2012-2013 ANNUAL REPORT - Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

f a i r c h i l d t r o p i c a l b o t a n i c g a r d e n

2012-2013 ANNUAL REPORT

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN / THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013 | 2

Table of Contents

The Fairchild Challenge 2012-2013 Summary 3

The Fairchild Challenge

Elementary School Program 6

Middle School Program 16

High School Program 25

Satellite Partner Program 38


The Fairchild Challenge 2012-2013 Summary

Highlights:

This year’s Fairchild Challenge has seen many changes and marked growth. With the opening and integration of the new DiMare Science Village and the greater collaboration with the Science and Conservation team, we have taken a new approach to both the breadth of participation and depth of

learning. The program focuses on multidisciplinary approach to authentic scientific research and inquiry based education, allowing students and teachers to better explore conservation through the Garden’s collections and expertise.

This year more than 125,000 students and teachers from 263 schools locally participated to make this the largest and most successful program year. Students participated in: • citizen science projects that help to restore endangered habitats • debates on agriculture and food issues • research connecting David Fairchild’s work to conservation issues today • career explorations in conservation, art and research • exploration of endangered species through art and writing

Fairchild’s education influence is being noticed national and internationally. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) recently announced that Fairchild was one of nine organizations to receive 21st Century Museum Professionals grants for The Fairchild Challenge. By receiving this grants award, The Fairchild Challenge is being recognized for its innovation in STEM Education and as a model that will allow informal education organizations to make significant contributions to STEM literacy in the United States.

Additionally, we were honored to receive funding for three years from the Vaughn-Jordan Foundation to establish the Lewis Vaughn Memorial Scholarship program; Fairchild’s first scholarship program for students participating in The Fairchild Challenge. The 2012-13 Lewis Vaughn Memorial Scholarships were awarded to two outstanding students from under-resourced communities who show promise in biological and environmental sciences. These students were nominated by their teacher through the Fairchild Challenge based on academic performance and career interest. This year’s winners were from North Miami Beach High School and Terra Environmental Research Institute.

As we do each year, The Fairchild Challenge team continuously tracks and evaluates program outcomes by administering frequent teacher and student surveys, including a final survey at the end of each school year, facilitating teacher discussion forums and interviews, maintaining e-mail communication, conducting direct observations of the program at various school sites, and monitoring the quality of student entries. Annual evaluations are focused on four key aspects: content, administration, communication, and effectiveness. Implementation of these evaluative strategies allowed us to analyze student and teacher feedback to the following questions: “What effect do we have on students’ environmental awareness, scholarship, and stewardship? How many students, teachers and schools are we reaching, and to what extent? What components of the program are relevant for the teacher and the implementation of the program?”

Following their participation in The Fairchild Challenge, survey results indicated that 86% of high school students and 80% of middle school students are able to discuss ways in which the environment can impact their life. Furthermore, 76% of high school students and 70 %of middle school students agree that they can convince others to take action to help the environment. In addition, 76% high school students and 71% of middle school students that participated in The Fairchild Challenge indicated an increased willingness to preserve the environment.


The surveys executed at the end of the program reported that 86% high school students and 83% of the middle school students could state ways in which plants are important. Of the student participants, 88% of the high school students and 81% of the middle school students stated that they could list things that students can do to help the environment as a result of their participation in The Fairchild Challenge. Moreover, 69% of middle and high school students reported that they have increased their actions to help the environment.

Teachers surveyed noticed a change in student environmental attitudes. Ninety-four percent of the teachers surveyed noticed an increase in their students’ interest in the environment. Consequently, 93% teachers also noted an increase in their students’ environmentally friendly behaviors following their participation in The Fairchild Challenge. Teachers also gained knowledge while working with their students; 95% of the teachers surveyed stated that their knowledge of the environment and environmental issues had increased and 97% of them intend to participate in The Fairchild Challenge in the coming school year.

For high school teachers, the main reasons in participating in The Fairchild Challenge were the value of the learning activity, (86%), the unique experience for their students (83 %) and the development of critical thinking skills (83%). Offering a unique experience for their students (96%), the potential to engage students with varying abilities (93%) and the hands-on learning experience for students (92%) were the most important reasons to participate in the program for middle school teachers. For elementary school teachers the value as a learning activity (94%) was most important reason to participate in The Fairchild Challenge followed by offering a unique experience for their students (91%) and the hands on learning experiences for students (89%) The teachers were also satisfied with the program’s curriculum integration to the state curriculum standards; 95% teachers surveyed agreed that the challenge was a worthwhile use of class time.

The Fairchild Challenge & the Science Education Pipeline

A strong science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce is becoming increasingly important for our nation’s economy, infrastructure, and environment. America’s education agenda is focusing on an urgent need for a population that is more STEM literate and prepared for scientific careers. However, one of our nation’s major challenges is finding tools to encourage diverse populations to pursue STEM careers, particularly in fields related to the environment. As school budgets decrease and programs are being eliminated, Fairchild strives to bridge the gap in environmental literacy by working with students directly as well as by influencing pedagogy in school districts and challenging teachers to inspire students to connect with nature physically, emotionally, and creatively.

Fairchild is strategically located to help expand and diversify the STEM workforce. The garden is located in one of the country’s most socially, economically and racially diverse communities. Miami-Dade County has the fourth largest Public School District, with 353,000 K-12 students. The district’s students are majority-minority: 61% Hispanic, 27% black, 9% white and 3% other. The children of South Florida have traditionally experienced limited training in science and little exposure to careers in the environment. Starting with early childhood education, young children are afforded few opportunities to engage systematically and thoughtfully in learning science.

Fairchild has an opportunity to greatly enhance STEM education and combat these societal issues by offering a program that identifies and encourages talented young scientists through a multidisciplinary approach and competition. At Fairchild, we are building and sharing programs to engage and train students from a broad range of backgrounds to be innovative problem solvers starting at an early age. It is with this in mind that we created The Fairchild Challenge in 2002.

The Fairchild Challenge is a unique school-based environmental education compeition whereby students are engaged and actively involved in environmental education and stewardship, beginning in elementary school and continuing through college. Through repeated exposure to highly experiential and inquiry-based environmental education from an early age, The Fairchild Challenge is influencing and empowering a diverse


generation of scientists, researchers, educated voters, policy makers, and environmentally-minded citizens. Promoting the Challenge program through schools maximizes youth involvement and weaves attention to nature into the daily lives of young people, regardless of age, race, religion, socio-economic status, or ability. The intended impact of the program is to increase the percentage of students pursuing advanced degrees in the sciences and successfully bring them into STEM careers, specifically those related to the environment.

The program is a free, interdisciplinary competition that is aligned with state educational standards and is embedded in Miami-Dade County Public School’s educational pacing guides. Through the program, students actively learn, explore and devise creative and effective responses to some of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. With competitions in various disciplines, the annual menu of options uses the environment as an integrating context for learning. Research shows that the observed benefits of using the environment as an integrating contexts are: (1) better performance on standardized tests; (2) measures of academic achievement in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies; (3) reduced discipline/classroom management problems; (4) increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning; and (5) greater pride in and ownership of accomplishments. Contest options, known as “challenges”, allow students to engage in the following projects: research, debate and devise solutions to environmental issues; create environmentally themed artwork; work in and with their community to raise environmental awareness; learn from their elders; conduct habitat restoration at schools; implement green initiatives at home, school and in the in the community; creatively write about nature; and work with professionals throughout the region to explore science careers.

Because of the local success of The Fairchild Challenge, Fairchild has begun to offer the program as a replicable model to other cities throughout the US and abroad. The eagerness with which dozens of national and international sites have taken up this offer reflects the program’s resonance in diverse social settings. The goal of The Fairchild Challenge National Movement is to build the environmental education capacity and impact of The Fairchild Challenge program by defining, capturing, celebrating and showcasing best practices of the Miami-model and currently active sites.


Elementary School Program

This year, The Fairchild Challenge for Elementary Schools saw another year of growth in terms of the numbers of schools involved and entries received. More than 58,000 (total attempted) students and 1600 teachers from 103 registered schools participated in the program this year, for a total of 86,480 incidents of participation and 1076 submitted entries. Of those 103 registered schools, 91% actively participated in one or more of the 5 challenges offered this year; 25 were first-time participants in the program; and 50% were Title 1 schools, while another 24% were private schools. This year, 46 elementary schools received school garden grants from The Fairchild Challenge, with a total of 65 schools participating in the School Garden challenge.


Elementary School Program Challenges

Challenges Maximum points Max. number of entries

Educator Challenge – NEW No points 1 design

1 Fashion Design: Parade of Endangered Animals For individual students A: Pre-K – 1st grades B: 2nd – 3rd grades C: 4th – 5th grades

100 (50 per entry)100 (50 per entry)100 (50 per entry

2 masks2 masks2 masks

2 Art: Plants in Peril For individual students A: Pre-K – 1st grades B: 2nd – 3rd grades C: 4th – 5th grades

100 (50/entry)100 (50/entry)100 (50/entry)

2 drawings2 drawings2 drawings

3 Writing: Saving Species For individual students A: K – 1st grades B: 2nd – 3rd grades C: 4th – 5th grades

100 (50/entry)100 (50/entry)100 (50/entry)

2 poems2 poems2 poems

4 Environmental Action For groups 400 1 booklet

5 School Garden/Habitat Restoration For groups 400 1 booklet


This year’s program consisted of five challenges for students in grades Pre-K through 5. Each challenge was grade-appropriate and aligned with Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. These challenges included:

1. Fashion Design: Parade of Endangered Animals – For the second year, students had the opportunity to create animal masks in conjunction with the Middle and High School Botanical Fashion Show challenge. Students were asked to create masks depicting an endangered animal and include a description of the animal and how we can help prevent its extinction. Depending on their grade level, students had to include the common name, scientific name and geographic region that the animal lives in. Masks were asked to be created with an emphasis on natural and recycled materials. Entries were evaluated based on creativity, resources used, accuracy of information and relevance to theme. Additionally, participating schools had the opportunity to showcase their masks at the Parade of Endangered Animals during the Botanical Fashion Show held at Fairchild.

