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education – The FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE

Teachers, Join the Fairchild Challenge!

“For us, the Challenge has really made an impact on getting kids to connect
to the environment in a more meaningful way and I'm sure the same is true for all of the students who participated. We are really excited about next year.” – Mary Beth Nawor, Lake Forest
High School

PAST COMPETITION CATEGORIES INCLUDE:

Green building design

Picture book design

Recycled artwork

Five reasons to participate:

1. The Fairchild Challenge is a fun way to spark students’ concern about the environment, develop critical thinking skills, understand the need for biodiversity and conservation, become active and engaged citizens, and recognize that each of us makes a difference. (Technically, that’s already five reasons).
2. Free workshops and other resources
3. Connections with like-minded community
4. Links to colleges and universities with environmental undergrad programs
5. An opportunity to earn funds for your school (first place = $1,000!)

How does the Fairchild Challenge work?

1. Choose any or all of the 10 multidisciplinary competition categories.  Each entry earns points for your students and your school.
2. All schools that receive a minimum number of points earn prizes and recognition.
3. Judging is completed by an impartial panel of experts. Students and schools with the most points at the end of the competition receive special prizes and recognition.
4. Participation is free and open to high school students at any school in the Chicagoland area.

How do we participate?

• Recruit a team of teachers who will coordinate the contest within your school.
• Post information and spread the word throughout the school. Rally enthusiasm with students and encourage them to help spread the word, too.  The more entries, the better your chances at earning points and winning!
• Review guidelines for nine project options (or students may choose their own)
• Complete and send online registration form
• Carefully check submission deadlines and details — different deadlines apply to different project options!
• CELEBRATE at the Fairchild Challenge community celebration and gallery exhibit on Saturday, May 8, 2010 at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Nature-Inspired, University approved!
The following colleges and universities have endorsed the Fairchild Challenge:

Columbia College Chicago: Institute for Science Education and Science Communication
DePaul University: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Loyola University Chicago
North Park University Chicago
Northeastern Illinois University
Northwestern University: Graduate Program in Plant Biology and Conservation
Roosevelt University: College of Arts and Sciences
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Chicago: Program on the Global Environment
Wheaton College: Department of Natural and Social Sciences
Wilbur Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago

Testimonials from past participants Past winners and samples How the Challenge meets state standards (PDF)

Participation in the Fairchild Challenge is FREE and open to ALL high schools in Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Kenosha (WI), Lake (IL and IN), McHenry, and Will counties. If you are outside these counties you may still participate. Contact Tree Sturman for details.

QUESTIONS? EMAIL PROGRAM STAFF OR CALL (847) 835-8343.