Challenge C

Welcome to the elementary school challenge page for Challenge C of the Fairchild Challenge! Read below to find challenge information, entry requirements, resources and more for the challenge.

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Challenge C: Art and Writing 

Title: "Making a Difference"

Due Date: Fri., Feb. 6, 2026 by 5 p.m. 

For Individuals or Groups

Your Challenge:

Think about someone in your life who inspires you. Someone who makes the world brighter, kinder or more exciting just by being themselves. They could be a family member who always helps others, a teacher who encourages you, a friend who stands up for what’s right or even a neighbor who makes your community stronger. Your challenge is to create a colorful, detailed drawing of this inspiring person in your life. Try to show not only what they look like, but also the amazing things they do that help make the world a better place. Think about their special qualities. Maybe they are brave, kind, creative, responsible or always a team player! Let those qualities shine in your artwork.

Along with your artwork, write a short essay about why you chose that person, how they inspire you, what you’ve learned from them and how you can make the world a better place too! These can be big ideas or small everyday actions: helping a friend, caring for the environment, solving problems peacefully, standing up for others or spreading positivity wherever you go. Be specific and creative. Even small actions can create a ripple of good in your school, home and community.

• PreK – Grade 1: Essay of 25 words or less.
• Grade 2 – 3: Essay of 50 words or less.
• Grade 4 – 5: Essay of 100 words or less.

Entry Requirements: Deliver to the high school programs coordinator at Phipps in person, via certified mail or via electronic submission at amule@phipps.conservatory.org.

• Challenge Entry Form
• Include the school name and the participating students’ names.
• Hand drawn picture of person student is inspired by with short essay and list of ways they can make a difference too.

School Submits: Challenge Entry Form, maximum three entries per set of grades. 

Address:

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The Fairchild Challenge c/o Alyssa Mulé
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Standards:
Read below to find the standards for each grade level for Challenge C of the Elementary School Fairchild Challenge

• Grades K – 5
• Grades 2 – 3
• Grades 4 – 5

Grades K – 5

• 13.1.K-2.C Describe the work done by community helpers and business owners.
• 13.1.K-2.D Describe what a job is and the reasons people may have jobs.
• 13.2.K-2.A Practice solving problems individually and in groups.
• 13.2.K-2.C Demonstrate cooperation and positive interactions with classmates, recognizing that people have different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs.
• 13.3.K-2.A Communicate an original opinion and describe the justification for that opinion.
• 13.3.K-2.B Recognize the importance of improving skills and learning new ones.
• 13.3.K-2.D Build an awareness of the importance of a positive work ethic as a means to learn and grow.
• 13.4.K-2.B Identify current interests and skills.
• 13.4.K-2.D Explain how workers in their careers use what is learned in the classroom.
• 4.1.K.D Observe and describe what happens to living things when needs are met.
• 4.3.PK.A Identify how the environment provides for the needs of people in their daily lives.
• 4.3.K.B Recognize the importance of conserving natural resources.
• AL.1.1.A1 Explore and ask questions to seek meaningful information about a growing range of topics, ideas, and tasks.
• AL.1.K.B1 Demonstrate a willingness to participate in an increasing variety of diverse experiences.
• AL.1.1.C1 Engage in cooperative, purposeful, and interactive play experiences that enhance learning.
• AL.2.PK.A1 Work toward completing a task, even if challenging, and despite interruptions.
• AL.2.1.C1 Accomplish challenging tasks by employing familiar and new strategies as needed.
• AL.3.PK.A1 Use music, art, and/or stories to express ideas, thoughts, and feelings
• AL.3.1.A1 Use and connect materials/strategies in uncommon ways to create something new or to solve problems.
• AL.4.PK.A1 Relate knowledge learned from one experience to a similar experience in a new setting.
• AL.4.K.C1 Employ problem-solving strategies to achieve a positive outcome.

Grades 2 – 3

• AL.1.2.A1 Explore and ask questions to seek meaningful information about a growing range of topics, ideas, and tasks.
• AL.1.2.C1 Engage in cooperative, purposeful, and interactive play experiences that enhance learning.
• AL.2.2.B1 Complete multi-step tasks with independence.
• AL.4.2.B1 Recognize that everyone makes mistakes and that using positive coping skills can result in learning from the experience.
• 16.1.2.A1 Examine the impact of emotions and responses on view of self and interactions with others.
• 16.1.2.B1 Understand the impact of personal traits on relationships and school achievement.
• 16.1.2.C1 Identify adverse situations which all people encounter and healthy ways to address.
• 16.2.2.A1 Establish relationships that are positive and supportive of others.
• 16.2.2.B1 Recognize and tolerate the uniqueness of all people in all situations.
• 16.2.2.C1 Explain the impact of communication on interactions with others.
• 16.2.2.D1 Identify and apply appropriate ways to resolve conflict.
• 16.2.2.E1 Determine who, when, where, or how to seek help for solving problems.
• 16.3.2.C1 Actively engage in creating an environment that encourages healthy relationships.
• 10.5.2.B1 Coordinate eye and hand movements to perform an advanced task.
• 10.5.2.C1 Use tools with control and skill to perform tasks.
• 3.1.3.D Students who demonstrate understanding can use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be influenced by the environment.
• 9.1.3.E Demonstrate the ability to define objects, express emotions, illustrate an action or relate an experience through creation of works in the arts

Grades 4 – 5

• 13.1.3-5.D Identify the range of jobs available in the community.
• 13.2.3-5.A Develop the traits needed to solve problems.
• 13.2.3-5.B Use context clues to determine how communication varies within different social situations in varied environments.
• 13.2.3-5.C Demonstrate the ability to work well in group or team interactions, recognizing that people have different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs.
• 13.3.3-5.A Identify situations that may require self- advocacy, such as: personal preference, values, etc.
• 13.3.3-5.B Reflect on skill improvement and identify opportunities to build new skills.
• 13.3.3-5.D Identify attributes of a positive work ethic.
• 13.4.3-5.B Connect personal interests and abilities to potential career choices.
• 13.4.3-5.D Document personal interests, abilities, and academic strengths.
• 13.2.5.A Apply appropriate speaking and listening techniques used in conversation.
• 13.3.5.A Explain how student attitudes and work habits transfer from the home and school to the workplace.
• 13.3.5.B Explain the importance of working cooperatively with others at both home and school to complete a task.
• 13.3.5.G Describe how personal interests and abilities impact lifelong learning.

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