2. Art: Plants in Peril – In this challenge, students were asked to research South Florida’s threatened and endangered plants and choose one plant to create an original piece of artwork. Students had the option of using paints, pencils, markers, or crayons. Additionally, students were asked to provide the common and/or scientific names of the plant as well as the state listing status, depending on grade level. Artwork was evaluated based on creativity, observation skills, artistry, and relevance to the theme.

3. Writing: Saving Species – For the writing challenge, students continued to explore the theme of endangered species and conservation. In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, students were asked to create a poem about the importance of conservation and how we can act to protect the planet. Poems could be written in multiple languages, if accompanied by an English translation, and had a word limit depending on grade level. Entries were evaluated based on creativity, use of vocabulary, and relevance to theme.

4. Environmental Action – In this challenge, students were asked to undertake group projects that raise environmental awareness and promote conservation in their home, school and community. Schools were asked to summarize their efforts, including measurable outcomes, through photos, text and other evidence of student work. Results were presented either in a booklet as in past years, or new this year by teacher demand, in a PowerPoint presentation. Projects were evaluated based on the depth and breadth of student involvement and how solution-oriented the projects were, among other criteria.

5. School Garden – In this challenge, students were asked to establish, expand, or restore a theme garden or native habitat at their school. Additionally, they were asked to provide examples of how the garden was used and interpreted as a learning tool across the curriculum. Their gardening efforts and outcomes were summarized in either a booklet or PowerPoint presentation submitted to Fairchild. Projects were evaluated on the depth and breadth of student involvement, the quality of interpretation materials, as well as how the garden was used in the classroom.

Summary of Elementary School Challenges


Elementary School Program Sample Student Work

Mrs. Cano’s 2nd Grade ClassRuth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center Challenge1B: Fashion Design, 1st Place (tie)

Eva Gonzalez, KindergardenLa ScuolaChallenge 2A, Special Merit

Chloe Fefferman, 4th GradeTemple Beth AmChallenge 2C, 1st Place

Santa Fe Elementary Challenge 5, Special Merit

Robert Daniels, Grade KLaura C. Saunders ElementaryChallenge 3A, Special Merit

Elliott Montando, 3rd grade, Sunset ElementaryChallenge1B: Fashion Design,3rd Place (tie)


ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AWARDS2012-2013

THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE AWARDSBy earning more than 750 points, 49 elementary schools received The Fairchild Challenge Award

Air Base Elementary • Biscayne Elementary • Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart The Charter School at Waterstone • Coconut Grove Elementary • Coconut Palm K-8 Academy

Coral Reef Montessori Academy Charter • The Cushman School • Dante B. Fascell Elementary • Doral Academy Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary • Dr. E. L. Whigham Elementary • Dr. Henry E. Perrine Elementary

Epiphany School • Ethel Beckford/Richmond Elementary • Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center • Gordon Schools of Beth David • Greenglade Elementary

The Growing Place • Howard Drive Elementary • Hubert O. Sibley K-8 Center • Kensington Park Elementary Key Biscayne K-8 Center • Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church School • La Scuola • Mater Grove Academy Northwest Christian Academy • Oak Grove Elementary • Palm Lakes Elementary • Palmetto Elementary

Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary Montessori Magnet • Pine Lake Elementary • Pinecrest Elementary Royal Green Elementary • Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center • Santa Fe Academy • Shenandoah Elementary

South Pointe Elementary • Southside Elementary • Springview Elementary • St. Kevin Catholic School St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School • St. Thomas the Apostle School • Sunset Elementary

Temple Beth Am Day School • Theodore R. and Thelma A. Gibson Charter School • Twin Lakes Elementary W. J. Bryan Elementary

THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE HIGHEST HONORSCash prizes for environmental initiatives were awarded to the top-scoring elementary schools

$250 WinnersDr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary • Epiphany School • Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center

Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church School • Oak Grove Elementary Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary Montessori Magnet • Royal Green Elementary • Santa Fe Academy

South Pointe Elementary • W. J. Bryan Elementary

$500 WinnersBiscayne Elementary • Hubert O. Sibley K-8 Center • Palmetto Elementary

Pinecrest Elementary • Sunset Elementary

$1000 WinnerAir Base Elementary

THIRD PLACE OVERALLHubert O. Sibley K-8 Center

SECOND PLACE OVERALLSunset Elementary

FIRST PLACE OVERALLAir Base Elementary


PARTICIPATING ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS2012-2013

1. Ada Merritt K-8 Center2. Air Base Elementary3. Arch Creek Elementary4. Archimedean Academy5. Aventura City of Excellence6. Avocado Elementary7. Ben Sheppard Elementary8. Biscayne Elementary9. Biscayne Gardens Elementary10. Blue Lakes Elementary11. Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart12. Charter School at Waterstone, The13. Coconut Grove Elementary14. Coconut Palm K-8 Academy15. Conchita Espinosa Academy16. Coral Reef Elementary17. Coral Reef Montessori18. The Cushman School19. Cutler Ridge Elementary20. Dante B. Fascell Elementary21. Devon Aire K-8 Center22. Doral Academy Elementary23. Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary24. Dr. E. L. Whigham Elementary25. Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy26. Dr. Henry W. Mack/West Little River K-8 Center27. Earlington Heights Elementary28. Epiphany Catholic School29. Ethel Beckford Richmond Elementary30. Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center31. First United Methodist Christian School32. Flamingo Elementary33. Florida Christian School34. Frank C. Martin K-8 Center35. Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center36. Gordon Schools of Beth David37. Greenglade Elementary38. Growing Place, The39. Hochberg Preparatory School40. Howard Drive Elementary41. Hubert O. Sibley K-8 Center42. Jacobson Sinai Academy43. Kensington Park Elementary44. Kenwood K-8 Center45. Key Biscayne K-8 Center46. Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church School47. Kinloch Park Elementary

48. Lakeside Elementary49. La Scuola50. Laura C. Saunders Elementary51. Leewood K-8 Center52. Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy53. Mater Grove Academy54. Miami Christian School55. Natural Bridge Elementary56. Northwest Christian Academy57. Oak Grove Elementary58. Palmetto Elementary59. Palm Lakes Elementary60. Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary Montessori Magnet61. Pinecrest Elementary62. Pine Lake Elementary63. Redland Elementary64. Riviera Day School65. Robert Russa Moton Elementary66. Rockway Elementary67. Royal Green Elementary68. Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center69. Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School70. Santa Fe Academy71. Seminole Elementary72. Shenandoah Elementary73. Somerset Academy Silver Palms74. South Miami K-8 Center75. South Pointe Elementary76. Southside Elementary77. Springview Elementary78. St. Kevin Catholic School79. St. Mary Cathedral School80. St. Patrick School81. St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School82. St. Thomas the Apostle83. Summerville Advantage Academy84. Sunset Elementary85. Sunset Park Elementary86. Temple Beth Am Day School87. Theodore R. and Thelma A. Gibson Charter School88. Toras Emes Academy of Miami89. Twin Lakes Elementary90. Village School, The91. Whispering Pines Elementary92. W. J. Bryan Elementary93. Youth Co-Op Charter School94. Zora Neale Hurston Elementary

Congratulations to the more than 30,000 students at 94 South Florida elementary schools who actively participated in The 2012-2013 Fairchild Challenge:


Elementary School Gardens

1. Air Base Elementary 2. Arch Creek Elementary 3. Aventura City of Excellence 4. Ben Sheppard Elementary 5. Biscayne Elementary 6. Biscayne Gardens Elementary 7. Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart 8. Charter School at Waterstone 9. Coconut Palm K-810. Conchita Espinosa Academy11. Coral Reef Elementary 12. Coral Reef Montessori13. Cushman School14. Dante B. Fascell Elementary 15. Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary16. Dr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary 17. Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts18. Dr. Henry Mack/West Little River19. Epiphany School20. Ethel Beckford/Richmond Elementary21. Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center 22. First United Methodist Christian School23. Gateway Enviromental K-8 24. Gordon Schools of Beth David 25. Greenglade Elementary 26. The Growing Place 27. Howard Drive Elementary28. Hubert O. Sibley K-8 Academy29. Kensington Park Elementary 30. Key Biscayne K-8 Center31. Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church School32. Kinloch Park Elementary 33. Lakeside Elementary

34. Leewood K-8 Center 35. Mandarin Lakes K- 8 Academy36. Mater Grove Academy 37. Miami Christian School 38. Natural Bridge Elementary 39. Northwest Christian Academy 40. Oak Grove Elementary 41. Palm Lakes Elementary42 Palmetto Elementary43. Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary Montessori Magnet 44. Pinecrest Elementary 45. Pine Lake Elementary46. Robert Russa Moton Elementary47. Rockway Elementary48. Royal Green Elementary 49. Santa Fe Advantage Academy 50. Seminole Elementary 51. Shenandoah Elementary 52. Somerset Academy Silver Palms 53. South Miami K-8 Center 54. South Pointe Elementary 55. Southside Elementary Museums Magnet56. Springview Elementary 57 St. Kevin Catholic 58. St. Mary Cathedral School59. St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School 60. Sunset Elementary 61. Theodore R. and Thelma A. Gibson Charter School62. Twin Lakes Elementary 63. The Village School64. Whispering Pines Elementary65. William Jennings Bryan Elementary


“All of the students in my first grade class were loving it and learning so much. They are the future and it’s up to them to save our environment.”

