EnviroChallenge 2018

Transcription

1 EnviroChallenge 2018

2 What is Envirochallenge? Welcome! Envirochallenge is a program that integrates fifth and high school students in the realm of environmental science. It is an enrichment program in a competition format. The genesis of this endeavor spawns from the Envirothon program. The Envirothon program began as a high school competition in Pennsylvania over twenty years ago. It has now grown into the Canon Envirothon, the largest environmental high school competition in North America. The Envirochallenge is a similar endeavor in which fifth grade students from our district will compete in various areas of environmental science under the direction of the Penncrest High School Envirothon team. The goals of this program include environmental enrichment for fifth grade students, a cooperative learning experience, collaboration between high school and fifth grade students and teachers, and a fun exciting outdoor experience that will hopefully spark further interest in the field of environmental science. In 2004 over 30 fifth graders participated from two elementary schools and since then over hundreds of students from all four elementary schools have participated How does Envirochallenge work? Envirochallenge is a competition in which teams of five to eight fifth graders compete in five categories of environmental science. The five categories are wildlife, aquatics, soils, forestry, and alternative energy. There they will be tested on various objectives in that topic in an outdoor setting. Teams will be evaluated through identification and other hands-on activities, as well as short answers to written questions. Testing stations will consist of testing, review, and an associated activity. Each station will be worth 100 points combining for a total of 500 possible points. The team with the most total points will be the winner. Prizes will be awarded for the overall and individual station winners. How do teams prepare for Envirochallenge? Even though this is a competition, the primary goal is to make it fun and educational for the students in a different setting than that of the classroom. Attached is a list of objectives and resources for each category. The materials are all Internet sites. The sites are listed by objective. Many of these objectives meet the Pennsylvania environmental science standards. Since this program is an enrichment program, some of the objectives and concepts may be new to the students; however, some of the objectives are covered in the elementary school science curriculum. Hopefully this compilation of resources will provide teachers with materials that could supplement their curriculum in addition to preparing for this event. The degree of training that your students receive is optional depending on the amount of time made available. Since this is primarily enrichment, the preparation could fall mostly on the students. A distribution of the resource list, with some basic instructions on what to look for, would be enough to get them started. You may enter teams without using the resources for preparation; however, preparation is recommended in order for them to get the most from this learning experience and to be successful at the competition. Teachers may enter more than one team. Electronic versions of all the resources can be found on Mr. Samilenko s web page under the Envirochallenge link.

3 When and where? Date: Wednesday April 25 th 2018 Where: Ridley Creek State Park Site 11A Tentative Schedule 9:30 - Arrival at the park 9:50 10:00 Introductions and Instructions 10:00 10:30 Station 1* 10:30 11:00 Station 2* 11:00 11:30 Station 3* 11:30 12:00 Lunch 12:00 12:30 Station 4* 12:30 1:00 Station 5* 1:00 1:30 Station 6* 1:30 2:00 Awards and closing Announcements 2:00 Departure * Teams will be cycled through the five testing stations and the non-testing station. During the ½ hour station testing the students do the following: - Receive instructions about the station and the test. - Take the test. - Review the test. - Conduct team activity or game.

4 Forestry Essential topics and Objectives: 1) Tree Knowledge a) Identify the following tree species with the use of a key. Maple, Red oak, White oak, dogwood, White pine, Eastern Hemlock, American Beech, American sycamore, Hickory, White ash b) Describe tree growth and life cycle c) Explain the effects of the environment on tree growth (shade tolerance of various species) (visual identification key for leaves) (key for leave and tree identification) Tree + Me = Forestry pgs , 16-17, Trees+Me=Forestry 2) Knowledge of forest ecology a) Describe how a forest is structured (canopy, understory, and ground layers) b) Describe the process of forest succession c) Describe how wildlife depend one forest succession Tree + Me = Forestry pgs. 1, Trees+Me=Forestry 3) Knowledge of forest resources a) Describe the forest a resource by listing various forest products b) Describe the values and benefits of forests for recreation, wildlife and watershed quality Tree + Me = Forestry pgs. 4-7 Trees+Me=Forestry 4) Protection of Forest Resources a) Describe the cause effects and types of wildfires (new) b) Explain why forests must be protected from forest fires c) Explain how fires can be prevented and controlled Addition Resources for Tree Identification (These are upper level sources; however, the photographs may be useful) Peterson Field Guild to Eastern Trees Dendrology at Virginia Tech

