GRADES 6 to 12 | 2015-2016 | THE VOYAGES OF PLANTS
fairchild tropical botanic garden
FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
Exploring Environmental Sciences
FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Program Overview
2
Introduction
3
Program Guidelines and Policies
4
Events and Celebrations
5
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Challenges at a Glance: Middle School
6
Challenges by Disciplines: Middle School
7
Challenges for Middle School:
1 Designs: Million Orchid Project Mobile Lab
Educator Challenge: Exotic Flora of South Florida
8
9
2 Global Challenge: Environmental Change
10
3 Green Treasures: Voyages of Plants
11
4 Citizen Science: Lizards on the Loose
12
5 Citizen Science: Growing Beyond Earth
13
6 Botanical Illustrations: Plants from Faraway Places
14
7 Green Cuisine: Meals for Space Exploration
15
8 Citizen Science: The Million Orchid Project
16
9 Documentary: New Horizons
17
HIGH SCHOOL
Challenges at a Glance: High School
19
Challenges by Disciplines: High School
20
Challenges for High School:
1 Designs: Million Orchid Project Mobile Lab
Educator Challenge: Exotic Flora of South Florida
22
23
2 Global Challenge: Environmental Change
24
3 Exploring Environmental Sciences
25
4 Citizen Science: Growing Beyond Earth
26
5 Botanical Illustrations: Plants from Faraway Places
27
6 Environmental Debates: Feeding Our Planet
28
7 Research Paper: Growing Food in the Past, Present, and Future
29
8 Green Cuisine: Meals for Space Exploration
30
9 Citizen Science: The Million Orchid Project
31
10 Documentary: New Horizons
Student Workshops
Teacher Professional Development
Acknowledgements
32
34
35
37
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected] AND [email protected]
1
THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Welcome to The 2015-2016 Fairchild Challenge.
The Fairchild Challenge is an award winning, interdisciplinary, environmental science competition designed
to engage students of diverse interests, abilities, talents and backgrounds to explore the natural world. The
program has been recognized as a benchmark for exceptional STEM education and for empowering PreK-12th
grade students to become the next generation of scientists, researchers, educated voters, policy makers, and
environmentally-minded citizens.
The Fairchild Challenge in practice
The Fairchild Challenge takes place over the course of the academic year and offers an annual menu of activities
(called challenges) for individual students and groups. Schools can participate in any number of the annual
challenges. Best entries selected by the schools and submitted to Fairchild are evaluated by panels of independent
judges and awarded points based on the judges’ scores. Mindful of teachers’ workloads, The Fairchild Challenge
dovetails with public school curricula and is aligned with the state and national academic standards.
What is your goal?
Your goal is to collaborate, explore and have fun while earning more than 1,000 points for your school to receive
The 2015-2016 Fairchild Challenge Award, which will be presented on Wednesday, May 11 for middle schools
and Monday, May 16 for high schools at Fairchild. Schools receiving The Fairchild Challenge Award for five or
ten consecutive years become a Fairchild Challenge School of Excellence and receive a banner to hang proudly
at their school. Additionally, the 16 top-scoring schools will be awarded cash prizes up to $1,500 to support
environmental programs at their schools.
What is our goal?
Our goal is to offer students a clear educational pathway that encourages environmental stewardship, develops
leadership in environmental science and diversifies the scientific workforce.
Fairchild Challenge Partner Program: The Fairchild Challenge has become a model beyond South Florida,
influencing programs nationally and internationally. The success of the program in Miami has spurred Fairchild to
share it as a replicable model with other regions, both within the U.S. and abroad. Currently, we have programs in
The Florida Keys, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, Utah, Mexico, Colombia and Peru.
FAIRCHILD FIELD TRIP EXTENSION
Let us extend The Fairchild Challenge learning beyond the classroom
though Fairchild’s Field Studies program. Choose from one of our
multidisciplinary, inquiry based environmental education programs that
are aligned with the 2015-2016 Fairchild Challenge, as well as state and
national standards.
Guided field trips for students in grades K-5
Guided field trips for students in grades 6-12
Self-guided field trips for students in grades PreK to 12
For more information about Field Studies at Fairchild and how to register,
visit www.fairchildgarden.org/school-and-youth.
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FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
YOUR CHALLENGE: WHAT’S IN YOUR CANOE?
Many people only think of plants as stationary objects, but botanists (plant scientists) know plants are always on the move.
Plants travel with the motion of the wind and the sea and with the expansion of human civilization. In this year’s Fairchild
Challenge, we invite you to explore the voyages of plants in the past, present, and future.
We use plants for everything we do. Plants provide all the oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, and the clothing we wear.
Throughout the world, botanists work to understand and conserve plants and to find better ways to use plants in our lives.
Botany is an increasingly important science, as our population is increasing and the Earth’s natural resources are becoming
more scarce.
The earliest humans recognized the importance of the vegetation around them. Long ago, our ancestors began cultivating,
selecting, breeding, and moving plants that provided food, shelter, and medicine. Today, we are surrounded by the plants
our ancestors gathered from all over the world to sustain, enrich, and beautify our lives.
Thousands of years ago, a group of sailors ventured eastward from Asia to colonize new lands. Their vessels were fragile
sailing canoes, but the sailors were expert navigators who planned their voyages carefully. As they set off to cross thousands
of miles of open ocean, the sailors carried bananas, coconuts, bamboo, and various other plants that would help them forge
a new life wherever they would find land.
Eventually, the ancient sailors spread their culture throughout Polynesia, an area covering over 16 million square miles of
the Pacific Ocean. With the “canoe plants” they carried with them, they transformed desert islands into bountiful gardens
of food, medicine, and beauty. Today, we find the same set of “canoe plants” throughout Polynesia, from New Zealand to
Hawaii to Easter Island, a historic record of ancient migration routes.
Like Polynesia, our own country is filled with plants that were brought from faraway places. Dr. David Fairchild (1869-1954)
spent his life traveling the world, bringing new plants that would feed our growing population and economy. Today our
garden is named in Dr. Fairchild’s honor. We celebrate his life as we continue to search for plants in far corners of the Earth.
This year’s Fairchild Challenge is designed to help you explore the deep connections among plants, human civilization, and
the environment. We invite you to imagine yourself as a Polynesian sailor of the past or as an interplanetary space traveler of
the future. Think about which plants you would carry with you on a voyage to a new and distant land. Which plants would
you choose to sustain human lives into the future? Consider the question, “What’s in your canoe?”
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected] AND [email protected]
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PROGRAM GUIDELINES and POLICIES
• Registration: Schools are required to submit one annual registration form per level with contact information for teachers
who are interested in participating (ideally, at least three teachers from different disciplines). The 2015-2016 registration
form is available online at www.fairchildchallenge.org.
• Challenge entry forms: Each registered school (not individual student) must submit one completed entry form by the
specified due date for each of the challenges. Challenge entry forms are available online at www.fairchildchallenge.org.
• Student work: Each registered school (not individual student) must submit one completed entry form by the specified
due date for each of the challenges in which they compete. All work submitted as Fairchild Challenge entries must be
completed only by students. Entries must follow the specified requirements in this booklet, or they will be penalized
and/or disqualified. Combination schools that have middle (grades 6-8) and high (grades 9-12) must submit different
entries even if submitting to similar challenges as entries must reflect the age group competing. All work must be original
or from a referenced source. Plagiarism will result in disqualification of all work submitted by student(s) involved for
the entire program year and accumulated points will be nullified.
• Deadlines: Entries must be received by the published deadlines; due dates are strictly enforced. Late entries will cause
point deduction, are not eligible for first place, and may not be judged. Entries are accepted in person, by mail or email,
(when specified), or by library drop-off (when specified). Entries may be dropped off at either Fairchild entrance during
regular hours (seven days a week, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., unless otherwise specified). Please label mailed entries
“Attn: Middle and High School Fairchild Challenge.” Visit our website to view the “Miami-Dade Public Library entry
drop-off” policies for participating libraries. We will gladly accept early entries.
