education – The FAIRCHILD CHALLENGE

Teachers: Join the Fairchild Challenge!

Engaging, multidisciplinary, environmental education

Do you know a high school student who is passionate about the environment, who likes art, the written or spoken word, poetry, photography, or design? Then the Chicago Botanic Garden's Fairchild Challenge is for them.

The Fairchild Challenge is more than a competition. It is a meaningful outlet for students throughout your school to apply their diverse talents and passions in support of a better environment.

There will be a Fairchild Challenge Teacher Orientation and complimentary brunch on Saturday, October 25, 2008, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Children’s Learning Center. Learn from veteran participants. View exemplary student work. Receive free art supplies.

Please RSVP .

Design a "green" building

Create an eco-picturebook

Create recycled artwork

How does the Fairchild Challenge work?

It's made up of eleven multidisciplinary competition categories, each generating an end product that your school submits to the Chicago Botanic Garden for judging. Every entry submitted will earn points for your students and your school. All schools that receive a minimum number of points will receive prizes and recognition. The students and schools with the most points at the end of the competition receive special prizes and recognition.

Why participate?

Win significant prizes for your school
Showcase the talents of your students
Tap into the Chicago Botanic Garden's vast network of educational partnerships
Connect with like-minded teachers from schools throughout the Chicagoland area
Take advantage of free workshops, symposia and other opportunities
Connect your students with judges representing a broad field of professional institutions

How do I participate?

RECRUIT an interdisciplinary team of at least two teachers and SIGN UP by filling out
and returning an official registration form
REVIEW the guidelines for all eleven Fairchild Challenge options
PROVIDE opportunities for students throughout your school to participate in as many
categories as they choose
SUBMIT your entries by the specified deadlines
CELEBRATE your achievements during the Fairchild Challenge awards ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Garden on Sunday, May 10, 2009, at 2 p.m.
The Poetry Slam at the Chicago Botanic Garden is Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 2 p.m.

Read feedback from past participants

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? Contact Tree Sturman at (847) 835-8343 or email .