South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Fairchild Challenge alignment to Science Fair
In collaboration with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and the Fairchild Challenge, this document was
prepared to facilitate and encourage student participation in the Fairchild Challenge and the Regional
Science and Engineering Fair while using the same research project/investigation.
Below, please find the Fairchild Challenges for Middle and High Schools and the suggested alignment to
Science Fair categories. A listing of all science fair categories is also linked at the end of the document.
Please note that deadlines for the Fairchild Challenge vary from October 2015 to April 2016, but the
entry deadline submission to the South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair is December 15,
2015 and the Regional Fair competition is on February 6th, 2016.
Students researching a specific topic for a challenge due after February 6th, 2016 should not be
discouraged to enter in the Regional Fair, but encouraged to present any information collected prior to
the competition date.
We want to encourage students to take part in as many STEM initiatives/competitions as possible in
order to increase the rigor and application of scientific concepts as they relate to real world applications
that are of their interest.
Middle School
 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
Science Fair suggested category:
(1. Animal Sciences, 2. Behavioral & Social Sciences)
South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair

CHALLENGE 5: CITIZEN SCIENCE: GROWING BEYOND EARTH
For individuals or groups; maximum points: 400
YOUR CHALLENGE: Florida will be 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
Science Fair suggested category:
(2. Behavioral & Social Sciences, 6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)

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
Science Fair suggested category:
(3. Biomedical & Health Sciences, 6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)
South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair

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
Science Fair suggested category:
(6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)

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.
Science Fair suggested category:
(3. Biomedical & Health Sciences, 6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)
South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair
High School

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
Science Fair suggested category:
(6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)

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: Electronically submit the following materials, by selected due date: (a)
Challenge 3 entry form, (b) Student selection form, (c) Roster for maximum ten students
Due date depends on event date chosen. Please choose only one event date.
o FALL DATE: Wednesday, October 28, 2015 by 5:00 p.m. (for Tuesday, November 24,
2015)
o SPRING DATE: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 by 5:00 p.m. (for Tuesday, March 15,
2016)
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
South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair
Science Fair suggested category:
(various, depending on student research activity)

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
Science Fair suggested category:
(6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)

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.
Science Fair suggested category:
(6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)
South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair

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
Science Fair suggested category:
(various, depending on student research activity)

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.
Science Fair suggested category:
(3. Biomedical & Health Sciences, 6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)
South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair

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).
Science Fair suggested category:
(6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)
South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair

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.
Science Fair suggested category:
(3. Biomedical & Health Sciences, 6. Earth & Environmental Sciences, 13. Plant Sciences)
STATE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR OF FLORIDA CATEGORIES
Please follow each link for more information regarding the topics of research in each category
1. Animal Sciences
2. Behavioral & Social Sciences
3. Biomedical & Health Sciences
4. Cellular/ Molecular Biology & Biochemistry
5. Chemistry
6. Earth & Environmental Sciences
7. Engineering
8. Environmental Engineering
9. Intelligent Machines, Robotics and Systems Software
10. Mathematics & Computational Sciences
11. Microbiology
12. Physics & Astronomy
13. Plant Sciences
For additional information about competing in the science fair, please visit the South Florida Regional
Science and Engineering Fair Website: http://science.dadeschools.net/scienceFair/default.html