• Earning points: Schools should encourage as many students as possible to attempt each of the challenges. Each
challenge has a maximum number of student entries that may be submitted for judging; additional entries will not be
accepted. Schools should always try to submit the maximum number of entries allowed per challenge to earn as many
points as possible.
• Evaluation: Teachers are encouraged to review each challenge evaluation form prior to submitting student entries.
Challenge evaluation forms are available online at www.fairchildchallenge.org.
• Judges: Third-party independent judges use the evaluation criteria listed in the specific requirements for each challenge.
All results are final; completed judges’ evaluation forms are not shared.
• Bonus points: The Educator Challenge provides each school with the opportunity to earn bonus points.
• Scores: Schools will receive their scores by e-mail following judging. We do not release other schools’ scores or school
rankings during the program year. Scores for the last two challenges (MS Challenges 8 and 9; HS Challenges 9 and 10)
and overall results are announced at the awards ceremonies.
• School recognition: All schools that participate in The Fairchild Challenge are recognized at the awards ceremonies.
Schools that accrue more than 1,000 points earn The Fairchild Challenge Award. The sixteen (16) top scoring middle
and high schools are awarded up to $1,500 to support their environmental programs. Schools earning The Fairchild
Challenge Award for five or ten consecutive years become a Fairchild Challenge “School of Excellence.”
• Student and teacher recognition: Participation certificates for each challenge will be sent to teachers for distribution to
all participating students. Top-placing students and Special Merit winners for each challenge will be recognized at the
Awards Ceremony.
• Global Competition: Top entries from Challenge 2 (MS/HS: Environmental Change) will be submitted to a larger
international competition. Top entries will be featured for online voting as part of the Global Challenge.
• Student materials: All entries will be on display at the Middle School Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 11, 2016
or the High School Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 16, 2016 and can be picked up at the end of these two events.
All entries not claimed by May 30, 2016 will become property of Fairchild. Select entries may be used for The Fairchild
Challenge fundraising or other purposes. When submitting an entry, you must notify us in writing if you do not agree to
these terms. Fairchild is not responsible for any materials lost, stolen or damaged.
• Schools consent to Fairchild’s unrestricted use of student work and participants’ likenesses, including photographs
and audio/visual recordings made of participants and/or their entries, at Fairchild or elsewhere. Student entries may be
exhibited and/or published by Fairchild. Fairchild must be notified in writing of any exceptions.
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FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
EVENTS and CELEBRATIONS
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOLS
Saturday, August 29
The Fairchild Challenge Teachers’ Information Brunch (MS/HS)
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 26
Workshop for teachers “Growing Beyond Earth” (MS/HS)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 8
Communicating Research, workshop for students (HS)
2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m
Tuesday, October 13
Green Treasures: Intergenerational Interviews for students (MS)
(in Haitian Creole)
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14
Green Treasures: Intergenerational Interviews for students (MS)
(in English)
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 15
Green Treasures: Intergenerational Interviews for students (MS)
(in Spanish)
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 7
Botanical Illustrations, art workshop for students (MS/HS)
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 24
Fall: Exploring Environmental Sciences (HS)
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 5
Student Debate workshop at UM School of Communication (HS)
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 16
Workshop for teachers “The Million Orchid Project“ (MS/HS)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 30
Environmental Debates: Feeding Our Planet (HS)
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15
Spring: Exploring Environmental Sciences (HS)
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 9
Green Cuisine presentations at Fairchild’s Spring Garden Festival
(MS/HS)
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 7
Teachers’ Celebration Brunch (ES/MS/HS)
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 11
Awards Ceremony (MS)
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Monday, May 16
Awards Ceremony (HS)
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT*
Saturday, September 26
Workshop for teachers “Growing Beyond Earth” (MS/HS)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 3
Flying Wild workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 10
School Garden workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9
School Garden workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 16
Workshop for teachers “The Million Orchid Project“ (MS/HS)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 6
South Florida Plants & Ecosystems workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 27
Linking Food & The Environment (LiFE) workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 5
Ethnobotany workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 2
Basic Botany workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday, June 13 Friday, June 24
Tropical Botany workshop
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
*All workshops and events take place at Fairchild, unless otherwise stated. For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected].
To register for teacher workshops, visit http://calendar.dadeschools.net or visit www.fairchildgarden.org/teachers.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected] AND [email protected]
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CHALLENGES AT A GLANCE: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Due at
Fairchild by
5:00 p.m.
Maximum points
Wed., Oct. 14
150 (50/design)
3 designs
8
The Fairchild Challenge Educator Design
Wed., Oct. 14
25 bonus points
1 design
9
2 Global Challenge: Environmental Change
Wed., Nov. 4
200 (100/comic)
2 comic
strips
10
3 Green Treasures: Voyages of Plants
Student Workshops: Tues., Oct. 13, Weds.,
Oct.14, and Thurs., Oct. 15, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 9
300
1
newsletter
11
4 Citizen Science: Lizards on the Loose
Wed., Dec, 16 500 (250/poster)
2 posters
12
5 Citizen Science: Growing Beyond Earth
Teacher Workshop: Sat., Sept. 26,
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 16
400
1 research
project
13
300
(100/drawing)
3 drawings
14
Challenges
1 Designs: The Million Orchid Project Mobile Lab
6 Botanical Illustrations: Plants from Faraway Places
Student Workshop: Sat., Nov. 7,
Wed., Jan. 13
9:00 a.m. - 12: 00 p.m.
Max.
Page
number of
number
entries
7 Green Cuisine: Meals for Space Exploration
Event: Sat., Apr. 9, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 30
200
1 project
15
8 Citizen Science: The Million Orchid Project
Teacher Workshop: Sat., Jan. 16,
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wed., Apr. 20
300
1 research
project
16
9 Documentary: New Horizons
Wed., April 6
200
1 video
17
*All workshops and events take place at Fairchild. For more information, contact [email protected]
AWARDS and PRIZES
The Fairchild Challenge 2015-2016 Awards Ceremony for middle schools will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2016
from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fairchild’s Garden House. At this time, the following awards and prizes will be distributed:
• Each middle school that earns more than 1,000 points will receive The Fairchild Challenge Award
• Each school that receives The Fairchild Challenge Award for five or ten consecutive years will become a Fairchild
Challenge School of Excellence.
• The top-scoring schools will receive cash prizes, up to $1,500 to support their school’s environmental programs.
• Top-placing students will receive Fairchild Challenge medals and/or certificates. Special Merit winners will also be
recognized.
• Top-scoring group entries will receive medals and/or trophies.
• All participating schools receive a limited quantity of four-person family passes to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
to distribute to actively participating students and teachers.
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FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGES BY DISCIPLINES: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Discipline
Potential Challenges
Discipline
Potential Challenges
Gifted
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Science
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Health Education
2, 3, 7
Social Studies
1, 2, 3, 8, 9
Mathematics
4, 5, 7, 8
Theater
7, 9
Music
9
Visual Arts
1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9
Reading/Language Arts
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
World Languages
3
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS • [email protected]
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REQUIREMENTS
Challenges for Middle Schools
CHALLENGE 1
DESIGNS: THE MILLION ORCHID PROJECT MOBILE LAB
For individuals; maximum points: 150 (50 per design)
YOUR CHALLENGE: The Million Orchid Project is Fairchild’s initiative to plant rare, native orchids in South
Florida’s urban environments. We are currently using a lab at Fairchild to grow orchids with the help of many
volunteers. To allow students to participate in the lab work, we are also developing the world’s first Mobile Orchid
Propagation Lab. The Mobile Lab, scheduled to begin operating in early 2016, will visit schools throughout South
Florida, allowing students to propagate orchids for their own neighborhoods. As we develop the technology and
workspaces inside the Mobile Lab, we need your help to decorate the outside. Your challenge is to create a design
and incorporate a slogan (maximum of 10 words) promoting The Million Orchid Project. The winning design will be
incorporated into the design on the outside of the Mobile Lab.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.
