Team Rocket Takes the Lead at Montgomery County Envirothon!
Mark Rockman, DEP Aquatic Biologist
On Wednesday March 28th, Montgomery County Public School students competed in the county’s Envirothon competition at the Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood. A total of 23 teams from four high schools (Blair, Richard Montgomery, Wooton, and Poolesville) entered the event. The winners, “Team Rocket” from Blair High School, will go on to the state competition.
Students test the soil to determine composition.
The Maryland Envirothon is a competition for high school students interested in pursuing studies or a career in environmental sciences. It also provides an opportunity for students to win college scholarships. The Envirothon provides a hands-on approach to learning about the environment and gives students an opportunity to solve real world problems in a team format. The Envirothon focuses on five main areas:
- Wildlife
- Forestry
- Soils
- Aquatics
- Environmental Issues (current topic of interest)
Students are tested in each of the five areas, and in addition, must give an oral presentation on the chosen “Enviromental Issue” topic. The winners from each county’s competition go on to the state competition, which is on June 20th and 21st at St. James School in St. James, Maryland. Winners from the state competition will compete in the 2012 Canon Envirothon against teams from across the United States and Canada. This competition will take place from July 22nd through July 28th at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.
If you are a high school student (or have kids in high school) interested in environmental topics, this competition provides great experience and exposure to topics not commonly taught in the classroom. It is a great way to learn and get involved while enjoying the great outdoors. To find out more about the contest, make a tax deductable contribution, or become a sponsor, please visit the Environthon website and contact your local soil conservation district.
Team Rocket pictured with teachers, advisors and event volunteers.