“The school garden adds to the entire school atmosphere. It adds joy and spontaneity to the landscape and brings childhood curiosity to the forefront of the school environment. It provides a unique place to build healthy relationships between students and between teachers and students.”

”My knowledge has increased in a fun, interesting and profound way. The FC has expanded my mind and my awareness of environmental topics that are not usual to my discipline (art) but that now are part of my planning.”

”I have improved in my ability to involve students in all parts of the projects. I have learned how to get out of their way and let them create!”

”It is an ever changing challenge to work with students, then to add The FC is just more fun. I learn some-thing new every day!”

”The most valuable outcome of participating in The Fairchild Challenge for STUDENTS was….”

”It engaged my students in a hands-on and memorable way.”

”Other students were able to shine.”

”A sense of pride in their accomplishments, and more self-esteem.”

”Hands-on, real life experiences in the garden with children seeing, understanding things for the very first time.”

”Being able to recognize that they have a position in the evolving of global concerns.”

”Getting the kids outside, learning in a hands-on way and developing leadership and responsibility.”

”That the students can tell others the importance of protecting it and taking care of the environment.”

”Doing art for a different purpose other than personal enjoyment.”

”Having their voice/opinions heard.”

”Having a different way to learn about the environment in a way that allows them to be expressive.”

”Getting a chance to see where their food comes from.”

”A chance for students in the inner-city to complete hands-on nature activities.”

”Encouraging the students’ ability to look at issues in an interdisciplinary way.”

”Creating a habitat at their school that is lasting and relevant to local species.”

”The wealth of knowledge they will have forever.”

Elementary School Program Feedback


”The most valuable outcome of participating in The Fairchild Challenge for TEACHERS was…”

”I became a better instructor and organizer in presenting these topics and engaging students in the process.”

”Increasing an awareness of cross-curriculum instruction and differentiated learning for students of all abilities.”

”The ability to provide my students with challenging hands-on education easy to implement and assess.”

”Seeing students who are not often perfect grade A students thriving with these challenges.”

”Observing the students’ willingness to participate and learn everyday.”

”The possibility to interact with other teachers from other disciplines and exchange ideas.”

”It allowed me to get involved professionally with my community.”

”Excitement in attending school, wondering what we will do each day.”

”Doing things that are truly relevant to our well-being, not just FCAT paper/pencil activities.”

”Attempting to build bonds with the students and teachers across grade levels.”

”Being able to be actively involved with my students in real world issues.”

”The opportunity to build healthy relationships with students outside of the classroom environment.”

”I felt a strong sense of satisfaction due to teaching important subject matter.”

”I saw how the students came together to work on ideas, and how excited they were about performing.”

”Being able to have an “outdoor classroom setting” that provides hands-on experiences to children of varying abilities.”

”Getting the teachers to use more real life experiences and getting them out of the classroom to teach.”

”I believe in lifelong learning, and I have a learned a lot!”

”Seeing my students blossom!”

”This was my dream to be part of something that involved nature. I love it!!!!”

Elementary School Program Feedback

”


Table 5: End-of-year Surveys (elementary school teachers)

Number of teacher respondents = 142 elementary school teachers from 62 schools

Survey questionsagree or strongly agree

not suredisagree

or strongly disagree

My students knowledge about the environment has increased 95 % 2.5 % 2.5 %

My students are more aware of environmental challenges/issues 96 % 2.5 % 1.5 %

I have seen an increase in students’ environmentally-friendly behaviors 96 % 3 % 1 %

My students show more interest in the environment 97.5 % 1 % 1.5 %

My knowledge of the environment and environmental issues has increased 95 % 2.5 % 2.5 %

I intend to participate again in The Fairchild Challenge Yes = 97.5 % No = 2.5%

I intend to recommend that other teachers/schools participate in The Fairchild Challenge Yes = 99.2 % No = 0.8%

YouthCaNFor the third year, Fairchild hosted the YouthCaN Miami Conference. YouthCaN is a national youth-run organization that unites environmentally active youth from all over the world to exchange ideas about the environment and empower others to make a difference in their own communities. More than 200 students and teachers gathered to discuss global issues concerning the environment. YouthCaN brought together 11 local schools for a day of student presentations on various environmental topics ranging from Compost Commanders to Liquid of Life to Pots of Print and more! At the end of this inspirational day, all students left with a greater understanding of their individual power to make a difference.


During the 2012-2013 program year, The Fairchild Challenge for middle schools successfully engaged over 40,400 students and 400 teachers at 75 schools. All schools were encouraged to participate in the ten competitions that were available. Greater than 500 students attended four workshops at Fairchild to help facilitate their participation in various competitions throughout the year. Additionally, 18 middle schools were awarded garden grants of up to $250 to create, maintain or expand their school gardens/habitat restorations

Middle School Program


Middle School Program Competitions

Challenges Maximum points

Max. number of entries

1 Performances: Plant Superheroes A. Mini-musical B. Skit

100 1 performance

2 Designs A. The Fairchild Challenge T-shirt Designs B. Banner: Nature in My Neighborhood

Fairchild Challenge Educator Design

100 (50/entry)100

no points

2 designs1 banner

1 design

3 Writing: Historical Florida 100 (50/entry) 2 essays

4 Botanical Fashions: Futuristic Fashion 200 (100/model) 2 outfits

5 Art: Epiphytes in Sight – Global Showcase A. Close-Up Drawing B. Miniature Sculptures Art workshop opportunity

100 (50/entry)100 (50/entry

2 drawings2 sculptures

6 Science Experiments: Environmental Sciences 200 (100/entry) 2 display boards

7 Green Treasures: A Living History 2 outfits 1 newsletter

Interview: Plants and Water – Global Competition 100 1 interview

8 Green Treasures: A Living History Intergenerational Interviews Workshop Opportunities 300 1 newsletter

9 Gardens and Green Spaces – Global Showcase 400 1 magazine

10 Environmental Action – Global Showcase 400 1 PowerPoint report


1. Performances: Plant Superheroes – Students researched the ethnobotanical benefits of one plant species and integrated their research into a musical or skit. The lyrics/scripts addressed the plant’s ethnobotanical benefits. Students performed their musical or skit with their teacher and/or administrator in front of their peers and a panel of judges at Fairchild.

2. Designs A. Fairchild Challenge: Protecting Endangered Species – Students researched an endangered species using the International Union for Conservation of Nature and created a design with a compelling message about one South Florida imperiled plant or animal species. Students included a brief, attention- grabbing slogan inspiring species’ protection.

B. Banner: Nature in my Neighborhood – Students explored their neighborhoods and created a banner, incorporating both natural and human components.

C. Educator Challenge: Fairchild Challenge Design – For the third year, a competition was developed for teachers. Educators created an image with a compelling message that represents environmental sustainability. The winning design was printed on mugs and distributed to more than 400 active Fairchild Challenge educators. 3. Writing: Historic Florida – Students researched what life was like in South Florida during the 1800’s and wrote three to five historical fiction journal entries about life and survival during that time. The prompt students were given is below. “Imagine you are living in South Florida during the 1800’s. You need food, shelter and transportation to survive and thrive. Write there to five journal entries describing your experience over the course of one year. “

4. Botanical Fashions: Futuristic Fashion – Students designed futuristic outfits that used plant parts in combination with reused or recycled materials that helped to demonstrate their vision of futuristic fashion. Students explained their creation and inspiration verbally and in written form, and modeled their outfits before their peers and a panel of judges at Fairchild.

5. Art: Epiphytes in Sight (Global Showcase) – Students researched epiphytes found throughout South Florida and selected one species to feature in a drawing or sculpture.

6. Science Experiment: Environmental Sciences – Students used the scientific method to conduct an experiment in the field of Environmental Science.

7. Green Cuisine: Low-Impact Snack – Students created a vegetarian, after-school snack that used primarily local, in-season ingredients. Students explained three reasons why their snack had a small carbon footprint, prepared a two-minute presentation and presented their project at The Fairchild Challenge Project Showcase.

Summary of Middle School Challenges


8. Green Treasures: A Living History – Students interviewed elders to learn about their experiences with nature and plants. Students created a newsletter to present the information and stories they heard through their intergenerational interviews. Newsletters included articles, photographs, illustrations and graphs.

9. Gardens and Green Spaces (Global Showcase) – Students collaborated to establish, expand, maintain and/or restore a themed garden or native habitat. Students created a magazine summarizing their gardening or restoration project. Magazines included the editor’s note, articles about the garden/green space and how it is used, a foreign language component, a student-created map that shows the layout of the garden/green space. Magazines also included a section for teachers to include an article explaining how the garden/green space is (or can be) used as a multidisciplinary learning tool. 10. Environmental Action (Global Showcase) – Students collaborated throughout the year to initiate, implement and sustain activities that promote environmental awareness and conservation focusing on one of the following areas: homes, schools or communities. Students quantified an initiative and presented the results of their efforts in a PowerPoint report.