Submit all designs to Fairchild (in person or via mail) or participating libraries; electronic submissions of designs are
not accepted.
(a) Challenge 1 entry form
(b) Maximum three designs per school
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Original, hand-rendered or computer-generated design
Slogan (10 words or less) integrated into design
Design must be on a sheet of 8.5’’ X 11’’white unlined paper; in black and white or one solid color (no
gradation allowed); done in colored pencils, pens or fine-point markers only (no crayons or paints); design
must be suitable for screen-printing
Student’s name, grade and school name clearly printed on the back of each entry
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit our website for online resources.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org
FAIRCHILD FIELD TRIP EXTENSION: Bring your class on a field trip to Fairchild. For this challenge, see the
Adventure (South Florida Ecosystems) program. For more information, visit http://www.fairchildgarden.org/schooland-youth.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Reading/Language Arts, Science, Social
Studies, and Visual Arts. For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
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FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
EDUCATOR CHALLENGE
DESIGNS: EXOTIC FLORA OF SOUTH FLORIDA
For individual teachers; 25 bonus points
YOUR CHALLENGE: Many of the plants in our
community are not native to South Florida, but were
brought here from overseas. As new cultures arrived in
South Florida, they brought plants as sources of food
and as objects of beauty. Choose one plant species
that originated elsewhere, and create a design that
incorporates a slogan with a maximum of 10 words
promoting the importance of that plant. The winning
design will be printed on a gift and presented to Fairchild
Challenge educators.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, October 14, 2015
by 5:00 p.m.
Submit all designs to Fairchild (in person or via mail) or
participating libraries; electronic submissions of designs
are not accepted.
(a) Educator Challenge entry form
(b) Maximum one design per school
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2014-2015 Fairchild Challenge winning Educator Design; created by
Janis Kaufman, Hammocks MS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Original, hand-rendered or computer-generated design
Slogan (10 words or less) integrated into design
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Design must be on a sheet of 8.5’’ X 11’’white unlined paper; in black and white or one solid color (no
gradation allowed); done in colored pencils, pens or fine-point markers only (no crayons or paints); design
must be suitable for screen-printing

Scientific and common name of plant species, teacher and school name clearly printed on the back of
each entry
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On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit our website for online resources.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS • [email protected]
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CHALLENGE 2
GLOBAL CHALLENGE: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 200 (100 per comic strip)
The Global Competition is being offered by The Fairchild Challenge in collaboration with all of The Fairchild
Challenge Partners. Ten national and international institutions will be invited to participate in the same challenge.
Top 10 comic strips from each individual institution, Miami being one, will be shared and compete in this global
challenge.
YOUR CHALLENGE: Urban sprawl and human mobility fueled the increased demand for energy since the
beginning of the last century have had a lasting effect on nature. Specifically, plant population ranges are shifting
and/or ecosystems are modifying in response to human actions. Choose one plant species, investigate how this
species has responded to environmental changes and document the changes the species is making through a
5-panel comic strip.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.
Submit all comic strips to Fairchild (in person or via mail) or participating libraries;
electronic submissions of comic strips are not accepted:
(a) Challenge 2 entry form
(b) Maximum two comic strips per school
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Drawing/hand-rendered or computer generated 5-panel comic strip: maximum size: 8.5” x 14”
Descriptive title, student’s name, grade and school name clearly printed on the back of each entry
Comic strip is student-created and original
Reference page with a minimum of three sources
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Visit our website for online resources.
• Top comic strips will be featured for online voting,
which will be open from Friday, April 1 through
Friday, April 29, as part of the Global Challenge.
The winning schools will receive the Viewers’
Choice Award at The Fairchild Challenge Awards
Ceremony.
• Winning entries of the Global Challenge will
be published in Fairchild’s The Tropical Garden
magazine.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of
evaluation criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets
standards for Gifted, Health Education, Reading/Language
Arts, Science, Social Studies and Visual Arts. For a detailed
list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
Emma Bennett, MAST Academy MS Winner
10 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGE 3
GREEN TREASURES: VOYAGES OF PLANTS
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 300
YOUR CHALLENGE: Ethnobotany is the study of how
humans and plants interact. Throughout history, plants
have moved along with people as cultures spread to new
locations. Many of the plants in our community were
brought from overseas as new cultures arrived in South
Florida. Conduct interviews with elders in your community
to determine which plants they consider to be essential
parts of their culture. Which plants would they choose to
bring on a voyage to a new location?
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, December 9, 2015
by 5:00 p.m.
Submit newsletters to Fairchild (in person or via mail)
or participating libraries; electronic submissions of
newsletters are not accepted.
(a) Challenge 3 entry form
(b) Maximum one newsletter per school
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Newsletter, handwritten or typed, must include a masthead with the name of the school.
Dimensions must not exceed 8.5’’ x 14’’ length and be a maximum 4 pages (2 pages front and back).
Articles must include headlines and bylines, and be related to the same theme.
Photographs/illustrations/graphs must include a caption.
A minimum of five different elders must be featured and named.
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Entries must be flat, 2-dimensional only.
• Students are encouraged to include various sections in their newsletter (editorials, features, comics, scientific
reports, etc.).
• Students should describe the theme of their newsletter and address why they chose those particular plants.
STUDENT WORKSHOP: TUESDAY - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13-15
See page 34 or visit our website for more information.
TEACHER WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, MARCH 5
See page 35 or visit our website for more information.
FAIRCHILD FIELD TRIP EXTENSION: Bring your class on a field trip to Fairchild. For this challenge,
see the Adventure (Ethnobotany) program. For more information, visit http://www.fairchildgarden.org/school-andyouth.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Health Education, Reading/Language
Arts, Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts and World Languages. For a detailed list of specific standards,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS • [email protected]
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CHALLENGE 4
CITIZEN SCIENCE: LIZARDS ON THE LOOSE
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 500 (250 per poster)
YOUR CHALLENGE: Both native and introduced lizards compete for space and resources in South Florida’s
subtropical ecosystems. Abiotic factors, such as air temperature, amount of recent rainfall, and cloud cover, help
determine how many lizards of each species you may encounter. Conduct a timed, observation-based species survey
in your backyard and/or schoolyard, as part of a citizen science project in partnership with researchers at Florida
International University and University of Rhode Island. Measure, analyze and interpret the abiotic factors at the time
of your surveys. Present your findings in a research poster board.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.
Submit poster board in person to Fairchild; electronic submission or library drop-off of poster board is not accepted:
(a) Challenge 4 entry form
(b) Maximum two poster boards per school
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Completed data sheets submitted electronically
Standard tri-fold science fair poster board; no three-dimensional decorative items
Project title, student’s name, grade and school name on entry
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Visit our website for resources and data sheet
access.
• Data sheets will include number of
individuals sampled and ID of lizard species
and will be submitted electronically.
FAIRCHILD FIELD TRIP EXTENSION: Bring your
class on a field trip to Fairchild. For this challenge,
see the Adventure (Biodiversity) program. For more
information, visit http://www.fairchildgarden.org/
school-and-youth.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of
evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge
meets standards for Gifted, Mathematics, Reading/
Language Arts, and Science. For a detailed list of
specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
12 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGE 5
CITIZEN SCIENCE: GROWING BEYOND EARTH
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 400
YOUR CHALLENGE: Florida will be the the jumping-off point
for the next generation of human exploration. Just as the ancient
Polynesians traveled to distant islands, our scientists are preparing
for expeditions to the moon, near-Earth asteroids, and Mars. As in
ancient times, it is clear that plants will play a central role in our
voyages. Plants provide food, oxygen, and psychological benefits
to astronauts in confined spaces. As part of NASA’s Veg-01 project,
scientists are testing food plants to see which will grow best under
the conditions aboard the International Space Station. Now, you
can help study plants that are under development for spaceflight,
and you can help identify new plants that might be good candidates
for study. While growing plants in your school, you will experiment
with factors that may influence growth, development, flavor, and
nutrition. You will observe plant growth, and enter your data into
an online spreadsheet. As your project develops, you will share
photos and your findings via Twitter.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, December 16, 2015
by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 5 entry form
(b) Data tables and tweets
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT: Schools are required to submit a letter of agreement by Friday, September 11,
2015 if they plan to participate in this challenge.
