education – The FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE
Students, Join the Fairchild Challenge!
“Who knew that applying what I love to do, writing and speaking, to the environment could produce not only a sense of pride in my home, earth, but also a sense of responsibility to protect it?... I can wholeheartedly say that the Fairchild Challenge overall is one of the most fascinating projects I've come across.” — 2008 Participant
Five Reasons to Participate
- Urge people to stand up, take notice, and act. Demonstrate your concern about the environment.
- Unleash your creativity while making a difference.
- Don't just talk the talk — BE the change!
- Become eligible to win prizes like an Earthwatch eco-expedition, gift cards, and more!
- Your resumé and college application will stand out from the crowd.
How to Participate
STEP 1: |
Choose your message and medium. Select from 9 project options below, |
STEP 2: |
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STEP 3: |
Contact your favorite teacher and ask them to sponsor your participation. |
STEP 4: |
Check the deadlines for your submissions (they differ from category to category). |
STEP 5: |
UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY! |
T-shirt design |
Music Composition |
Picture book design |
Ten ways to Make a Difference — and win cool Prizes
#1 |
T-Shirt Design |
Create a design for the 2009-2010 Fairchild Challenge T-Shirt highlighting the importance of plant pollinators native to the Midwest. MORE INFO |
#2 |
Photography |
Use multiple photographs and text to create a composition that communicates your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on the relationship between humans and nature. MORE INFO |
#3 |
Poetry Slam |
Write and perform an original poem that communicates your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on the relationship between humans and nature. MORE INFO |
#4 |
Music Composition |
Write and perform an original song that communicates your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on the relationship between humans and nature. MORE INFO |
#5 |
Satire |
Write and perform a satirical comedy piece that challenges how "teenagers" approach environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and environmental justice. MORE INFO |
#6 |
CD Sleeve Design (International Category) |
Read the lyrics to Footprints by Storey and design a cover for the CD sleeve. The winning entry will be used as a cover for the single, which will be available as a CD and mp3 download from multiple websites. Watch a video intro from the band. MORE INFO |
#7 |
Green Business |
Research accepted standards for a "green" business and use these standards to investigate a business in your community. Make recommendations for improvements that are environmentally as well as economically sustainable. MORE INFO |
#8 |
Eco-Journalism |
Create an eco-exposé (blog, magazine, and/or documentary video) exploring and explaining the eco-friendly (and not so eco-friendly) aspects of your school community. MORE INFO |
#9 |
Sustainable Eating |
Create a menu for a three-course meal with all items sourced from farmers within 100 miles of your home or school. MORE INFO |
#10 |
It’s Up to You |
Propose and implement an idea for an original project that supports the mission of the Fairchild Challenge: To foster interest in the environment by encouraging students to appreciate the beauty and value of nature; develop critical-thinking skills; understand the need for biodiversity and conservation; tap community resources; become actively engaged citizens; and recognize that individuals make a difference. MORE INFO |
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Challenge Your Imagination to Change Your Environment!
Ask Your Favorite Teacher to Sign Up for the Fairchild Challenge Today
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