* Global Competition: Interview: Plants and Water – For a fifth consecutive year, a Global Competition was offered, in partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). In celebration of the United Nation’s “International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013” students interviewed members of their communities about their knowledge regarding “plants and water.” Students documented their responses and wrote a review examining any misconceptions, and explained their ideas for challenging or correcting them.


Middle School Program Sample Student Work

Art: Epiphytes in Sight (Drawing) Second PlaceNatalie Mouawad, Gulliver Academy

Art: Epiphytes in Sight (Sculpture) Special Merit for “Artistic Elegance”Marianna Gonzalez, Jorge Mas Canosa

Writing: Historic Florida Special Merit for “Most Accurate Description of Daily Life” Cristina Dwyer, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart

“The garden was finally big enough to support the whole family and I hoped the storm would not destroy it. In preparation, I went out to the garden and pulled enough vegetables and fruits to last my family for the rest of the day. Then, I obtained water from the well in two water jugs and carried them home.”

Global Competition: Interview: Plants and WaterSpecial Merit for “Depth of Research” Lidice Vilchez, Hannah Pena, Noa Richard and Garcy Lawson, The Cushman School

“Droughts, floods, more mosquitoes, and higher levels of air pollutants due to greenhouse gases are all issues for us to consider when we think about plants and water now.“


THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE AWARDSBy earning more than 800 points, 38 middle schools received The Fairchild Challenge Award

Arvida • Aventura City of Excellence • Carrollton • Coconut Palm K-8 Cushman SchoolCutler Ridge • David Lawrence Jr. K-8 • Doral • Frank C. Martin K-8 • George Washington Carver

Gibson Charter • Glades • Gulliver Academy • Hialeah Gardens • Jorge Mas CanosaJosé Marti MAST 6-12 Academy • Mater Academy Charter • Miami Country Day • Miami Lakes Palm Springs Palmetto • Paul W. Bell • Ponce de Leon • Redland • Renaissance Middle Charter Riviera • Rockway • Rubén Dario • Ruth K. Broad/Bay Harbor K-8 • Shenandoah • South Miami

St. Kevin Catholic • St. Thomas the Apostle • Sunrise School of Miami • Vineland K-8 West Miami • Young Woman’s Preparatory Academy • Youth Co-Op Charter

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS2012-2013

THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE HIGHEST HONORSCash prizes for environmental initiatives awarded to the 16 top-scoring middle schools

Gold - $1000 Shenandoah

Silver - $500 Carrollton • Palmetto • Redland

Rockway • South Miami

Bronze - $250 Arvida • Glades • George Washington Carver • Hialeah Gardens Ponce de Leon • Ruben Dario • St. Kevin Catholic • West Miami

Young Woman’s Preparatory Academy • Youth Co-Op Charter

THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FIVE YEAR SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCEBanners are awarded to schools that earn The Fairchild Challenge Award for five consecutive years

2012-2013 InducteesArvida • St. Kevin Catholic

Previous InducteesCarrollton • Centennial • Devon Aire K-8 • Frank C. Martin K-8 • George Washington Carver

Glades • José Marti • Kinloch Park • Norland • Ponce de Leon • Redland • Richmond HeightsRuben Dario • Shenandoah • South Miami • South Miami K-8 • West Miami

THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE TEN YEAR SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCEBanners are awarded to schools that earn The Fairchild Challenge Award for ten consecutive years

2012-2013 InducteeGeorge Washington Carver


PARTICIPATING MIDDLE SCHOOLS2012-2013

Congratulations to the more than 40,400 students at 75 South Florida middle schools who actively participated in

The 2012-2013 Fairchild Challenge

1. Ada Merritt K-8 Center 2. Archimedean Middle Conservatory 3. Arvida Middle School 4. Aventura City of Excellence School 5. Belen Jesuit Preparatory School 6. Carol City Middle 7. Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart 8. Centennial Middle School 9. Charles Drew Middle10. Coconut Palm K-811. Coral Gables Preparatory Academy12. Country Club Middle School13. Cushman School14. Cutler Ridge Middle15. David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center16. Devon Aire K-8 Center17. Doral MS18. Eugenia B. Thomas K-8 Center19. Florida Christian School20. Frank C. Martin K-8 Center21. George Washington Carver Middle22. Gibson Charter, (Theodore R. and Thelma A.) 23. Glades Middle24. Gulliver Academy Middle School25. Hialeah Gardens Middle School26. Homestead Middle27. Jacobson Sinai Academy28. John F. Kennedy Middle29. Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School30. José Marti MAST31. Just Arts and Management Charter32. Lamar Louise Curry Middle School33. Mater Academy Charter Middle34. Mater Academy East35. Mater Academy of International Studies36. Miami Community Charter School37. Miami Country Day School

38. Miami Edison Middle39. Miami Lakes Middle40. Miami Springs Middle41. Nautilus Middle42. Norland Middle43. Northwest Christian Academy44. Palm Glades Prep Academy45. Palm Springs Middle School46. Palmer Trinity School47. Palmetto Middle48. Paul W. Bell Middle49. Pinecrest Preparatory Middle High50. Ponce de Leon MS51. Redland Middle52. Renaissance Middle Charter School53. Richmond Heights Middle54. Riviera Middle55. Rockway Middle56. Ruben Dario Middle57. Ruth K. Broad/Bay Harbor K-858. Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School59. Shenandoah Middle Museums Magnet School60. South Miami K-8 Center61. South Miami Middle Community School62. Southwood Middle School63. St. Agnes Academy64. St. Andrew Catholic School65. St. Kevin Catholic School66. St. Thomas the Apostle67. Sunrise School of Miami68. Thomas Jefferson Middle 69. Vineland K-870. W. R. Thomas Middle71. West Miami Middle School72. Westminster Christian Middle73. Young Woman’s Prep74. Youth Co-Op Charter School75. Zelda Glazer Middle School


Middle School Gardens

Archimedean Middle Conservatory Arvida Middle SchoolAventura City of ExcellenceCarrollton School of the Sacred Heart Coconut Palm K-8 AcademyCutler Ridge Middle School Doral Middle SchoolFrank C. Martin K-8 CenterGeorge Washington Carver Middle School Gibson Charter School Gulliver Academy Middle School Hialeah Gardens Middle School Homestead Middle School John F. Kennedy Middle School Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy Mater Academy Charter Middle Miami Springs Middle School Northwest Christian AcademyPalm Springs Middle School

Palmetto Middle School Paul W. Bell Middle School Pinecrest Preparatory Middle High Ponce de Leon Middle School Redland Middle School Renaissance Middle Charter School Riviera Middle School Rockway Middle School Ruben Dario Middle School Shenandoah Middle School South Miami Middle School St. Kevin Catholic School Sunrise School of MiamiThe Cushman School Vineland K-8 CenterW.R. Thomas Middle SchoolWest Miami Middle SchoolYoung Women’s Preparatory AcademyYouth Co-Op Charter School


“The event was a great experience for the students and parents. We totally enjoyed it. You guys are the best!!! It shows that you guys are 100% focused on the success of the students. You are there for them and us always. I truly appreciate you all!”Leonides Alvarez, Palm Springs MS

“Thanks for the awesome evening of the “Mini Musical”, our students truly enjoyed themselves, as well as their families. The students said that it was cool to have fun while learning all kinds of interesting things about the ‘passionflower’. Today I am celebrating the student’s hard work with a pizza/ice cream party and I am excited that I can present our score with the Special Merit, I know that they will love knowing that they received a ‘Special Merit’ for their costumes.”Cheryl Goodman, South Miami MS

“What a ‘challenge’ for our students. They rose to the occasion. Thank you so much for guiding them to do so.”Cheryl Rogers, The Cushman School

Middle School Program Teachers Feedback


High School Program

During the 2012-2013 program year, The Fairchild Challenge for high schools successfully engaged more than 13,000 students and teachers and 64 high schools. All schools were encouraged to participate in the 10 available competitions. More than 300 students participated in the Environmental Action Day to learn from environmental professionals about environmental career options. In addition 22 high schools received garden grants of up to $250 to create, maintain or expand their school gardens/habitat restorations.

Collage of school gardens from across Miami-Dade County


Challenges Maximum points

Max. number of entries

1 Environmental Immersion Day 300 10 students

2 T-shirt Designs A. The Fairchild Challenge Design B. Baynanza Design

100100

2 designs2 designs

3 Performance: Botanical Band 200 1 performance

4 Art: Epiphytes in Sight – Global Showcase A. Drawing B. Photography

100100

2 drawings2 photographs

5 Writing: Investigate, Analyze and Inform A. Finding the World’s Missing Plants B. Essay: Environmental Ethics C. Acclimate, Adapt, Migrate or go Extinct: The Future of Endangered Species in a Changing Climate

100100100

3 papers, 1 per topic

6 Interview: Plants and Water – Global Competition 100 1 interview documentation

7 Environmental Debates: Urban Sustainability 250 5 students

8 Urban Sustainability Projects A. Invention: Growing Food Made Easier B. Model: Planning Urban Gardens C. Green Cuisine: Low-Impact Appetizer D. Science Experiment: Agriscience

100100100100

4 projects, 1 per topic

9 Gardens and Green Spaces – Global Showcase Global Showcase 400 1 magazine

10 Environmental Action – Global Showcase 300 1 PowerPoint

High School Program Challenges


1 Environmental Immersion Day – Environmental Immersion Day allows students to enhance practical skills and knowledge while learning about careers in science and the environment. Students worked in small groups alongside environmental experts, scientists and researchers from the community, participating in hands-on activities at Fairchild. Students chose from different topics in tropical environmental studies.