5 Wildlife Essential Topics and Objectives: 1. Knowledge of Birds and Mammals a) Answer questions concerning the natural history of PA wild birds and mammal species. b) 50 Birds and Mammals c) Identify PA birds and mammal from clues on their natural history 50 Birds and Mammals d) Identify wildlife species from specimens, signs (fur, tracks feathers, songs,) or pictures (see Identification list) PGC Wildlife Notes Bird Songs Type enature: Field guides into a search engine. Search for the specific animals (attached Identification list) from the guides. Pa wildlife video 2. Understanding Wildlife Ecology a) Name the various trophic levels of a food chain and cite examples of food chains and food webs Flow of Energy Food chains, Food Webs, and Energy pyramid video b) Describe predator-prey relations and cite examples Defense Mechanisms c) Describe the basic needs for survival and adaptations of animals to their environment Top 10 Animal Adaptations The Truth about Adaptation Our Wild Neighbors 3. Conservation, protection and Management of wildlife a) Describe various ways people can enhance and manage wildlife habitats and populations and protect against invasive species Wildlife Management

6 Wildlife continued Animal Identification list White-tailed Deer Wild Turkey Black Bear Groundhog Gray Squirrel Red Fox Raccoon Opossum Ruffed Grouse Beaver Coyote Cotton-tailed rabbit Bird call list Wild Turkey Northern Cardinal American Crow Blue Jay Mallard Duck

7 Aquatics Essential Topics and Objectives: 1. Abiotic Components of Aquatic Ecosystems a) Identify the six basic steps of the water cycle and how they influence aquatic ecosystems Water Cycle Video The Water Cycle for Kids Water Cycle USGS The sites below are more in depth on each process and provide definitions of all 6 processes: Precipitation Condensation Evaporation Evapotranspiration Infiltration Runoff b) Describe the various physical and chemical properties of water Water Properties: Facts and Figures Water Properties ph c) Be able to define a watershed and explain their importance to people and the environment We all live in a Watershed Know your Watershed 2. Biotic Components of Aquatic Ecosystems a) List and describe the basic parts of an aquatic food web Aquatic 2 - PLAY issues (slide show) b) Identify basic fish anatomy as well as how this anatomy allows them to adapt to their environment. All About Fish Internal Anatomy Fish Anatomy How Fish Swim

8 c) Identify common Pa fish species for Identification only - (see list) Know your Bass Is it a Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Sunfish Family Tree All About Trout American Eel d) Identify common PA reptile and amphibian species (see list) Introduction to Amphibians What is an Amphibian Where do Amphibians live Introduction to Reptiles What is a Reptile e) Describe the two different types of life cycles of aquatic insects and cite examples ENA or ELPA 3. Aquatic Resource Issues a) List and describe various forms of non-point source pollution and cite examples Non-point Source Pollution b) List three invasive species or introduced species and discuss their affects on aquatic ecosystems. Pa Least Wanted From There to Here Ten Least Wanted 4. Aquatic Resource Management and Protection Describe various methods around your home that can reduce water pollution and conserve water Clean Water Kid's Water Conservation Corner Non point water pollution Fish Identification list Brook Trout Rainbow Trout Bluegill Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Catfish (any species) Pumpkinseed American eel Reptile and Amphibian list Green Frog Bull Frog Black Rat Snake Garter Snake Box Turtle

9 Soils Essential Topics and Objectives: 1. Basic Soil Composition A) List and describe the four basic components of soil and their appropriate percentages in an ideal agricultural soil. Four Major Components of Soil B) Describe the basic textures particles of soil and be able to determine soil texture through a feel test. Soil Types C) Describe the three primary plant nutrients that plants get form soil. Explain how each of these nutrients are important to plants. Nutrients from Soil 2. Soil Formation A) Describe the processes and terms associated with physical, chemical and biological weathering. Mechanical Weathering Chemical Weathering Biotic Weathering B) Describe the four basic soil horizons of a soil profile and what is found in each. Soil video 3. Soil Ecosystem A) Explain the role of decomposers and earthworms in a soil ecosystem. Parts of the Food Chain (focus on decomposers) Biodiversity 4. Soil Management and protection A) Student will be able to explain the environmental importance of composting organic matter. Explain the general process and components of composting. Composting for Kids B) Explain the concept of soil erosion and why it is a problem Soil erosion video Soil Erosion C) Explain the process of crop rotation as a management practice and why it maintains soil quality. Crop Rotation

10 Alternative Energies Essential Topics and Objectives: 1. Energy Classifications A) Distinguish the two basic types of energy (kinetic vs. potential) and various forms in which they exist. What is Energy B) Explain the difference between renewable vs. non-renewable energy sources by listing examples Energy Kids: What is Energy Nonrenewable Renewable C) Describe the ways society is dependent upon and uses energy Using and Saving Energy 2. Alternative Energy A) Explain the technology, benefits, and limitations of the following alternative energies: i. Biomass Biomass ii. Geothermal Geothermal iii. Solar Solar iv. Nuclear (Uranium) Uranium v. Hydropower Hydro vi. Wind Wind vii. Hydrogen Hydrogen 3. Energy conservation A) Be able to list various practices that can save energy in your home Using and Saving Energy Saving Energy B) Define energy conservation and efficiency. Describe how energy can be conserved through the reduction, reuse, and recycling of our resources. Recycling Additional fun activities Energy Hog Energy Quest