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Environment

Environmental Mind Grind Backgrounder

The Environmental Mind Grind competition began in Kelowna in 2000. Since then, over 350 teams have participated in Mind Grinds across the BC Interior.

Background on "Environmental Mind Grind"
Environmental Mind Grind" is an academic challenge that tests BC students' knowledge of local environmental issues. The contest celebrates Earth Day.

Teachers are supplied study packages shortly after they register so students may prepare themselves for the contest. Environmental issues addressed include air quality, transportation demand management, energy conservation, forestry health, species and spaces, waste reduction, water conservation and watershed health. Schools can request in-class presentations on any of the topics to supplement the study package.

Game Format
A mandatory prep meeting will be held to familiarize everyone with the game format.

The competition is based on games of seven questions. After a question is asked, the team to first buzz in has an opportunity to answer. If the team answers correctly, they receive a point, if the team answers incorrectly; one person from the opposing team has the opportunity to answer. If they answer correctly, their team receives a point, if they answer incorrectly, no points are given and the game proceeds to the next question. The team with the most points at the end of seven questions advances to the next round.

Each participating team is guaranteed to play a minimum of 2 games at the event. The games will be played "double knock-out" style.

First and second place teams are invited to play at the "BC Playoffs" against teams from other EMG communities.

Eligible Contestants
Any school (public and private) may enter one team for each school category. A team is comprised of three student contestants, one alternate student (optional), and a support teacher.

There are three categories: elementary (grades 4 - 6), middle (grades 7 - 9) and high school (10-12).

Students from Central Okanagan, North Okanagan, Okanagan-Similkameen, Kamloops, Nanaimo and Quesnel will also compete in the Environmental Mind Grind.

Event Date
The contest will be held on April 17th in honor of Earth Day. The BC Play-offs will be hosted in Lake Country, BC on May 7th. Please note: High School Students will only compete at the Provincial level in Lake Country.

Event Prizing
Each participating student and teacher receives an EMG t-shirt and a goodie-bag filled with promotional items provided by sponsors, like water bottles, pen and ruler sets.

Elementary and Middle School Categories
The first place winning team receives fleece vests, $500 for their school and an invitation to participate in the BC Interior play-offs.

The second place prizes are trendy hats/caps, $100 for their class and an invitation to participate in the BC Interior play-offs.

The most enthusiastic and sportsmanlike team will receive prizes.

The BC Interior play-off winners receive $1000 cash for each of their schools.

High school Category
First place winning team will win $1000 (total $3000) for their post secondary education.

Second place winning team will receive $300 (total $900) for their post secondary education.

Why should your school participate in the Environmental Mind Grind?
Here's what teachers had to say about previous events

Good information related to the curriculum. Great enthusiasm/attitude by people putting it on

Very well organized, motivating and fun for students, fits well with curriculum outcomes, appropriate prizes

It involves young people in a very pressing issue that their generation will be dealing with

The students learned a lot about being environmentally friendly in a fun exciting way. They were motivated to learn

It was very well organized in terms of information packets, guest speakers to support the contest and enthusiastic organizers

Study booklets are informative, but not long-winded."

Gets everyone thinking and learning about our environment including all aspects of the environment not just recycling"

The fact that students learned a lot about the environment and were eager to do so

The questions were from the study packages - no surprises, it was not too long and not too short, loved the judges panel

Gets kids excited about learning something they don't have to get marks for

Provided a challenging out-of-school learning experience for my students, the event itself was fun and exciting

Students were excited about the game show format

To find out more or to register your team contact:

Jaimi Garbutt
Environmental Educator
City of Kamloops
250-828-3377

Logo Contact
Environmental Services
955 Concordia Way
Kamloops BC V2C 6V3
ph (250) 828 3757
fax (250) 828-3790
email ecoinfo@kamloops.ca

Note: All correspondence is entered into our system, and will be dealt with in due process. Please allow several working days for a response. Thank you.