2 T-Shirt Design – Powerful images can effectively convey a message and promote action. Students researched an endangered South Florida species and created an image and slogan to be printed on a T-shirt and/or created a design and slogan for Baynanza: Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day, which were printed on a T-shirt.

A. Protecting Endangered Species:. In honor of the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, students designed an image with a compelling message about one South Florida imperiled plant or animal species.

B. Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day: Biscayne Bay is one of South Florida’s most important ecological systems. In an effort to raise awareness about the need to protect Biscayne Bay, Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER), a Fairchild Challenge partnered, launched Baynanza. Baynanza is a series of springtime events, culminating with Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day.

C. Educator Challenge: Students designed an image with a compelling message that represents environmental sustainability.

Summary of High School Challenges


3 Performance: Botanical Band - For cultures throughout the world, music plays a vital role in self-expression, community development and celebration. A wide range of plant materials is used to create many kinds of specialized musical instruments. Students chose a culture, from anywhere in the world, created botanical instruments and performed a piece of music representative of that culture. Accompanying the botanical band, students performed a dance or other demonstration of their chosen culture.

4 Art: Epiphytes in Sight – Orchids and other epiphytes rely on other plants for support. In South Florida, dozens of epiphytes are “in sight,” each with unique visual and physical beauty. Students explored their environment in search of an epiphyte and capture it in this art challenge.

A. Close-Up Drawing B. Close-Up Photography

5 Writing: Investigate, Analyze and Inform - The written word has the power to inspire action. Students researched and reflected on one of the below environmental topics, critically examined their findings and wrote an essay on the topic, following the criteria outlined below.

6 Interview: Plants and Water (Global Competition) - Students discovered how well informed the public is about plants and water, developed three engaging questions about this subject and use them to interview at least 10 people from your community. Students documented their responses in video, audio or written format and wrote a review examining any misconceptions they might have. They then explained ideas for challenging or correcting them!

A. Finding the World’s Missing Plants: Nobody knows exactly how many kinds of plants exist in the world, but the number is estimated to be greater than 300,000. Many plant species, perhaps about 50,000, are still waiting to be discovered. Where would you look for these “missing” plants? Select one region of the world and explain why that region is a priority for exploration. What benefit might arise from discovering the “missing” plants of that region?

B. Essay: Environmental Ethics: Values and ethics help guide us through life. Our experiences, the books we read, the movies we watch and the people we meet all help shape the way we make decisions and see the world. Ponder your own environmental ethics and explore the journey that developed them. Write an essay about your personal environmental ethics and identify the life experiences that shaped them. Discuss how your environmental ethics may influence your future decisions and potential careers.

C. Acclimate, Adapt, Migrate or go Extinct: The Future of Endangered Species in a Changing Climate: Today, global climate change is altering temperature and rainfall patterns worldwide. These changes may have a significant negative impact on tropical habitats and may make some protected areas too hot or too dry for the endangered species they were originally designed to preserve. Scientists have proposed three alternate hypotheses on how species in protected areas will be affected by climate change: 1. Species will acclimate or adapt to changing climate conditions within their protected areas. 2. Species will migrate to more favorable conditions if protected areas are large enough. 3. Species will neither migrate nor adapt and will go extinct if left within their current protected areas.

Write an essay on which of these hypotheses is supported by recent scientific data and what the long-termimplications might be for endangered species. Review the articles found on www.fairchildchallenge.org/hs/challenges for additional information on research conducted by scientists at Fairchild and Florida International University. In your essay, describe strategies you might use to save endangered species as the earth’s climate is changing. Should we continue to establish protected areas to save endangered species? Should we adopt a new strategy to help endangered species survive?


7 Environmental Debates: Urban Sustainability - The Fairchild Challenge Environmental Debates provided a forum for students to discuss vital environmental issues. Debating allows students to gain confidence and improve their reasoning, public speaking and leadership skills. After researching bills related to agriculture at the local, state and national levels, students will debate and respond to questions in the annual Fairchild Challenge EnvironmentalDebates.

8 Urban Sustainability Projects - For long-term viability, both human-made and natural endeavors strive for sustainability. As a system that includes human and natural components, a city faces challenges functioning sustainably. Students researched a selected project(s) from the list of four provided below. Complete the requirements for the topic and present the project(s) at The Fairchild Challenge Projects Showcase.

9 Gardens and Green Spaces (Global Showcase) – A student-created and designed garden or habitat restoration project can inspire creativity and knowledge across disciplines. Students experience hands-on, experiential, multidisciplinary learning through the establishment, expansion, maintenance and/or restoration of a garden and/or green space. Students collaboratively created a magazine summarizing their garden or restoration project.

A. Invention: Growing Food Made Easier: Research inventions that help make growing food on a small scale easier and more efficient. Design and create your original invention or modify and improve an existing product that advances fruit and vegetable gardening at your home, school or community.

B Model: Planning Urban Gardens: Community gardens and green spaces offer sustainable and beneficial approaches to food production and neighborhood development. Choose a specific location in your neighborhood, suitable for a year round community garden and/or green space. Construct a scale model of your neighborhood integrating your community garden/green space, and include a proposal as to how it will be developed and sustained involving the neighborhood.

C. Green Cuisine: Low-Impact Food: Create a low-impact appetizer, a small food with a small environmental footprint.

D. Citizen Science – Agriscience: The scientific process enables people to ask questions and draw conclusions about the world in a standardized manner. Using the scientific method, students will conduct a scientific experiment in the field of Agriscience, and present their results.


10 Environmental Action (Global Showcase) Even simple environmental initiatives can effect great change. Students will initiate, implement and sustain activities that promote environmental awareness and conservation focusing on one of the following areas: their homes, schools or communities. Students documented their environmental efforts throughout the year in a PowerPoint report.

LEWIS VAUGHN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPThrough a generous donation from the Vaughn Jordon Foundation, Fairchild offered two $5,000 scholarships to support Fairchild Challenge high school students who will attend either Florida International University or University of Miami and study biology, ecology or environmental sciences.

WinnersShana Sands, North Miami Beach Senior High SchoolStacy Soriano, Terra Environmental Research Institute

YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARDTo be a successful researcher requires asking the right scientific questions and finding logical and practical ways to answers. Equally as critical is having the ability to explain your research approaches and results to third parties, especially for financial support and public acceptance.

This year, The Fairchild Challenge invited high school students to participate in the 2013 Young Scientist Award competition for a chance to win a six week, paid internship with the USDA and FIU during the summer of 2013.

WinnersAliya Moktadier – Coral Reef Senior High SchoolKasia Williams – Coral Reef Senior High SchoolJayson Plasencia – Coral Reef Senior High SchoolAshley Sierra – Coral Reef Senior High SchoolHunter Alvarez – Coral Reef Senior High School


High School Program Sample Student Work

Jonathan Years – G. Holmes Braddock

Chance Gomez – Robert Morgan Ed Center

Gabriella Fagundez - St Brendan

Adriana Arrieta - Archbishop Coleman Carroll

Vanesa Montiel – Robert Morgan Ed Center


High School Program Sample Student Work

Excerpt from “Environmental Ethics”Krizia Christie – Coral Reef

“The two words that best describe me are math-y and outdoorsy. I have always enjoyed the outdoors, which has given me a special appreciation of nature. I have always respected and protected all animals and our environment, especially waterways. A desire to combine my two passions has led me to desire to become an Environmental Forensic Accountant. The thought of investigating asset misappropriation, corruption, and false statement fraud, is very appealing to me. This degree opens my ability to thrive in many jobs but the one that really drives me is the possibility of being able to investigate how private companies make profit by exploiting natural marine resources, while researching protection guidelines (West Virginia University 2). . The amalgam of my beliefs, my experiences, and my passion has made me a true advocate for environmental protection. My dream is that one day, my love will become contagious.”


HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS2012-2013

THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE AWARDSBy earning more than 1,000 points, 23 high schools received The Fairchild Challenge Award

Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll • Christopher Columbus • Coral Reef • G. Holmes Braddock

Hialeah Miami-Lakes • International Studies Preparatory Academy • John Ferguson • José Marti MAST

Mater Academy Charter • Miami Beach Senior High • Miami Central • Miami Country Day

Miami Killian • Miami Northwestern • Miami Palmetto • Miami Springs • North Miami Beach

Northwest Christian Academy • Palmer Trinity • Robert Morgan • South Plantation • St. Brendan

Westland Hialeah Senior High


Gold – $1,000 South Plantation

Bronze – $250 Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll • Coral Reef • Hialeah-Miami Lakes • International Studies Preparatory Academy • John Ferguson • Miami

Northwestern • Northwest Christian Academy • Palmer Trinity • Robert Morgan • St. Brendan

Silver – $500 Christopher Columbus • G. Holmes Braddock • Mater Academy Charter

Miami Killian • Miami Palmetto


LEWIS VAUGHN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP2012-2013 Winners

Shana Sands, North Miami Beach Senior High SchoolStacy Soriano, Terra Environmental Research Institute

HIGH SCHOOL AWARDS2012-2013



FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE FIVE YEAR SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCEBanners are awarded to schools that earn The Fairchild Challenge Award for five consecutive years

FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE TEN YEAR SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCEBanners are awarded to schools that earn The Fairchild Challenge Award for ten consecutive years

2012-2013 InducteesArchbishop Coleman F. Carroll High • Mater Academy Charter • Miami Central Senior High

2012-2013 InducteesMiami Killian Senior High

Previous InducteesCarrollton School • Coral Reef • G. Holmes Braddock • Gulliver Preparatory

