On February 27th, our APES and marine science teacher, Mrs. Dobbs, and five students including Caroline Kokan, Fiona Spulock, Eve Hampson, Nora Freeman, and Ava Curtis headed to the 4-H center in Columbiana AL to compete in the state level of the 2025 Envirothon. At this competition, students get the opportunity to learn about our environment, how it affects us, how we affect it, and what we can do to help.
On Thursday the 27th, students checked in and then rotated through four classes focused on the main factors of our environment: aquatics, forestry, wildlife, and soils. Once these classes were done, students were given time to study with their teams or explore the 4-H center. Activities at the 4-H center include canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and animal sanctuaries like the raptors and the reptile room.
On Friday the 28th, each team was rotated through four collaborative tests on the topics they had classes on the previous day. The scores from this test would show each team’s initial ranking out of the 23 teams present. Bob Jones scored fourth place overall. The rest of the score would be determined by the complex issue presentation the students would complete and present the next day.
This year, the complex issue handled Alabama’s forests and their resilience in the face of environmental factors like climate change and invasive species. Each team had about 5 hours to complete their presentation. They had no internet access, only the resources provided for them and any notes they happened to take prior. Each team was to create a solution to this problem and detail the steps they would take to enact it.
On Saturday the 1st, each team was given a time slot in which they were to present. The first round of presentations occurred in front of three judges. Each presentation had to be at least 17 minutes long with a 5 minute questioning period. After the presentations, the top three teams would be selected to present again in front of six more judges and all of the teams who didn’t leave after the announcement.
Bob Jones did their second presentation and ended up getting second place overall! This event was a great experience for everyone who attended and will continue to be in the years to come!