TEACHER PREREQUISITE: Teachers interested in participating in this challenge are required to attend an intensive
professional development training at Fairchild before receiving supplies (see Teacher Workshop information below).
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Enter information on plant biometrics to online database once per week.
At least one weekly student-created, scientifically relevant tweet with photo(s) about challenge 5
Tweets must include @FairchdChallnge
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Visit our website for online resources.
• Citizen science project protocols and data sheet access will be given during the mandatory teacher workshop.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
TEACHER WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
See page 35 or visit our website for more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts
and Science. For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS • [email protected]
13
CHALLENGE 6
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS: PLANTS FROM FARAWAY PLACES
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 300 (100 per illustration)
YOUR CHALLENGE: Botanical illustrations, coupled with detailed
descriptions, help scientists explain and share the traits of a species.
Botanical illustrations are works of art depicting a plant species and
ensuring that it is highly identifiable and scientifically accurate. Choose
an agriculturally significant non-native plant grown in South Florida that
you use in your everyday life, either in its natural or processed form (for
example food, medicine, clothing, etc.). Reveal its minute characteristics
by highlighting and identifying four parts in a hand rendered drawing.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 5:00 p.m.
Submit all artwork to Fairchild (in person or via mail);
electronic submission or library drop-off of artwork is not accepted:
(a) Challenge 6 entry form
(b) Maximum three illustrations per school
Averrhoa carambola. Priscilla Fawcett/FTBG
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Illustration: maximum size 12” x 16”, excluding optional matte; colored/graphite pencils or ink
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Descriptive title, scientific and common name of plant species, student’s name, grade and school name
clearly printed on the back of each entry
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of
evaluation criteria and points awarded for this
challenge, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STUDENT WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
See page 34 or visit our website for more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets
standards for Gifted, Reading/Language Arts, Science
and Visual Arts. For a detailed list of specific standards,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
14 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGE 7
GREEN CUISINE: MEALS FOR SPACE EXPLORATION
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 200
YOUR CHALLENGE: Scientists at NASA are experimenting
with food plants in space (see Challenge 5, p. 13). The goal is
to produce food in small growth chambers that can be carried
aboard a spacecraft. As we develop better plants and new
technology, we need new recipes for tasty and nutritious food
that can be grown under such conditions. Create any food
item (entrée, appetizer, salad, dessert, etc.), using plants that
are being developed for growth in space. Visit our website for
a list of possible ingredients. Each serving should be at least 100
calories and require no more than 250 square centimeters of
growing space.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, March 30, 2016
by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 7 entry form
(b) Challenge 7 table
(c) Maximum one entry per school
EVENT DATE: Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to
2:00 p.m., at Fairchild’s Spring Garden Festival.
Student chef(s) must arrive by 9:00 a.m. for project set-up.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Bring a pre-made vegetarian dish, suitable for 20 judges to taste a bite-size sample/1-oz. sample.
Prepare a two-minute presentation and be ready to discuss and respond to judges’ questions.
Publicly present your culinary creation at Fairchild’s Spring Garden Festival.
Challenge 7 table, completed and submitted online.
On-time entry submission
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• All dishes entered into this competition must be entirely vegetarian.
• Visit our website to view Fairchild’s Culinary Quick Tips and to access the Challenge 7 table online.
• Enter your ingredient list into the online spreadsheet we developed to determine the number of calories per
serving and the amount of space within a growth chamber needed to grow the ingredients.
• Challenge 7 table will include recipe card, caloric content, and growing space requirements of the dish.
• The event will be open to the public. Please, keep samples reserved for judges. Recipe cards may be
distributed to visitors and guests.
• There will be no outlets available in the Garden House.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
TEACHER WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
See page 35 or visit our website for more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Health Education, Mathematics,
Reading/Language Arts, Science, Theater and Visual Arts. For a detailed list of specific standards,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS • [email protected]
15
CHALLENGE 8
CITIZEN SCIENCE: THE MILLION ORCHID PROJECT
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 300
YOUR CHALLENGE: Orchids are the ultimate long-distance travelers.
Their tiny, dustlike seeds can float on the wind for thousands of miles.
South Florida’s orchids traveled across the sea from the Caribbean, Central
America, South America, and even Africa. More than 50 orchid species
arrived here on the wind, no canoe needed. Today South Florida’s orchids
are in trouble. After a century of over collecting, many of our native orchids
have been driven to the brink of extinction in the wild. Now, you can
be part of the solution. By participating in The Million Orchid Project,
Fairchild’s initiative to propagate a million South Florida endangered
orchids, you will grow native orchids to be planted in your community.
While rearing the plants, you will have the opportunity to experiment with
factors that may influence seedling growth and development. Data collected
as part of this challenge will be used to refine propagation protocols. As
your project develops, you will share photos and your findings via Twitter.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, April 20, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 8 entry form
(b) Data tables and tweets
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT: Schools are required to submit a letter of agreement by December 11, 2015 if
they plan to participate in this challenge.
TEACHER PREREQUISITE: Teachers interested in participating in this challenge are required to attend intensive
professional development training at Fairchild before receiving supplies (see Teacher Workshop information below).
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Enter information on plant biometrics to online database once per week.
At least 12 student-created, scientifically relevant tweets with photo(s) about challenge 8
Tweets must include @FairchdChallnge
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• For more about The Million Orchid Project, a five year orchid reintroduction plan for South Florida, visit
http://www.fairchildgarden.org/Science-Conservation/The-Million-Orchid-Project.
• Protocols for growing and propagating chosen species and data sheet access will be given during mandatory
teacher workshop.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
TEACHER WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
See page 35 or visit our website for more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts,
Science and Social Studies. For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
16 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGE 9
DOCUMENTARY: NEW HORIZONS
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 200
YOUR CHALLENGE: Consider the places that humans can live in space. In 1963, Fairchild partnered with NASA
and its researchers to explore the possibilities of human inhabitation beyond this planet. Research the efforts that
NASA and other organizations have done to prepare for life on other planets. Look at the role that plants play in
human lives, and choose three plants that would be most important for you to take on this journey. Explain what
they are, why they are important, and what you would need to grow them. Use NASA’s previous research and plant
growing requirements to make your choices. Produce a 3-minute documentary explaining your findings.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 9 entry form
(b) Maximum one video per school
(c) Upload video to www.youtube.com/education and send video link.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Video must address reasons for plants chosen
Videos must be three minutes or less and uploaded to www.youtube.com/education.
A minimum of five students must take an active role in the video
Video title should include school name and “Challenge 9”, along with “2015-2016.”
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: • Students are encouraged to grow the plants they chose in their school gardens or space labs
(if participating in Challenge 5).
• Videos will be featured for online voting, which will be open from Friday, April 15 to Friday, April 29. The
winning schools will receive the Viewers’ Choice Award at The Fairchild Challenge Awards Ceremony.
• For combination schools: levels 6-8 and 9-12 must submit two different videos.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Music, Reading/Language Arts, Science,
Social Studies, Theater and Visual Arts. For a detailed list of specific standards,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
Image courtesy of www.universetoday.com/14841/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-to-mars/
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS • [email protected]
17
The Fairchild Challenge art workshop
18 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGES AT A GLANCE: HIGH SCHOOL
Challenges
1 Designs: The Million Orchid Project Mobile Lab
The Fairchild Challenge Educator Design
Due at
Fairchild by
5:00 p.m.
Wed., Oct.
14
Wed., Oct.