Hialeah-Miami Lakes • John A. Ferguson • MAST Academy • Miami Killian • Miami Senior Miami Springs • Miami Southridge • Miami Palmetto • Our Lady of Lourdes • South Miami

South Plantation • Miami Jackson

Previous InducteesCoral Reef • Miami Palmetto

YOUNG SCIENTISTS AWARD2012-2013 Winners

Aliya Moktadier – Coral Reef Senior High SchoolKasia Williams – Coral Reef Senior High School

Jayson Plasencia – Coral Reef Senior High SchoolAshley Sierra – Coral Reef Senior High School

Hunter Alvarez – Coral Reef Senior High School


Allison Academy • Alonzo and Tracy Mourning • American • Archbishop Coleman Carroll • Archimedean Upper Conservatory •

Barbara Goleman • Belen Jesuit • Booker T. Washington •Carrollton School • Centennial Senior High • Christopher Columbus •

Claire and Emanuel Rosenblatt at Donna Klein Jewish Academy • Coral Gables • Coral Reef • Doctors Charter • Doral Academy Charter • Dorothy M. Wallace C.O.P.E. Center • Florida Christian Academy • G. Holmes Braddock • Gulliver • Hialeah Gardens • Hialeah-Miami Lakes • Homestead • Immaculata-La Salle

• International Studies Charter • International Studies Preparatory Academy • iPrep Academy • John A. Ferguson • José Marti MAST • MAST Academy •

Mater Academy Charter • Mater Academy East Charter • Mater Academy International • Miami Beach • Miami Carol City •

Miami Central • Miami Country Day • Miami Jackson • Miami Killian • Miami Norland • Miami Northwestern • Miami Palmetto • Miami Senior • Mi-

ami Southridge • Miami Springs • North Miami Beach • North Miami • Northwest Christian • Our Lady of Lourdes • Palm Glades • Palmer Trinity • Pinecrest Preparatory Academy Charter • Robert Morgan • Robert Renick •

Ronald Reagan/Doral • South Dade • South Miami • South Plantation • Southwest Miami • St. Brendan • TERRA • Westland Hialeah • Westminster

PARTICIPATING MIDDLE SCHOOLS2012-2013

Congratulations to the more than 11,800 students at 63 South Florida high schools who actively participated in the 2012-2013 Fairchild Challenge:


High School Gardens

American Sr. HighArchbishop ColemanChristopher ColumbusCoral Reef HSDoctors CharterClaire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt H.S. at Donna Klein Jewish AcademyDorothy M. Wallace COPE CenterG. Holmes BraddockHialeah GardensHialeah-Miami LakesInternational Studies PrepJose Marti MAST 6-12Mater Academy HighMiami Country Day SchoolMiami Beach Senior High

Miami JacksonMiami Killian Senior HighMiami NorthwesternMiami Palmetto Senior HighMiami Springs Senior HighNorthwest Christian AcademyNorth Miami BeachPalmer Trinity SchoolReagan/Doral High SchoolRobert Morgan Educational CenterRobert Renick Educational CtrSouthwest Miami High SchoolSouth Miami Senior HighSouth PlantationSt. BrendanWestland Hialeah Sr. High

Biofuel Soil MicrobiologyOrchids Plant SymbiosisLichens Habitat Restoration Native Plants Plant AnatomyButterflies Climate ChangeMosses Botanical IllustrationBirds Plant Grafting

ENVIRONMENTAL IMMERSION DAY TOPICS


High School Program Feedback

The Garden, your staff and we volunteers should feel very, very proud of the Challenge. Think of Johnny Appleseed, because that is what you are accomplishing: planting the seeds of science, the environment, teamwork, creativity (I could go on and on) in the fertile minds of all of those students, elementary through high school, who are lucky enough to participate in the Challenge.Pat Cervi - FTBG and FC volunteer

The students recognized the micro-greens from seeing the roots in the compost pile. They loved knowing that what they had tasted on our tour was actually a part of the meal that they were eating.Laura Berenguer - Robert Renick Ed. Ctr

Our seniors enjoyed the program very much and they are hoping there will be more opportunities for these kind of events in the future. I look forward to see the pictures from that day and share it with them.Liora Ramati - Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Inc.

Thanks for everything.I love you guys!Georgina Ruiz – Reagan Doral High School

Thank you for another enriching year of the challenges.May you have all the energy, strength and creativity to continue this multifaceted program year after year!Vandana Gudi – Robert Morgan Educational Center

The involvement and enthusiasm we are seeing from members of the local community and the press helps promote visibility and advocacy for our schools, teachers, and the environment throughout the Upper Keys and beyond.Rick Hederstrom – KKBG

I cannot express how thrilled I was to see the number of students, parents, administrators, and teachers who attended and were honored at last night’s Middle School Fairchild Challenge Awards program. I especially loved the students’ use of their science terminology in their presentations, such as the cycling between the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. The teachers were also telling me that they were excited about the newest category aligned to the Science-Fair – I was impressed with the caliber and variety of studies presented by the students. Equally rewarding was the fact that several of our lower-performing schools made impressive showings and received the awards to prove it.

Thank you for continuing this phenomenal legacy of environmental stewardship for our schools. I look for-ward to hearing about the high school winners and can’t wait for next year’s challenges.Ava D. Rosales - Instructional Supervisor – Science – M-DCPS

Accolades for all your efforts to inspire and increase learning through application and inquiry!!!Amanda Heinemann - North Miami Beach SHS

You and your Friends did wonderful job preparing this Challenge.Organization was perfect.I enjoyed working with all passionate students, many talents there. Urszula Dudek – FC Panel Judge


Satellite Partner Program

Throughout the years, The Fairchild Challenge has clearly become a model beyond South Florida, influencing programs nationally and internationally. The success of the program in the Miami region prompted Fairchild to share it as a replicable model with other regions, both within the U.S. and abroad. The eagerness with which so many institutions have embraced the program exemplifies its relevance in a diverse array of settings.

During the 2012-2013 program year, 8 Fairchild Challenge Satellite Partner programs successfully engaged close to 10,000 students and teachers at over 90 schools. Active Satellite Partner programs served regions as close as central Florida, and throughout the U.S. in Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Utah, to regions beyond our nation’s borders, as far away as Mexico and Peru. Additionally, The Fairchild Challenge continues to work in partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) in London, U.K. to extend the program’s reach globally.


Summary of Satellite Partner Challenges

ACCER Foundation (PERU)This was the second year of The Fairchild Challenge at ACCER. The ACEER Foundation in Peru finished their second year with ethnobotanical art entries “Fruits in My Region” painted by 7-12th grade students. Over 550 students and over 20 teachers from 10 schools participated in ACCER’s 2012-2013 Fairchild Challenge program.

The regions of Madre de Dios and Cusco participated this year with permission from the Local Department of Education (Dirección Regional de Educación – DRE). Both regions started the ACEER-Fairchild Challenge initiative in late October. ACEER coordinators visited schools, talking to school directors and teachers, providing them the detailed information and posting visual flyers, as well as talking to students in their classroom. In Madre de Dios 11 undergraduates worked as volunteers (8 from the Universidad Amazónica de Madre de Dios and 3 from Instituto Superior Tecnológico “Jorge Basadre”). ACEER offers a tangible prize for this specific initiative with Fairchild (e.g. digital camera or a bike for the best work in each region).

Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales, Florida, U.S.)In its second year, The Fairchild Challenge at Bok Tower Gardens (BTG) reached over 500 students and 16 teachers from 3 schools that participated (all of which were Title 1 schools) in this year’s program for middle schools.

The challenges offered to participating schools were writing nature newsletters about Bok Towers, creating an original illustration portraying plant species located in view of the Singing Tower, designing an image that helps promote regular exercise and activities outside, making a public service announcement that promotes environmental awareness and conservation of Lake Wales Ridge habitat, and conducting interviews about plants and water for the Global Competition. In addition, Bok Tower Gardens hosted an “Art Inspiration” workshop and a writing workshop.

http://boktowergardens.org/plan-your-visit/education/fairchild-challenge

The Botanic Gardens at Kona Kai Resort (Key Largo, Florida, U.S.)In its first year, The Fairchild Challenge at the Botanic Gardens at Kona Kai Resort invited elementary and middle school students from the Florida Keys to participate. There were 5 elementary schools and one home school, along with 4 middle schools. A total of over 950 students and 29 teachers participate in this year’s program.

Artwork submitted from high school students in Peru


Challenges offered to elementary schools included creating masks depicting endangered animals using recycled and natural materials, drawings on the theme “Plants in Peril”, writing poems that capture the importance of conservation and the ways we can all work together to protect our planet, creating an envi-ronmental action booklet, and developing a school garden. Middle school students participated in various challenges as well, including creating t-shirt designs with the theme “Protecting Endangered Species”, a banner depicting nature in their neighborhoods, writing journal entries about South Florida in the 1800’s, creating “Green Treasures” newsletters, and presenting environmental action PowerPoint report.

http://thebotanicgardensatkonakai.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-fairchild-challenge-2012-2013.html

Instituto de Ecología, A.C. (MEXICO)This was the second year of The Fairchild Challenge at Instituto de Ecología (IA). This year over 60 schools participated (51 of which are schools for children with special needs) in IA’s 2012-2013 Fairchild Challenge program for K-12 schools. The program hopes to reach over 3,000 students and 200 teachers by the end of the program year.

