Topics

Areas of Study

The key points highlighted within each area of study will provide you with a good idea about what you need to know to compete at the Texas Envirothon. Advisors may use them as a guide to design effective curricula, educational resources, and testing scenarios. Details and study materials can be found in the Texas Envirothon Study Guide.

Download 2009 TEKS Correlations

Current Issue

As the Current Issue changes from year to year, the learning objectives for this area are slightly different than the others. These learning objectives seek to distill the core concepts and skills that we want the students to bring to any current issue study, whatever the particular topic may be for that year.

• View the NCF-Envirothon Current Issue Learning Objectives
• Study Guide: Current Issue

Aquatics

• Identify the processes and phases for each part of the water cycle
• Describe the chemical and physical properties of water and explain their importance for freshwater and saltwater ecosystems
• Discuss methods of conserving water and reducing point and non-point source pollution
• Analyze the interaction of competing uses of water supply, hydropower, navigation, wildlife, recreation, waste assimilation, irrigation, industry, and others
• Identify common aquatic organisms through the use of a key
• Delineate the watershed boundary for a small water body
• Be able to explain the different types of aquifers and how each type relates to water quality and quantity
• Briefly describe the benefits of wetlands, both function and value
• Describe the changes to the aquatic ecosystem based on alteration to the aquatic habitat
• Know methods used to assess and manage aquatic environments and utilize water quality information to assess the general water quality of a given body of water (includes sampling techniques, water quality parameters used to monitor point and non-point source pollution)
• Be familiar with major methods and laws used to protect water quality (surface and ground water) and utilize this information to make management decisions to improve the quality of water in a given situation
• View the NCF-Envirothon Aquatic Ecology Learning Objectives
• Study Guide: Aquatics

Forestry

• Identify common trees without a key and identify specific or unusual species of trees or shrubs through the use of a key
• Understand forest ecology concepts and factors affecting them, including the relationship between soil and forest types, tree communities, regeneration, competition, and succession
• Understand the cause/effect relationship of factors affecting tree growth and forest development (climate, insects, microorganisms, etc.)
• Understand how wildlife habitat relates to forest communities, forest species, forest age structure, snags and den trees, availability of food, and riparian zones
• Understand the value of trees in urban and suburban settings and factors affecting their health and survival
• Understand how the following issues are affected by forest health and management: biological diversity, forest fragmentation, air quality, fire, and recreation
• Understand basic forest management concepts and tools such as: how various silvicultural practices are utilized, the use of tree measuring devices, and best management practices
• Identify complex factors which influences forest management decisions (economics, social, and ecological)
• Apply silviculture concepts and methods to develop general management recommendations for a particular situation and management goals
• View the NCF-Envirothon Forestry Learning Objectives
• Study Guide: Forestry

Soils and Land Use

• Recognize soil as an important resource
• Describe basic soil properties and formation factors
• Understand soil drainage classes and know how wetlands are defined
• Determine basic soil properties and limitations, such as mottling and permeability, by observing a soil pit or soil profile
• Identify types of soil erosion and discuss methods for reducing erosion
• Utilize soil information, including soil surveys, in land use planning
• Discuss how soil is a factor in, or impacted by non-point source pollution
• View the NCF-Envirothon Soils and Land Use Learning Objectives
• Study Guide: Soils and Land Use

Wildlife

• Identify common wildlife species and wildlife signs (keys will be used for more extensive identification)
• Identify basic wildlife survival needs
• Describe specific adaptations of wildlife to their environment and role in the ecosystem
• Describe predator/prey relationships and examples
• Describe the potential impact of the introduction of non-native species
• Describe the major factors affecting threatened and endangered species and methods used to improve the populations of these species
• Describe ways habitat can be improved for specific species by knowing their requirements
• Discuss the concepts of carrying capacity and limiting factors
• Discuss various ways the public and wildlife managers can help in the protection, conservation, management, and enhancement of wildlife populations
• Describe food chains/webs and cite examples
• Describe factors that limit or enhance population growth
• Evaluate a given habitat for its suitability for designated species, given a description of their habitat needs
• View the NCF-Envirothon Wildlife Learning Objectives
• Study Guide: Wildlife