Envirothon

Burrell competes at Envirothon

Burrell Environmental Club was given the opportunity to attend the 2023 Envirothon. Envirothon is a competition that is attended by different high schools in Westmoreland County.  Students rotate around to different science based stations and identify different organisms and concepts that are related to each station. These stations consisted of Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils and Land Use, Wildlife, and Current Issues- Climate Change. Schools were split up into different groups. There were a total of four groups per school consisting of 4-5 people per group. Each station required the teams to take a test to challenge their knowledge on each subject, but some had hands-on activities as well.  During the Aquatic station students were given a table of aquatic specimens to label and a test about different organisms whose habitat is water. The Forestry station had teams measure tree rings/diameters.  Soils and Land Use was a more hands on station where students were given a bucket of soil to help complete the test. The Wildlife station was set up with pictures of different wildlife habitats in PA that students were supposed to identify. Students were also given the opportunity to use binoculars to find certain birds around the area. The Climate Change station was a standardized test. The Burrell Environmental Club engaged in each station with a strong mind and tested their knowledge of Environmental Science. President Ella Freshwater stated, “It was Burrell's first time competing so it was all very new but we had a great time!”

After counting all the scores up sadly Burrell didn't place, meaning the team did not move on to the state competition. But, everyone involved put their all into into the event and stayed positive the entire time. Afterwards, Ms. Zolocsik shared how she felt the experience, “The students prepared well for the Envirothon and really put in their best effort at all of the stations. Although they did not make it to states, I was impressed with their dedication to learning more about the environment and environmental issues." Overall Burrell's first appearance at Envirothon was a success and hopefully the club will be able to attend next year!