There were 14 challenges offered to students in the Veracuz area of Mexico. Some of the challenges offered for participating schools included; creating gardens that promote healthy eating, nutrition and use of me-dicinal plants, “Cloud Forest” collage, “Little Botanist” catalogue of leaves, growing dahlias and promoting their use in culinary creations and exploration of Aztec uses, creating videos to promote awareness of issues affecting the “Cloud Forest”, and creating small school furniture out of bamboo. Teachers were given the opportunity to attend courses at the garden in order to help their students compete in the challenges offered.

Satellite Partners Participating Sites


Knoxville Zoo (Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.)This was the first year of The Fairchild Challenge at Knoxville Zoological Gardens. In its pilot year, Knox-ville Zoo targeted high school students from their area and managed to involve 4 local schools, 35 student-participants, and 4 teachers.

Challenges offered to participating schools included closely examining the animals found in East Tennessee, selecting a native or naturalized specimen found on the TWRA Species list, and create an original drawing or sculpture, decorating barrels that will become recycle barrels for the zoo with the theme of conservation of an endangered animal, and sustainable school projects.http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/fun_learning/fairchild_challenge.aspx

New Orleans Botanical Garden (New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.)This was the first year of The Fairchild Challenge at New Orleans Botanical Garden. In its pilot year, New Orleans Botanical Garden targeted high school students from their area and managed to involve 2 schools (both of which are Title 1 schools), 32 students and 6 teachers.

Challenges offered to participating schools included creating instruments out of botanical materials, t-shirt designs with the theme of “Native Wonder”, writing a narrative essay on environmental ethics, inventions to make gardening easier, and making low-impact appetizers

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.)This was the fourth year of The Fairchild Challenge at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (PCBG). There were 2,885 students and approximately 60 teachers from 42 schools (3 of which are a Title I / under-resourced school) involved in PCBG’s 2012-2013 Fairchild Challenge program for middle school and high schools.

Challenges offered this year for high schools included two art challenges (one drawing pollinators in pencil and a Frisbee design), an essay “You, Unplugged”, creating an environmental scientist profile, planning for a “Dream Green” prom, writing opinion papers based on “Dirt, the movie” and “Food and Environment”, fashion show creations repurposing trash, and creating environmental action initiatives. For middle schools, the challenges included creating a sculpture from found objects, writing an essay “You, Unplugged”, envi-ronmental action personal testimonials, ‘baking “Green Cuisine” snacks for a healthier bake sale, letters to editors, cartoon messages, and public service campaigns about “Plants in Your Life”.

The Fairchild Challenge Awards Ceremonies on May 28 and May 29 were celebratory affairs that brought 200+ students, parents and teachers in to the Special Events Hall at Phipps Conservatory to recognize the achievements of the students who participated in this year’s Fairchild Challengehttp://phipps.conservatory.org/classes-and-programs/middle-and-high-school/Fairchild-Challenge.aspx Fairchild Challenge blog: http://fairchildchallengeatphipps.wordpress.com/



Thanksgiving Point (Lehi, Utah, U.S.)This was the fifth year of The Fairchild Challenge at Thanksgiving Point (TP). This year 3,571 students and 70 teachers from 15 schools (1 of which was Title I / under-resourced school) participated in TP’s 2012-2013 Fairchild Challenge program for high schools.

One challenge offered this year for high schools included an Environmental Immersion Day/Green Careers in which teachers and students come to Thanksgiving Point Gardens to meet our professionals in the areas of Natural Resources Management and Environmental Science and get your hands dirty by participating in Green Career activities. Other challenges included a t-shirt design, writing and performing a song, dance, or poem (etc.) reflecting thoughts or feelings or raise awareness about Utah’s environmental issues, fashion show creations repurposing trash, creating “Green Cuisine” food items using local foods, designing a game (video, card, board, game show, etc) that raises awareness of Utah’s environmental issues, creating a PSA to describe a service-learning project, and inventing a simple invention that performs tasks dealing with water conservation or water quality. Students were also given bonus points for participating in a Citizen Science project called “Tulips Journey North.”

http://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/classesandprograms/fairchildchallenge


Students participating in Thansgiving Point’s Environmental Immersion Day/Green Careers


Satellite Partner Program Sample Student Work

Participants from program in Peru show off their skills creating artwork that depicts “Fruits of My Region”

T-shirt design from New Orleans

Bok Towers winning entry

Phipps Conservatory Second Place entry “Pollinators in Pencil

Kona Kai’s elementary school environmental action entry Rain barrels created for Knoxville Zoo


History:In an effort to further expand its international reach, beginning in 2008, The Fairchild Challenge initiated a partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) – in London, U.K.. In the first year of this partnership initiative, middle and high school students participating in FTBG’s Fairchild Challenge programs were asked to create cartoons and accompanying narratives depicting the complex relationships between plants and climate change globally based on case studies provided in BGCI’s report, “Plants and climate change: which future?” Top entries were selected by FTBG and sent to BGCI. Many of these students’ creative and thought-provoking designs continue to be showcased to international audiences through BGCI’s website. To view some of the top entries, visit www.bgci.org/education/winners. Program Year (2009-2010):In 2009, building upon the previous year’s successful partnership with BGCI, The Fairchild Challenge offered its first “Global Option” (Global Challenge) and opened participation to its Satellite Partner programs, BGCI member gardens and Plant Conservation Day Partners (through BGCI) around the world. It was then realized that this Global Option (Global Challenge) could offer students around the world a unique opportunity to share and showcase their work globally, while simultaneously learning about plant diversity and conservation, as well and ecological and cultural diversity.

High school students were asked to create a design and accompanying narrative that conveyed a clear message on the theme of an ecological footprint. Four Fairchild Challenge sites (CLTF, CBG, FTBG and HBG) participated in this “Footprints CD cover design” Global Option (Global Challenge). The winning design, created by José García – a high school senior at Miami Lakes Educational Center in Miami and FTBG Fairchild Challenge participant – was printed on the cover of the London-based independent band, Storey’s CD single, “Footprints.” To view Jose’s winning design and other top entries, visit www.bgci.org/education/2383.

Program Year (2010-2011):In 2010, The Fairchild Challenge and BGCI launched the second annual Global Option (Global Challenge). Since the United Nations’ (UN) proclaimed 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity, this year’s Global Option had students reflect on Target 14 of the UN’s Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which highlights “the importance of plant diversity and the need for its conservation incorporated into communication, educational and public awareness programs.”

Students participating in this Global Option (Global Challenge), “Plant diversity and conservation designs,” were asked to create an original design embodying the GSPC’s Target 14 that would resonate with their peers worldwide, as well as a tagline emphasizing why plants and their conservation are so important.

Four Fairchild Challenge sites including Fairchild participated in this year’s Global Option (Global Challenge) and each submitted their top five entries for the global competition judging. The winning design, created by Deanna Hobson – a student at Twin Valley High School and Longwood Garden Fairchild Challenge participant – was printed on posters and distributed to BGCI member gardens worldwide in Roots, BGCI’s Education Review (vol. 8, no.1). Additionally, Deanna’s design was be printed on materials that will be distributed at BGCI’s 8th International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens, to be held in Mexico in 2012. BGCI also produced a popular guide to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) that features several top designs from the Global Option (Global Challenge). Below are the second and third place entries. To view the top ten designs, visit www.bgci.org/education/Global_Option_2011.

Partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International and The Fairchild Challenge/BGCI Global Challenge




Program Year (2011-2012):For a fourth consecutive year, a Global Competition was offered by the Fairchild Challenge, in partnership with Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). This year’s Global Competition was open to participating Fairchild Challenge middle and high schools. Participants had the opportunity to research and explore their regional plant biodiversity and apply their creative design skills, while taking part in an international competition that showcased plants from around the world, promoted plant conservation and commemorated the London 2012 Summer Olympics by reviving an ancient tradition – the creation of a wreath for crowning winning athletes

The 2011-2012 Fairchild Challenge/BGCI Global Challenge was recognized as part of the London 2012 Inspire Programme. Winning entries will be displayed in London during London 2012. This year’s winning Olympic wreath was from the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Hawaii from Kōkua ̀ Āina YouthInitiative.

Program Year (2012-2013):For a fifth consecutive year, a Global Competition was offered to participating Fairchild Challenge middle and high schools. In celebration of the United Nation’s “International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013” participants had the opportunity to interview members of their communities about “plants and water knowledge.” Student reflections and findings helped launch an international public awareness campaign.

The results for 2012/2013’s Global Competition were announced through BGCI’s website. They received 38 entries in total from both middle schools and high schools. Students tackled a diverse range topics relating to plants and water - from irrigation, to mangrove ecosystems, from water conservation in the home, to global water use and the role plants play in the water cycle. This year’s winner was from Sofia Botanic Garden in Bulgaria. To view the top ten entries, visit http://www.bgci.org/index.php?option=com_content&id=3039&status=published

A.T. Mourning High SchoolFairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, U.S.

Vasil AprilovSofia Botanic Garden, Bulgaria

“Droughts, floods, more mosquitoes, and higher levels of air pollutants due to greenhouse gases are all issues for us to consider when we think about plants and water now.”

The Cushman School, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, U.S.



GLOBAL SHOWCASES

During the 2012-2013 program year, The Fairchild Challenge continued expanding its global initiative by including three Global Showcases in Fairchild’s program for schools and extending participation to all Satellite Partner programs.