14
Maximum
points
Max. number Page
of entries
number
150 (50/design)
3 designs
22
25 bonus points
1 design
23
2 Global Challenge: Environmental Change
Wed., Nov. 4 200 (100/comic) 2 comic strips
24
3 Exploring Environmental Sciences
Events: Tues., Nov. 24, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
or Tues., Mar. 15, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Wed., Oct.
28
(for Fall)
or
Wed., Feb. 10
(for Spring)
300
(30/student)
10 students
25
Wed.,
March 30
400
1 research
project
26
5 Botanical Illustrations: Plants from Faraway Places
Student Workshop: Sat., Nov. 7,
Wed., Jan. 13
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
300
(100/
illustration)
3 illustrations
27
6 Environmental Debates: Feeding Our Planet
Student Workshop: Sat., Dec. 5,
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Event: Sat., Jan. 30, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 13
300
(75/student)
4 students
28
7 Research Paper: Growing Food in the Past,
Present, and Future
a. The Columbian Exchange
b. Urban Brownfields
c. Agriculture and Food Security
Wed.,
March 2
200 (100/paper)
2 papers
29
8 Green Cuisine: Meals for Space Exploration
Event: Sat., Apr. 9, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wed.,
March 30
200
1 project
30
9 Citizen Science: The Million Orchid Project
Teacher Workshop: Sat., Jan. 16,
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wed.,
April 20
300
1 research
project
31
Wed., April 6
200
1 video
31
4 Citizen Science: Growing Beyond Earth
Teacher Workshop: Sat., Sept. 26,
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Student Workshop: Thurs., Oct. 8,
2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
10 Documentary: New Horizons
*All workshops and events take place at Fairchild unless otherwise stated. For more information, contact [email protected].
AWARDS and PRIZES
The Fairchild Challenge 2015-2016 Awards Ceremony for high schools will take place on Monday, May 16, 2016 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at
Fairchild’s Garden House. At this time, the following awards and prizes will be distributed:
• Each high school that earns more than 1,000 points will receive The Fairchild Challenge Award.
• Each school that receives The Fairchild Challenge Award for five or ten consecutive years will become a Fairchild Challenge School of
Excellence.
• The top-scoring school will receive cash prizes, up to $1,500, to support their school’s environmental programs.
• Top-placing students will receive Fairchild Challenge medals and/or certificates. Special Merit winners will also be recognized.
Top-scoring group entries will receive medals and/or trophies.
• All participating schools receive a limited quantity of four-person family passes to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and to distribute to
actively participating students and teachers.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected]
19
CHALLENGES BY DISCIPLINES: HIGH SCHOOL
Discipline
Potential Challenges
Discipline
Potential Challenges
Gifted
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10
Reading/Language Arts
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10
Health Education
2, 3, 6, 7, 8
Science
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10
Mathematics
3, 4, 8, 9, 10
Social Studies
2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10
Music
10
Theater
6, 8, 10
Physical Education
3
Visual Arts
1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10
20 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
Exploring Environmental Sciences
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected]
21
REQUIREMENTS
Challenges for High Schools
CHALLENGE 1
DESIGNS: THE MILLION ORCHID PROJECT MOBILE LAB
For individuals; maximum points: 150 (50 per design)
YOUR CHALLENGE: The Million Orchid Project is Fairchild’s initiative
to plant rare, native orchids in South Florida’s urban environments.
We are currently using a lab at Fairchild to grow orchids with the help
of many volunteers. To allow students to participate in the lab work,
we are also developing the world’s first Mobile Orchid Propagation
Lab. The Mobile Lab, scheduled to begin operating in early 2016, will
visit schools throughout South Florida, allowing students to propagate
orchids for their own neighborhoods. As we develop the technology
and workspaces inside the Mobile Lab, we need your help to decorate
the outside. Your challenge is to create a design and incorporate a
slogan (maximum of 10 words) promoting The Million Orchid Project.
The winning design will be incorporated into the design on the outside
of the Mobile Lab.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.
Submit all designs to Fairchild (in person or via mail) or participating
libraries; electronic submissions of designs are not accepted.
(a) Challenge 1 entry form
(d) Maximum three designs per school
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Original, hand-rendered or computer-generated design
Slogan (10 words or less) integrated into design
Design must be on a sheet of 8.5’’ X 11’’white unlined paper; in black and white or one solid color (no
gradation allowed); done in colored pencils, pens or fine-point markers only (no crayons or paints); design
must be suitable for screen-printing
Species, student’s name, grade and school name clearly printed on the back of each entry
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit our website for online resources.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
FAIRCHILD FIELD TRIP EXTENSION: Bring your class on a field trip to Fairchild. For this challenge, see the
Adventure (South Florida Ecosystems) program. For more information, visit http://www.fairchildgarden.org/schooland-youth.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Reading/Language Arts, Science and
Visual Arts. For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
22 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
EDUCATOR CHALLENGE
DESIGNS: EXOTIC FLORA OF SOUTH FLORIDA
For individual teachers; 25 bonus points
YOUR CHALLENGE: Many of the plants in our
community are not native to South Florida, but were
brought here from overseas. As new cultures arrived in
South Florida, they brought plants as sources of food
and as objects of beauty. Choose one plant species
that originated elsewhere, and create a design that
incorporates a slogan with a maximum of 10 words
promoting the importance of that plant. The winning
design will be printed on a gift and presented to Fairchild
Challenge educators.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, October 14, 2015 by
5:00 p.m.
Submit all designs to Fairchild (in person or via mail) or
participating libraries;
electronic submissions of designs are not accepted.
(a) Educator Challenge entry form
(b) Maximum one design per school
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2014-2015 Fairchild Challenge winning Educator Design; created by
Janis Kaufman, Hammocks MS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Original, hand-rendered or computer-generated design
Slogan (10 words or less) integrated into design

Design must be on a sheet of 8.5’’ X 11’’white unlined paper; in black and white or one solid color (no
gradation allowed); done in colored pencils, pens or fine-point markers only (no crayons or paints); design
must be suitable for screen-printing

Scientific and common name of plant species, teacher name and school name clearly printed on the back of
each entry

On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit our website for online resources.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected]
23
CHALLENGE 2
GLOBAL CHALLENGE: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 200 (100 per comic strip)
The Global Competition is being offered by The Fairchild Challenge, in collaboration with all of The Fairchild
Challenge Partners. Ten national and international institutions will be invited to participate in the same challenge.
Top 10 comic strips from each individual institution, Miami being one, will be shared and compete in this global
challenge.
YOUR CHALLENGE: Urban sprawl and human mobility and the increased demand for energy since the
beginning of the last century have had a lasting effect on nature. Specifically, plant population ranges are shifting
and/or ecosystems are modifying in response to human actions. Choose one plant species, investigate how this
species has responded to environmental changes and document the changes the species is making through an
8-panel comic strip.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, November 4, 2015 by 5:00 p.m.
Submit all comic strips to Fairchild (in person or via mail) or participating libraries;
electronic submissions of comic strips are not accepted:
(a) Challenge 2 entry form
(b) Maximum two comic strips per school
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Drawing/hand-rendered or computer generated 8-panel comic strip: maximum size: 8.5” x 14”
Descriptive title, student’s name, grade and school name clearly printed on the back of each entry
Comic strip is student-created and original
Reference page with a minimum of three sources
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Visit our website for online resources.
• Top comic strips will be featured for online
voting, which will be open from Friday, April 1
through Friday, April 29, as part of the Global
Challenge. The winning schools will receive
the Viewers’ Choice Award at The Fairchild
Challenge Awards Ceremony.
• Winning entries of the Global Challenge will
be published in Fairchild’s The Tropical Garden
magazine.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of
evaluation criteria and points awarded for this
challenge, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge
meets standards for Gifted, Health Education, Reading/
Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Visual Arts.
