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Nature Sleuth Eco-Meet Competition Grades 4-6The Nature Sleuth Eco-Meet is a team competition between area schools in the East Central Illinois region. Eco-Meet promotes a better understanding and use of our natural and cultural resources. School teams are made up of a handful of students in grades 4th, 5th, and 6th. The competition is open to any school in the area. Awards and plaques are given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. The Nature Sleuth Eco-Meet is a joint effort between the Douglas-Hart Nature Center and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (who host the JV and Varsity levels of Eco-Meet). For more information, view the rules page. If you have additional questions about Eco-Meet, please contact the Education Director at 217-235-4644 or email programs@dhnature.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
How many students can be on a team?
A team may be comprised of a maximum of four students from the same school. A team can compete with only three students if desired. During each test, only three students may compete. The fourth student will serve as an alternate. A different alternate can be chosen for each event.
Schools may also opt to have a student coach, but this individual cannot participate in test taking.
How can we prepare for Eco-Meet?
STUDY! STUDY! STUDY! Coaches are responsible for providing study materials to participants and preparing them for the event. We encourage coaches to provide team study sessions with flashcards, trivia games, etc. based on this year's study guides to prepare students. Anything in this study guide has the potential to be on the test. Pay close attention to words in bold, diagrams, and charts – it’s easy to pull questions using that information. Study guides become available at the beginning of September.
What can we expect during the event?
Upon arrival, teams will find a location on the property as a meeting space. Staff will welcome teams, give an overview of the schedule, and then call the first students in for Test #1. Testing may be inside or outside depending on weather. After completing the tests, students will return to their team's meeting space. Students have up to 40 minutes per test with 5 minutes in between. After testing is completed, teams will enjoy lunch, free time, and then special fun centers. After tests are graded, we will have an award ceremony where 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be recognized. All participants will receive a participation goodie bag, then the event will commence.
Is lunch provided?
YES! New to 2023, we will provide a hotdog lunch with chips and s'mores for all coaches and participants. Participants will take turns roasting their hotdogs and marshmallows over the campfire. If inclement weather that doesn't allow for a fire, hotdogs will be preheated. If participants have dietary restrictions, it will be up to the individuals/schools to provide an alternative option.
What should we bring?
Please send each participant with a pencil (or two) and a clipboard. Extra clipboards and pencils will be available during testing. We encourage teams to bring blankets or lawn chairs if they will choose an outdoor location as their meeting space. However, we do have picnic tables and benches on site. Pro-tip: teams often bring copies of the study guides to study before taking tests. Study guides are not permitted in the test taking area.
How many students can be on a team?
A team may be comprised of a maximum of four students from the same school. A team can compete with only three students if desired. During each test, only three students may compete. The fourth student will serve as an alternate. A different alternate can be chosen for each event.
Schools may also opt to have a student coach, but this individual cannot participate in test taking.
How can we prepare for Eco-Meet?
STUDY! STUDY! STUDY! Coaches are responsible for providing study materials to participants and preparing them for the event. We encourage coaches to provide team study sessions with flashcards, trivia games, etc. based on this year's study guides to prepare students. Anything in this study guide has the potential to be on the test. Pay close attention to words in bold, diagrams, and charts – it’s easy to pull questions using that information. Study guides become available at the beginning of September.
What can we expect during the event?
Upon arrival, teams will find a location on the property as a meeting space. Staff will welcome teams, give an overview of the schedule, and then call the first students in for Test #1. Testing may be inside or outside depending on weather. After completing the tests, students will return to their team's meeting space. Students have up to 40 minutes per test with 5 minutes in between. After testing is completed, teams will enjoy lunch, free time, and then special fun centers. After tests are graded, we will have an award ceremony where 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be recognized. All participants will receive a participation goodie bag, then the event will commence.
Is lunch provided?
YES! New to 2023, we will provide a hotdog lunch with chips and s'mores for all coaches and participants. Participants will take turns roasting their hotdogs and marshmallows over the campfire. If inclement weather that doesn't allow for a fire, hotdogs will be preheated. If participants have dietary restrictions, it will be up to the individuals/schools to provide an alternative option.
What should we bring?
Please send each participant with a pencil (or two) and a clipboard. Extra clipboards and pencils will be available during testing. We encourage teams to bring blankets or lawn chairs if they will choose an outdoor location as their meeting space. However, we do have picnic tables and benches on site. Pro-tip: teams often bring copies of the study guides to study before taking tests. Study guides are not permitted in the test taking area.
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2023 Participating School Teams: Central A&M/Gregory Intermediate Cowden Herrick Elementary Cumberland Middle School Jefferson Elementary Monroe/Casey-Westfield Moulton Middle School Neoga Elementary Shiloh Jr High St. John's Lutheran School Tuscola East Prairie Windsor Elementary |
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Congratulations To Our 2023 Winners!
1st Place: CUMBERLAND
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2nd Place: COWDEN HERRICK
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3rd Place: NEOGA
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Evaluation
Coaches, please take a few minutes to complete an Eco-Meet evaluation to help us improve future Eco-Meet events. Thank you for participating in this year's event!