding and retention.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bismarck Envirothon
- what is the Envirothon?
- The envirothon is a high school competition focused on environmental science, challenging students with hands-on problem-solving and knowledge-based questions.
- what environmental topics does the Envirothon cover?
- The Envirothon covers a wide range of topics, including forestry, water resources, soil and land use, wildlife, and current environmental issues.
- When and where is the Bismarck Envirothon taking place?
- The Bismarck Envirothon will be held on October 8th at the North dakota game and Fish Department.
- Is there a state-level Envirothon competition?
- Yes, teams that perform well at the local Bismarck Envirothon will have the chance to compete at the state level in May.
- Why is it critically important to reconnect students with nature?
- As Beth Hill of the North Dakota Forest Service points out, many students are spending less time outdoors, creating a disconnect from natural resources. The Envirothon aims to bridge that gap.
- Who organizes the Envirothon in North Dakota?
- The Envirothon is organized through a collaborative effort involving organizations like the North Dakota Forest Service and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
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