A team will consist of 4 members, all scores count. Official dress is required.
This is a two day event. 2026 Schedule is still TBD.
This year’s topic is:
Protection of Surface and Groundwater Resources, Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Resources to review for the written examination and team presentation are located at the end of this letter.
DAY ONE:
Individual Activity (100 points per individual, 400 per team):
A written exam will consist of fifty questions, multiple choice. This exam is taken individually with scores combined for a team score. This will be used to determine top ten individual scores.
Practicums (these will be completed as a team)
Identification (100 points) – Students will identify fifty items from the following combined areas. See complete list in the reference section of the VA ENR contest handbook. Equipment, Water Quality, Aquatics, Wildlife, Native Species, Reptiles/Amphibians, Fish, Invasive/Non-native species will be included.
Writing Exercise (100 points) – Participants will create a written document of 350 words or less that may be a news/press release, letter to the editor, etc. The document should contain the basic elements/facts customarily found in written publications (who, what, where, when and how). The elements/facts presented are to reflect the thoughts of the participant in relation to the topic being addressed. Team members should be familiar with writing a press release for local media. See a sample press release in the attachments.
Water Analysis (100 points) - Using measuring devices, each participant will measure a sample of water for quality analysis. Four of the following categories will be tested each year: dissolved oxygen, nitrates, nitrites, pH, temperature, phosphates. Analyze the results of measurements and determine if it is suitable for a specific use. Explain ways the water quality can be improved and especially how forest fire and management may impact resources.
Soil Analysis (lab analysis) (100 Points)- Participants may use a soil probe to pull a soil sample. Be given a topographic map or soil survey of a specific field to be sampled and plot areas for pulls. Analyze actual lab results. Use this information along with an extension service bulletin to make recommendations that need to be applied. Be sure to know how to use a soil survey and read a topographic map. Know map colors, features, how to determine elevation and distance using map scales and contour lines.
DAY TWO:
Finals Round (900 Points):
Students will be provided with a scenario that deals with Protection of Surface and Groundwater Resources, Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in the finals round. Only the top 4 teams based on annual practicums will present oral presentations to judges. Teams will be evaluated on their ability to work together. Teams will be required to develop both an oral, as well as a written statement, that addresses the questions in the annual scenario. Teams will submit a written summary of their findings at the end of one hour. Teams will have ten (10) minutes of prep time when entering the finals room prior to their oral presentation. Teams will be required to give an oral presentation justifying the decisions made by the team. The team will have eight minutes to make the oral presentation. Teams will be required to answer questions regarding the decision reached by their team. The question period will be five minutes in length.
Flip charts, posters, easels, handouts are permitted and provided. All materials for the presentation are provided! National FFA Rubrics will be used.
*******Computers/Cell Phones may not be used.
Resources:
Potential Resources.docx
Press Release Sample 2026.pdf
Agricultural Water Use Resource Center _ Virginia DEQ.pdf
Ground Water _ Virginia DEQ.pdf
Groundwater Characterization and Monitoring Program _ Virginia DEQ.pdf
Karst Aquifers_ Valley and Ridge, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge Aquifers _ U.S. Geological Survey.pdf
Shenandoah Valley Groundwater and Karst - Google Search.pdf
Virginia DEQ Surface Water Management Area - Google Search.pdf
Virginia Energy - Geology and Mineral Resources - Sinkholes and Karst.pdf
Water Quality Protection in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia - Google Search.pdf
Water Supply Planning _ Virginia DEQ.pdf
National ENR Team Activity Scoring Rubric:
Rubrics from 2026 National Handbook