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GRADES Pre-K to 5 | 2026-2027

Challenges at a Glance

Elementary School Challenge List E-Booklet - COMING SOON!
ChallengesSubmissions Due to Fairchild by 5:00 pmMaximum PointsMaximum Number of Submissions
Educator Challenge: Innovative School Design
Friday, January 22, 202750 points1 submission from an elementary school teacher
1. Miami, My Garden – Botanical Balconies
A. Drawing
B. Drawing and Description
C. Drawing and Description		Friday, October 23, 2026

1A: 200 (100/submission)

1B: 200 (100/submission)

1C: 200 (100/submission)

1A: 2 submissions

1B: 2 submissions

1C: 2 submissions

2. Design by Nature
A. Trading Card
B. Design
C. 3D Model		Friday, December 11, 2026 

3A: 100 (50/submission)

3B: 100 (50/submission)

3C: 100 (50/submission)

3A: 2 submissions

3B: 2 submissions

3C: 2 submissions

3. Million Orchid Project – Plant Protectors

*Submit Digital Entry Form to participate in this Challenge by: September 18, 2026 at 5:00pm

*MANDATORY Teacher Workshop and plant/material pick up at Fairchild Garden: October 3, 2026

Friday, February 19, 2027

200

50 Bonus Points for Completed Datasheet

1 orchid protection journal

4. School Garden – Native Plant Network

*Submit Digital Entry Form to participate in this Challenge by: September 18, 2026 at 5:00pm

*OPTIONAL Teacher Workshop at Fairchild Garden: October 3, 2026

Field Journal Due:
Friday, April 2, 2027

200

50 Bonus Points for Completed Datasheets

1 field journal

AWARDS and PRIZES 

The Fairchild Challenge Awards Ceremony is Saturday, May 15, 2027. At this time, the following awards and prizes will be distributed:

  • Each elementary school that earns more than 1000 points will receive The Fairchild Challenge Award.
  • Each school that receives The Fairchild Challenge Award for five consecutive years will become a Fairchild Challenge School of Excellence.
  • The top-scoring schools will receive cash prizes, up to $2,500, to support their environmental programs.
  • Top-placing students will receive Fairchild Challenge medals and/or certificates. Special Merit winners will also be recognized.
  • All participating schools receive a limited quantity of four-person family passes to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to distribute to actively participating students and teachers.

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