Teams will be assessed on their understanding of living organisms they may encounter, with a focus on plants and reptiles. Students will be expected to identify organisms from a provided list and demonstrate basic knowledge of each organism’s characteristics. Teams should also understand the types of habitats these organisms live in and the environmental conditions they need to grow and survive, such as sunlight, water, and temperature. In addition, students should be familiar with official North Carolina state symbols and be able to recognize which organisms have been designated as state symbols.

Resources

Tree Identification: Leaf characteristics and arrangements
How to Identify Poison Ivy! (Poison Ivy Facts for Kids)
Leaves of Three Sort
Identification of Common Trees of North Carolina | NC State Extension Publications
Parts of Plants for Kids | Learn all about plant parts and their functions
Photosynthesis and Parts of a Plant – for Kids
Plant Worksheets (Free Printables)
Plant Structure & Function Investigation
How Plants Grow for Kids | Learn about photosynthesis and what plants need to grow strong
Plant Cycles: Photosynthesis & Transpiration | TE – Putting the “E” in STEM
Plant Life Cycle for Kids: Free Activities & Lesson Plans
What a Plant Needs to Stay Alive 
Dig It | Plants | Illinois Extension
What to Feed Your Garden Plants | Youth Gardening | Illinois Extension
How Are Amphibians Different From Reptiles? – Amphibians for Kids
Am I a Reptile? Am I an Amphibian? National Zoo activity
Frog & Toad Comparison
Tropism: Phototropism, Gravitropism, Hydrotropism and thigmotropism
Sunflower Phototropism video
Coleus Solar Tracking video
How Plant Roots Find Water | Hydrotropism Explained for Kids | 3D Educational Animation

FAQs

Have a question about an event? Check our 🔎 Event Intel: Coach Questions & Answers (coming soon) for answers to all event FAQs submitted by coaches. The document includes event-specific questions and clarifications and will be updated as additional questions are reviewed and answered.

Please check the FAQ document before submitting a new question – you may find your answer already there!