Biotech High School
About the Program
In 2015, through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Magnet Schools of America program, Fairchild partnered with Miami Dade County Public School to develop BioTECH Senior High School: the first Conservation Biology High School with a focus on Botany and Zoology. This unique plant science education program offers novel experiences, is integrated into students’ school days, and counts toward graduation requirements. Under the guidance of experienced scientists and educators, students engage in hands-on experimentation and apply theoretical knowledge to address modern-day challenges in sustainable agriculture. From researching drought-resistant plant varieties to conceptualizing urban and vertical farming systems, students actively contribute to ongoing efforts in plant conservation.
Students have access to the Garden’s living collection 7 days a week and can earn Volunteer hours (complete this application).*Application is for BioTECH related volunteer opportunities only. For all other Garden Wide volunteer opportunities, click here.
Student-driven Research Activities
Million Orchid
Seed Morphometry: The stories seeds tell us
Orchids are among the smallest seeds produced by flowering plants. Seed size, shape, and structural qualities can tell us a lot about how they are dispersed in the wild.
Seed Banking: Saving Seeds for the future
Million Orchid Project student-supported research includes designing and testing methods for native orchid seed banking efforts.
Cultivar Testing: Growing plants on Earth and in space
Students conduct growth trials based on criteria set by scientists at NASA Kennedy Space Center to select plants that produce large amounts of edible biomass, require low amounts of resources (water, fertilizer, growth medium, etc.), and contain high levels of vitamins not found in the processed astronaut diet.
Garden Collections & Conservation
Plant Pathogens: Fighting Infection
Students will collect, process and analyze diseased leaves they collect from mangroves. They will determine what pathogens are present and explore what causes the disease.
Collaborating Researchers: Melissa Deinys (University of Central Florida, Material Innovations for Sustainable Agriculture)
Bromeliad Conservation: Saving Florida Bromeliads
For the past 40 years, an invasive weevil, Metamasius callizona, has been attacking the native bromeliads in Florida (Frank and Cave, 2005). Join researchers as we learn how to investigate the growth and distribution of these endangered plants.
Collaborating Researchers: Brian Sidoti, Ph.D. (National Tropical Botanic Garden, Kampong)
Program Resources
Sophomore Botany
Garden Etiquette
Map (plots)
Map (color)
(10th) Google Classroom
Senior Botany Intern
AYP Site
(12th) Google Classroom
For more info, visit BioTECH @ Richmond Heights. Email: Janderson@fairchildgarden.org
BioTECH in the News
- Can young botanists at magnet school play a vital role in protecting an urban ecosystem? – Innovation, Smithsonian Magazine
- Look what spouts when school districts embrace education choice – RedefinED, the new definition of public education
- Expedition 55 Education Inflight Interview – Inflight Education Downlinks, NASA for Educators
- Brag about your school: BioTECH at Richmond Heights High School – NBC 6 South Florida