For a detailed list of specific standards,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
Global Challenge High School Winners. Jessica Burch and
Miranda Miller, Woodland Hills HS
Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh, PA
24 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGE 3
EXPLORING ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
For individuals; maximum points: 300 (30 per student)
YOUR CHALLENGE: Apply classroom learning to real-world
activities. Enhance your practical skills and knowledge while
learning about careers in science and the environment. Work
in small groups alongside environmental experts, scientists
and researchers from the community and members of
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden staff, participating in hands
on research activities at Fairchild. Choose from topics such as
horticulture, plant/animal ecology, biodiversity, or economic
botany and rotate through stations.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Due date depends on event date
chosen. Please choose only one event date.
• FALL DATE: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 by
5:00 p.m. (for Tuesday, November 24, 2015)
• SPRING DATE: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 by
5:00 p.m. (for Tuesday, March 15, 2016)
Electronically submit the following materials, by selected
due date:
(a) Challenge 3 entry form
(b) Student selection form
(c) Roster for maximum ten students
EVENT DATES: Please choose only one event date, either in
the fall or in the spring.
• Fall: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m., at Fairchild
• Spring: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m., at Fairchild
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Maximum ten students
School approved teacher/adult chaperone must remain with students for the entire event.
Students must actively participate in the program to receive credit.
On time submission of materials (late submission may not be accepted)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Visit our website for detailed information about this challenge.
• Plan and arrange for transportation to and from Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as early as possible.
Maintain regular contact with Fairchild Challenge staff regarding required paperwork and other necessary
arrangements. Transportation expenses incurred by schools demonstrating a financial need may be
considered for reimbursement by Fairchild if the request is submitted to Fairchild prior to EES.
• Only pre-registered students may participate in EES, unless previously agreed upon with The Fairchild
Challenge staff.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Health Education, Mathematics,
Physical Education, Reading/Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. For a detailed list of specific standards,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected]
25
CHALLENGE 4
CITIZEN SCIENCE: GROWING BEYOND EARTH
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 400
YOUR CHALLENGE: Florida will be the the jumping-off point for the next
generation of human exploration. Just as the ancient Polynesians traveled
to distant islands, our scientists are preparing for expeditions to the moon,
near-Earth asteroids, and Mars. As in ancient times, it is clear that plants
will play a central role in our voyages. Plants provide food, oxygen, and
psychological benefits to astronauts in confined spaces. As part of NASA’s
Veg-01 project, scientists are testing food plants to see which will grow
best under the conditions aboard the International Space Station. Now,
you can help study plants that are under development for spaceflight, and
you can help identify new plants that might be good candidates for study.
While growing plants in your school, you will experiment with factors that
may influence growth, development, flavor, and nutrition. You will observe
plant growth, and enter your data into an online spreadsheet. As your
project develops, you will share photos and your findings via Twitter.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 5 entry form
(b) Data tables and tweets
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT: Schools are required to submit a letter of agreement by Friday, September 11,
2015 if they plan to participate in this challenge.
TEACHER PREREQUISITE: Teachers interested in participating in this challenge are required to attend an intensive
professional development training at Fairchild before receiving supplies (see Teacher Workshop information below).

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


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Enter information on plant biometrics to online database once per week.
At least one weekly student-created, scientifically relevant tweet with photo(s) about challenge 4
Tweets must include @FairchdChallnge
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Selected top entrants will be asked to present their project to judges at Fairchild’s Spring Garden Festival on
Saturday, April 9, 2016, 10:00 a.m. to noon to earn their award placement.
• Visit our website for online resources.
• Citizen science project protocols and data sheet access will be given during mandatory teacher workshop.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
TEACHER WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
See page 35 or visit our website for more information.
STUDENT WORKSHOP: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
See page 34 or visit our website for more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts,
and Science. For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
26 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGE 5
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS: PLANTS FROM FARAWAY PLACES
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 300 (100 per illustrations)
YOUR CHALLENGE: Botanical illustrations, coupled with detailed
descriptions, help scientists explain and share the traits of a species.
Botanical illustrations are works of art depicting a plant species and
ensuring that it is highly identifiable and scientifically accurate. Choose
an agriculturally significant non-native plant grown in South Florida
that you use in your everyday life, either in its natural or processed
form (for example food, medicine, clothing, etc.). Reveal its minute
characteristics by highlighting and identifying four parts in a hand
rendered drawing.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 5:00 p.m.
Submit all artwork to Fairchild (in person or via mail);
electronic submission or library drop-off of artwork is not accepted:
(a) Challenge 5 entry form
(b) Maximum three illustrations per school
Atemoya-African Pride. Priscilla Fawcett/FTBG
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
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Illustration: maximum size 12” x 16”, excluding optional matte; colored/graphite pencils, ink or watercolor
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Descriptive title, scientific and common name of plant species, student’s name, grade and school name
clearly printed on the back of each entry
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation
criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STUDENT WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
See page 34 or visit our website for more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets
standards for Gifted, Reading/Language Arts, Science
and Visual Arts. For a detailed list of specific standards,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected]
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CHALLENGE 6
ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATES: FEEDING OUR PLANET
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 300 (75 per student)
YOUR CHALLENGE: The Fairchild Challenge Environmental Debates provide a forum for discussion of vital
environmental issues. Debating allows you to gain confidence and improve your reasoning, public speaking and
leadership skills. After researching specific topics related to regional and global food security, compete at the annual
Fairchild Challenge Environmental Debates.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit Challenge 6 entry form by due date
EVENT DATE: Saturday, January 30, 2016 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Student debaters must arrive at Fairchild by 8:00 a.m.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Maximum four student debaters (two teams of two) and two alternates
Research given topics and actively participate in the annual Fairchild Challenge Environmental Debates.
Students must remain for the duration of the debates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• Debate format is British Parliamentary Debating.
• Debate topics will be posted online by mid-October.
• Prepare for all topics.
• Students will be scored in accordance to national standards for British Parliamentary debating. Following the
debates, schools may request completed evaluation sheets if they would like to submit to the National Speech
and Debate Association for points.
• Visit our website for detailed information about this challenge and visit http://debate.uvm.edu/wudcvideo.
html for practice round videos.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STUDENT & TEACHER WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
This workshop will be held at the University of Miami School of Communication. See page 34 or visit our website for
more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Health Education, Reading/Language
Arts, Science, Social Studies and Theatre. For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
28 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGE 7
RESEARCH PAPER: GROWING FOOD IN THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
For individuals; maximum points: 200 (100/paper)
TOPICS:
A. THE COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE
B. URBAN BROWNFIELDS
C. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
YOUR CHALLENGE: The written word has the power to inspire
action. Research and reflect on one of the above environmental
topics. Critically examine your findings, and write an essay on the
topic following the criteria outlined below.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, March 2, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 7 entry form
(b) Maximum one paper per topic, two papers per school in
Microsoft Word format
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Approximately 1,500 word paper (excluding supporting bibliographic references), typed, double-spaced,
using 12-point font
Student’s own words; plagiarized papers will be penalized (see program policies page 4 for details).
In-text citations from five reliable literary sources in MLA format and a work cited page
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
A. THE COLUMBIAN EXCHANGE
The Columbian Exchange is a term introduced by the historian Alfred W. Crosby in 1972. It is used to describe the
impact of the discovery of the Americas on the New World and the Old World. Settlers brought plants and animals
from the Old World to the Americas, and explorers enriched the food plate of Europe with corn, tomatoes and
potatoes. This exchange of species impacted society, economy and ecology. Choose one Old World plant which
made its way to the Americas in the beginning of colonization. Describe its impact on society, economy and ecology
in North America today.
B. URBAN BROWNFIELDS
Urban brownfields and abandoned buildings are being redeveloped in cities across the country. Development of
these areas reduces urban blight and suburban sprawl. In a proposal to your city council, describe how you would
redesign a one block area that includes an urban farm and/or garden area. You will choose a South Florida location
that you would redevelop, explain which plants you would include in your design, and describe how you would
make this sustainable.
C. AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
Agriculture uses more natural resources than any other human endeavor in the modern world. Maximizing
agricultural output is necessary to feed our growing population. After watching a TEDx video that discusses solutions
to our growing food demand, you will choose one solution and evaluate the pros and cons.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• For additional resources visit our website.
• The TEDx video for Topic C is available online, please visit our Challenges-In-Depth for link.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded for this challenge,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
STATE STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Health Education, Reading/Language Arts, Science,
and Social Studies. For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected]
29
CHALLENGE 8
GREEN CUISINE: MEALS FOR SPACE EXPLORATION
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 200
YOUR CHALLENGE: Scientists at NASA are experimenting with food plants in space (see Challenge 4, p. 26). The
goal is to produce food in small growth chambers that can be carried aboard a spacecraft. As we develop better
plants and new technology, we need new recipes for tasty and nutritious food that can be grown under such
conditions. Create any food item (entrée, appetizer, salad, dessert, etc.), using plants that are being developed for
growth in space. Visit our website for a list of possible ingredients. Each serving should be at least 100 calories and
require no more than 250 square centimeters of growing space.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 8 entry form
(b) Challenge 8 table
(c) Maximum one entry per school
EVENT DATE: Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Fairchild’s Spring Garden Festival.
Student chef(s) must arrive by 9:00 a.m. for project set-up.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Bring a pre-made vegetarian dish, suitable for 20 judges to taste a bite-size sample/1-oz. sample.
Prepare a two-minute presentation and be ready to discuss and respond to judges’ questions.
Publicly present your culinary creation at Fairchild’s Spring Garden Festival.
Challenge 8 table, completed and submitted online.
On-time entry submission
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• All dishes entered into this competition must be
entirely vegetarian.
• Visit our website to view Fairchild’s Culinary Quick
Tips and to access the Challenge 8 table online.
• Enter your ingredient list into the online spreadsheet
we developed to determine the number of calories
per serving and the amount of space within a growth
chamber needed to grow the ingredients.
• Challenge 8 table will include recipe card, caloric
content, and growing space requirements of the dish.
• The event will be open to the public. Please, keep
samples reserved for judges. Recipe cards may be
distributed to visitors and guests.
• There will be no outlets available in the Garden
House.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of
evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
TEACHER WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27
See page 35 or visit our website for more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Health Education, Mathematics,
Reading/Language Arts, Science, Theater and Visual Arts.
For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
30 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
CHALLENGE 9
CITIZEN SCIENCE: THE MILLION ORCHID PROJECT
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 300
YOUR CHALLENGE: Orchids are the ultimate long-distance travelers.
Their tiny, dustlike seeds can float on the wind for thousands of
miles. South Florida’s orchids traveled across the sea from the
Caribbean, Central America, South America, and even Africa. More
than 50 orchid species arrived here on the wind, no canoe needed.
Today South Florida’s orchids are in trouble. After a century of over
collecting, many of our native orchids have been driven to the brink
of extinction in the wild. Now, you can be part of the solution. By
participating in The Million Orchid Project, Fairchild’s initiative to
propagate a million South Florida endangered orchids, you will grow
native orchids to be planted in your community. While rearing the
plants, you will have the opportunity to experiment with factors that
may influence seedling growth and development. Data collected as
part of this challenge will be used to refine propagation protocols. As
your project develops, you will share photos and your findings via
Twitter.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, April 20, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 9 entry form
(b) Data tables and tweets
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT: Schools are required to submit a
letter of agreement by December 11, 2015 if they plan to participate
in this challenge.
TEACHER PREREQUISITE: Teachers interested in participating in this challenge are required to attend intensive
professional development training at Fairchild before receiving supplies (see Teacher Workshop information below).
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Enter information on plant biometrics to online database once per week.
At least 12 student-created, scientifically relevant tweets with photo(s) about challenge 9
Tweets must include @FairchdChallnge
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• For more about The Million Orchid Project, a five year orchid reintroduction plan for South Florida, visit
http://www.fairchildgarden.org/Science-Conservation/The-Million-Orchid-Project.
• Protocols for growing and propagating chosen species and data sheet access will be given during mandatory
teacher workshop.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
TEACHER WORKSHOP: SATURDAY, JANUARY 16
See page 35 or visit our website for more information.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Mathematics, Reading/Language Arts,
Science, Social Studies and Visual Arts. For a detailed list of specific standards, visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected]
31
CHALLENGE 10
DOCUMENTARY: NEW HORIZONS
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 200
YOUR CHALLENGE: Consider the places that humans can live in space. In 1963, Fairchild partnered with NASA
and its researchers to explore the possibilities of human inhabitation beyond this planet. Research the efforts that
NASA and other organizations have done to prepare for life on other planets. Look at the role that plants play in
human lives, and choose three plants that would be most important for you to take on this journey. Explain what
they are, why they are important, and what you would need to grow them. Use NASA’s previous research and plant
growing requirements to make your choices. Produce a 3-minute documentary explaining your findings.
ENTRY SUBMISSION: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 by 5:00 p.m.
Electronically submit the following materials:
(a) Challenge 10 entry form
(b) Maximum one video per school
(c) Upload video to www.youtube.com/education and send video link.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Video must address reasons for plants chosen
Videos must be three minutes or less and uploaded to www.youtube.com/education.
A minimum of five students must take an active role in the video
Video title should include school name and “Challenge 10”, along with “2015-2016.”
On time entry submission (late entries may not receive points)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: • Students are encouraged to grow the plants they chose in their school gardens or space labs
(if participating in Challenge 4).
• Videos will be featured for online voting, which will be open from Friday, April 15 to Friday, April 29. The
winning schools will receive the Viewers’ Choice Award at The Fairchild Challenge Awards Ceremony.
• For combination schools: levels 6-8 and 9-12 must submit two different videos.
EVALUATION CRITERIA: For a detailed list of evaluation criteria and points awarded,
visit www.fairchildgarden.org.
STATE ACADEMIC STANDARDS: This challenge meets standards for Gifted, Mathematics, Music, Reading/Language
Arts, Science, Social Studies, Theater and Visual Arts. For a detailed list of specific standards,
visit www.fairchildchallenge.org.
Image courtesy of rt.com/usa/167944-nasa-plans-colonize-mars/
32 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
School outplanting for The Million Orchid Project
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected]
33
STUDENT WORKSHOPS
CITIZEN SCIENCE: COMMUNICATING RESEARCH (Challenge 4 & 9 HS)
On Thursday, October 8, from 2:00 p.m. -5:30 p.m., there will be a half day workshop for a
maximum of 60 high school students participating in the Million Orchid Project and/or the NASA
project. This workshop will give high school students insight about how to communicate their
research. From conducting a literature search to analyzing and visualizing data this workshop will not
only help with the participation in the challenges but is valuable preparation for college.
Teachers may register up to 5 students per school from Wednesday, September 23 to Wednesday,
October 7 only. During the registration period, the available spaces will be filled on a first-come,
first-served basis. Schools/students are responsible for transportation. Schools that are interested in
participating in this workshop should e-mail [email protected].
Participants are eligible for community service hours.
GREEN TREASURES: VOYAGES OF PLANTS (Challenge 3 MS)
Intergenerational interviews in three languages will be held at Fairchild in October to facilitate
the Green Treasures ethnobotanical interviewing process. Students will interview elders in
small groups and at least one of these students must be able to speak the native language of
the senior they interview. Schools that are participating in these workshops are required to
submit a newsletter for Challenge 3.
Teachers may register between Wednesday, September 23 and Wednesday, October 7 only.
During the registration period, available spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Classes that are interested in participating in these interviews should e-mail challenge6-8@
fairchildgarden.org. Schools may also apply for transportation reimbursement.
