4. Environmental Debate Tournament *Event: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 9:30 am – 4:00 pm | Register teams by Friday, January 30, 2026
Debate Event on February 18, 2026 | 200 points for teams participating in Round 1 and Round 2 debate rounds
(50/student)
20 points to team(s) that advance to semifinals
Bonus points to team(s) that advance to finals (number of these points depends on final placement) 1st place overall = 5pts 2nd place overall = 4pts 3rd place overall = 3pts 4th place overall = 2pts
25 bonus points
(alternate team participation) | Up to 6 debaters
2 main debate teams (2 students per team)
1 alternate debate team (2 students on alternate team) |
5. Million Orchid Project – Habitat Hotspots MANDATORY In-person Teacher Workshop: Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm **If you are unable to attend the mandatory workshop, please notify the Challenge team at challenge@fairchildgarden.org | Friday, March 20, 2026 | 250 max
100 per submission
50 bonus points for datasheet | 2 submissions |
6. Growing Beyond Earth® *Must register with GBE team and attend MANDATORY In-person or Virtual Teacher Workshop *Growing Beyond Earth Student Research Symposium: Saturday, April 11, 2026 **If you are unable to attend the mandatory workshop, please notify the Challenge team at challenge@fairchildgarden.org | Trial 1 Data due
Friday, November 21, 2025 (submit on GBE Data Portal)
Trial 2 Proposal due
Friday, December 12, 2025
Trial 2 Data due
Friday, March 20, 2026 (submit on GBE Data Portal)
Trial 2
Presentation Due: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 300 max
150 for required Trial 1 data AND Trial 2 proposal
50 for Trial 2 data
100 for presenting at the GBE Symposium | Trial 1 data Trial 2 proposal and data Trial 2 Presentation at the GBE Symposium |
