The Fairchild Challenge at Phipps: Challenge #1

By Sahar Arbab, High School Program Coordinator, Phipps Science Education and Research

October is the season for warm colors, sweaters, pumpkins, apple picking, and of course we can't forget - the beginning of the Fairchild Challenge!

Take a breath of fresh air and observe the beautiful, autumn colors for your first entry of the 2015-2016 Fairchild Challenge. The middle school challenge, “Nearby Nature Haiku” and the high school challenge, “Your Brain on Nature” both encourage students to spend time outdoors without the distraction of electronics.

Spending time outdoors contributes to emotional and physical well-being and brings people closer to nature.  As Rachel Carson once said, “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” So give those thumbs a break from texting and get outside – just don’t Instagram it! There are many other ways to appreciate our local biodiversity. 

You can find everything you need for Challenge 1 including specific requirements, posters, standards, and rubrics on our website. Good luck!

The middle school book of haikus and the high school essays (2 per team) are due at Phipps by Friday, October 23!

Have questions?  Contact Sahar Arbab at sarbab@phipps.conservatory.org  or 412-622-6915 x3905.