INTERVIEW DATES:
Tuesday, October 13 - Haitian Creole |Wednesday, October 14 - English | Thursday, October 15 - Spanish
All interviews will take place from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS (Challenge 6 MS and Challenge 5 HS)
On Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., there will be a one-day workshop
for a maximum of 200 students, who are participating in the Botanical Illustrations
challenge. Students will work outdoors in small groups with professional artist mentors,
learn about local plants, sketch and draw plant life.
Teachers may register up to 15 students and two teachers or chaperones per school from
Wednesday, October 7 to Wednesday, October 21 only. During the registration period,
the available spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools/students
are responsible for transportation and all art supplies. Although lunch is not provided,
we encourage students to bring a bag lunch and continue to enjoy the garden following
the workshop. Classes that are interested in participating in this workshop should e-mail
[email protected] or [email protected].
ENVIRONMENTAL DEBATES: FEEDING OUR PLANET (Challenge 6 HS)
The Fairchild Challenge and the University of Miami Debate Team invite high school
teachers and students to a debate training workshop. Join us on Saturday, December 5, at the
University of Miami School of Communication. This one-day workshop, led by the University
of Miami Debate Team, will familiarize participants with all aspects of a British Parliamentary
Debate. Students will be able to learn about the rules and procedures, research and argument
construction, and end with a practice round to give all students a chance to get constructive
feedback from debate coaches.
Teachers may register up to 8 students and two teachers or chaperones per school from
Wednesday, November 4 to Wednesday, November 25 only. During the registration period, the
available spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Schools/students are responsible
for transportation. Classes that are interested in participating in this workshop should e-mail
[email protected]. Participants are eligible for community service hours.
34 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
FOR THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE PARTICIPATING TEACHERS
BOTANICAL CITIZEN SCIENCE (Challenge 5 MS and Challenge 4 HS)
TEACHER PREREQUISITE for participation in Challenge 5 MS and Challenge 4 HS
Scientists from NASA will conduct this workshop to introduce their research and the problems they
try to solve for future space missions. Classrooms will be used as space-lab extensions and your
students will contribute to an important step into the future. Teachers will learn the research protocols
and discuss ideas for suitable experiments and the requested data to select. Teachers will receive the
necessary materials, including basic seed materials, to take back to their schools.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
This workshop is not eligible for MPP points; registration is through The Fairchild Challenge only.
THE MILLION ORCHID PROJECT (Challenge 8 MS and Challenge 9 HS)
TEACHER PREREQUISITE for participation in Challenge 8 for MS and Challenge 9 for HS
This workshop will introduce teachers to Fairchild’s Million Orchid Project, an initiative to reestablish
a million South Florida native/endangered orchids. During this one-day workshop, teachers will
participate in activities to learn how to micro-propagate these native orchids and how to experiment
with factors that may influence growth and development. Teachers will learn the research protocols,
how to deflask, and collect data. Teachers will receive the necessary materials to take back to their
schools.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
This workshop is not eligible for MPP points; registration is through The Fairchild Challenge only.
OPEN WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS
LiFE CURRICULUM (Challenge 7 MS and Challenge 8 HS)
This workshop will instruct teachers in an inquiry-based science curriculum that educates
students about the relationship between food systems, food choice, and personal health.
The workshop will focus on the interplay between biology, technology and personal
behavior, thus enhancing students’ personal motivation and competence to use their
science understandings to reflect upon and purposefully act to make positive sustainable
choices for themselves and their communities.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
ETHNOBOTANY (Challenge 9 MS and Challenge 10 HS)
Explore the connection between culture and plants through a hands-on, interactive look at the cultural
and economic value of plants and their importance in our lives. Through hands-on activities, this
workshop will introduce traditional methods of plant uses beyond food. There will be a focus on plants
of South Florida, Latin America, and the Caribbean, incorporating both traditional knowledge and
modern scientific studies. Through this workshop, teachers will understand how ethnobotany can be
a wonderful springboard for learning topics across the curriculum, including agriculture, economics,
geography, nutrition, social studies, and more!
Saturday, March 5, 2016
TEACHER RESOURCES AT FAIRCHILD
Fairchild offers additional professional development workshops for PreK-12 grade teachers that can support and
enhance your participation in The Fairchild Challenge. Workshops focus on botany, ecology, South Florida’s natural
environment and more. You may also visit Fairchild’s website to view and use our downloadable teaching modules,
including resources and curricula for your classroom.
Registration:
To register, for “Fairchild Challenge Participating Teacher Workshops” contact [email protected] or
[email protected]. For “Open Workshops for Teachers” visit http://www.mylearningplan.com or
contact Kiki Mutis ([email protected]).
Note: MPP Credits available for open workshops only. During the registration period, the available spaces will be filled
on a first-come, first-served basis. Teachers may be asked to leave a deposit to ensure a space.
For more information regarding the above workshops and additional professional development workshops, visit www.
fairchildgarden.org/teachers.
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected] AND [email protected]
35
AWARDS CEREMONIES
36 FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN • WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s education programs reach more than 125,000 South Florida students
annually and are possible thanks to generous support from:
THE BATCHELOR FOUNDATION
and Bank of America, BLICK art materials Miami, The Children’s Trust, Creative Taste Catering & Event Production,
Dadeland Framing, The Everglades Foundation, Fairchild Palms, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Kendel
Kennedy and The Ethel & W. George Kennedy Family Foundation, Inc., Kings Bay Athletics, The John S. and James
L. Knight Foundation, Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC) at Florida International University, Miami-Dade
County Commissioner Sally Heyman, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs Council, Miami-Dade County
Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County Public Schools and School Board, Miami-Dade County
Department of Sustainability, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Planning and Economic Enhancement
(formerly DERM), The Peacock Foundation, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., Michael and Diane Rosenberg
Family Foundation, Inc., Sue and Alan Steinberg, US Department of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program,
Vaughn-Jordan Foundation, Whole Foods Market, and anonymous donors, friends and members of Fairchild, among
others.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Carl E. Lewis, Ph.D., Director
Amy Padolf, M.Ed., Director of Education
Established in 1936 and dedicated in 1938, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is the oldest cultural institution in MiamiDade County. From the beginning, the Garden was a public and private partnership. Dr. David Fairchild assembled
extraordinary plant collections, Col. Robert Montgomery provided funding, and Dade County and the Civilian
Conservation Corps supplied construction labor. Other significant figures in the Garden’s history include Charles H.
Crandon, Chairman of the Dade County Commission, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas, conservationist and author of
The Everglades: River of Grass, who served as Fairchild’s first secretary and later on the board of trustees. Throughout
Fairchild’s history, there has been a commitment to excellence in horticulture, landscape design, research, conservation
and education.
Volunteers
Volunteers play a vital role in Fairchild’s education programs. Become a Fairchild volunteer and participate in activities
that are helping to change the community and the world! For more information, visit www.fairchildgarden.org or call the
Volunteer Department 305.667.1651, ext. 3324.
In proud partnership with
The Fairchild Challenge Staff
Program Manager: Marion Litzinger
Program Coordinators: Barbara Martinez-Guerrero, Amanda Noble, Danielle Palow Ph.D
Graduate Students: José Hidalgo, Alexander Levine, Nichole Tiernan
Education Graphic Designer: Tedd Johnson
Science Literacy • Critical Thinking • Civic Engagement • Creative Expression
Community Involvement • Research • Leadership Development
Environmental Awareness • School Gardening
THE 2015-2016 FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS • [email protected] AND [email protected]
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THIS BOOKLET IS ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.FAIRCHILDCHALLENGE.ORG
O
ur mission is to save tropical plant diversity by exploring,
explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants;
fundamental to this task is inspiring a greater knowledge and love
for plants and gardening so that all can enjoy the beauty and
bounty of the tropical world.
Accredited by the American Association of Museums, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is supported by contributions from members
and friends, and in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture,
the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Institute of Museum and Library Services,
the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs
Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and with the support of the City of Coral Gables.
Photos by FTBG staff, volunteers or provided by schools, unless otherwise credited.
10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Florida 33156 • 305.667.1651 • www.fairchildgarden.org