Similar to the Global Challenge, the Global Showcases offer students around the world unique opportunities to share and showcase their work globally, while simultaneously learning about plant diversity, conservation efforts and environmental issues, as well ecological and cultural diversity. However, the Global Showcases are not competitive. Thus, each participating Fairchild Challenge program that offered a Global Showcase challenge selected and sent its top entries to Fairchild and all of these entries are currently being showcased to international audiences through Fairchild’s website.

During the 2012-2013 program year, The Fairchild Challenge offered three Global Showcase Challenges for elementary, middle and high schools; they were: 1) Art: Plants in Peril for elementary and Art: Epiphytes in Sight for middle and high school 2) School Garden/Habitat Restoration and 3) Environmental Action. To view the entries from each participating site for all of this year’s Global Showcase, visit http://www.fairchildgarden.org/education/fairchildchallenge/Challenge-Global---NEW/Global-Showcase

Elementary, middle and high school gardens and green spaces were featured this year in the Global Showcase

Art was a major component of The Fairchild Challenge in all of the Satellite Partner sites. Above entries from Kona Kai, ACEER, and Bok Towers.



TRAINING WORKSHOP 2013

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced this year that Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden was one of nine national organizations to be awarded their 21st Century Museum Professional Grants. With the funding, Fairchild is expanding the successful Fairchild Challenge (FC) to additional partner sites and providing intensive training for current partner sites. The Institute of Museum and Library Services acknowledged that The FC is an innovative approach to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education that identifies and encourages talented young scientists through a multidisciplinary approach and competition.

This year trainings were conducted with various sites on an individual basis. Interested institutions were trained on a personal level, either during a one-day intensive training or a three-day workshop. The sites received an overview of the mission and history of the program and then were introduced to a coordinator’s timeline with specific ideas for the individual sites. The training was concluded with ideas that the site can implement immediately. Since the trainings were conducted with one site at a time, the interested and invested parties were present and were able to ask specific questions about how to implement the program at their specific sites.

Individuals from the following institutions took part in these workshops (listed alphabetically): Bartlett Arboretum (Connecticut, U.S.) Bok Tower Gardens (Florida, U.S.) new staff training Dawes Arboretum (Ohio, U.S.) Morris Arboretum (Pennsylvania, U.S.) upcoming New Orleans Botanical Gardens in City Park (Louisiana, U.S.) Washington Park Arboretum (Washington, U.S) upcoming

Participants came away from this workshop eager to formalize their institutions’ plans for launching–and, in some cases, expanding–their own Fairchild Challenge programs. Several of these institutions have already announced their intent to launch The Fairchild Challenge during the 2013-2014 school year.


ACCER Foundation*PERU

Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.

Bok Tower Gardens*Lake Wales, Florida, U.S.

The Botanic Gardens at Kona Kai Resort*Key Largo, Florida, U.S.

Cherry Lake Tree Farm Groveland, Florida, U.S.

Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, Illinois, U.S.

Desert Botanical GardensPhoenix, Arizona, U.S.

Humboldt Institute Bogotá, COLOMBIA

Huntington Botanical Gardens San Marino, California, U.S.

Instituto de Ecologia, A.C.* MEXICO


To Date, The Following Institutions Have Implemented The Fairchild Challenge:

Jardín Botánico de Mérida Mérida, VENEZUELAKnoxville Zoological Gardens*Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.

La Selva Biological Station San Pedro, COSTA RICA

Longwood Gardens Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, U.S.

New Orleans Botanical Garden*New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens *Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Stichting Vieroog LvDO (Vierroog Foundation of Education for Sustainable Development)NETHERLANDS

Thanksgiving Point *Lehi, Utah, U.S.

U.S. Botanic GardenWashington D.C.

*Programs active during the 2012-2013 program year



PARTICIPANT DATA: for 2012-2013 active Fairchild Challenge Satellite Partner Programs

Institution name and location

# of participating

schools

# of Title I / under-

resourced schools

# participating

students

# of participating

teachers

total # of participating students and

teachers

ACCER FoundationPERU 10 N/A 550 20 570

Bok Tower GardensLake Wales, FL, U.S. 3 3 500 16 516

The Botanic Gardens at Kona Kai Resort

Key West, FL, U.S.9 N/A 843 29 872

Instituto de Ecología, A.C.MEXICO pending pending pending pending pending

Knoxville Zoological Gardens

Knoxville, TN, U.S.4 1 35 4 39

New Orleans Botanical Garden

New Orleans, LA, U.S.2 2 32 13 45

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.42 3 2,885 59 2,944

Thanksgiving PointLehi, UT, U.S. 15 1 3,571 70 3,641

TOTALS 85 10 8,416 211 8,627



“Students had the opportunity to further their own knowledge in an area of interest to them. Plus the challenges were creative and not the usual school projects, so the kids enjoyed them.”Teacher from Phipps Conservatory

“I think the most valuable thing I learned was that everything is connected. Everything is related to everything else and we should keep everything in balance.”Student from Phipps Conservatory

“We are very thankful for all you did to make this program a success this year, showing so much creativity and hard work in our community bringing consciousness to respect our environment starting with preschoolers.”Teacher from Kona Kai Botanic Gardens

“We contacted local elementary and middle schools in the area to see how many teachers would be interested in participating in the program, and we had a wonderful response. Five out of the six schools in the Upper Florida Keys plus one homeschool family decided to participate, for a total of about 27 teachers and over 400 students participating. Fairchild offers five Challenges for elementary schools and ten Challenges for middle schools. We were considering starting off easy and only offering a few Challenges for teachers to choose from but ended up deciding we’d go all in and offer up every Challenge. I’m glad that we did because although it was more work, it gave teachers more options to do Challenges that fit with their curricula. The involvement and enthusiasm we are seeing from members of the local community and the press helps promote visibility and advocacy for our schools, teachers, and the environment throughout the Upper Keys and beyond.”Rick Hederstrom – Education Coordinator – Kona Kai Botanic Gardens

“Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens presented an extensive and valuable training to implement the Fairchild Challenge for the staff and partners of Knoxville Zoo. The training, especially with the layout of overview, challenge year, and development, helped take us from not being sure what we were getting into, to creating challenges and working out timelines and to-do lists. All of our staff is excited about the possibilities, and within a day of the training, the steps for implementation had already begun.”Steve McGaffin – Assistant Curator of Education – Outreach and Outdoor Science Coordinator– Knoxville Zoo

“Everything was worthwhile! However the last day where we hashed out a timeline and 3 projects was crucial to not feeling overwhelmed by the whole thing! When asked what the most helpful part for you during the site visit was, a participant wrote: “The brainstorming and discussion that occurred during the training. Learning about the challenges that Fairchild and partners have created. Being able to ask questions face to face and to think through obstacles that our institution may encounter as we launch the program was the most helpful.”Workshop participant at Dawes Arboretum

Satellite Partners Program Feedback


“En este año hemos lanzado 14 desafíos que incluyen la participación de niños de preescolar, primaria, secundaria y escuelas de educación especial (Niños con discapacidad y niños con aptitudes sobresalientes). El lunes 28 de enero se dio a conocer la convocatoria a 200 escuelas y tres días después ya había 30 escuelas inscritas. Posteriormente iniciamos un proceso de capacitación a los docentes para facilitar el proyecto con sus alumnos, luego estableceremos asesorías y visitas de los involucrados a nuestro Jardín Botánico y finalmente la evaluación de los proyectos. El día 19 de junio de 2013 tenemos planeado el Evento de Premiación.” (Read translation below)

“This year we have launched 14 challenges including the involvement of children in preschool, primary, secondary and special schools (Children with disabilities and children with outstanding skills). On Monday January 28 was announced the call for 200 schools and three days later there are 30 registered schools. Then began a process of training teachers to facilitate the project with their students, then establish advisory and involved visits to our garden and finally the evaluation of the projects. On June 19, 2013 we planned the Awards Ceremony. “Norma E. Corona Callejas - Educación y Visitantes.-Jardín Botánico Francisco Javier Clavijero -Instituto de Ecología, A. C.

Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, UT, U.S.

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN / THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013 | 52FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE CALL: 305.667.1651

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s education programs reach more than 120,000 South Florida students annually and are possible thanks to generous support from

THE BATCHELOR FOUNDATION and American Honda Foundation, Assurant, Bank of America, Shepard Broad Foundation, Inc., CJ Aviation, Inc., The Children’s Trust, Creative Taste Catering & Event Production, Dadeland Framing, The Everglades Foundation, Fairchild Palms, County Commissioner Sally Heyman, Barbara Hobbs, Bernard and Marilyn Horowitz, 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, The Alex and Agnes O. McIntosh Foundation, Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs Council, Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), Stuart A. Miller, The Edward S. Moore Family Foundation, Inc., National Environmental Education Foundation, Peacock Foundation, Inc., Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., Michael and Diane Rosenberg Family Foundation, Inc., Leslie Saiontz, Sue and Alan Steinberg, United Way of Miami-Dade, Whole Foods Market, Zickler Family Foundation, and anonymous donors, among others.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic GardenCarl E. Lewis, Ph.D., DirectorAmy Padolf, M.Ed, Director of Education

VolunteersVolunteers 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.

Science Literacy • Critical Thinking • Civic Engagement • Creative Expression Community Involvement • Research • Leadership Development

Environmental Awareness • School Gardening

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Fairchild Challenge Staff Program Managers: Marion Litzinger and Alison Walker

Program Coordinators: Thad Foote, Barbara Martinez-Guerrero, Diana Pena and Juan RiveraSchool Coordinator: Amanda Noble

Education Graphic Designer: Tedd JohnsonGraduate Student: Jason Downing

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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2012-2013 ANNUAL REPORT - Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

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