Challenge 1

Welcome to the middle school challenge page for Challenge 1 of the Fairchild Challenge! Read below to find challenge information, entry requirements, resources and more for the challenge.

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Challenge 1: Sculpture

Title: Beetles and Blossoms
For individuals or groups | Maximum points: 200
Due Date: Fri., Oct. 20, 2023 by 5 p.m. 

Download the Challenge 1 Rubric Here

Your Challenge:

Often misunderstood, beetles are one of the unsung heroes of forest health. From pollinating plants to breaking down organic materials to fighting off unwanted pests, beetles are one of the most diverse, species-rich orders on Earth. Your challenge is to create a set of 3 to 10 beetle sculptures made entirely out of “found objects” and recycled materials. Make sure the beetle you choose belongs to the order Coleoptera, lives in a type of forest, and has a beneficial impact on its ecosystem! Along with each sculpture, please write a 1-2 page analysis on the unique impact your beetle has on forest health and why you think it is important. Consider how the beetles may also be impacted by the health of their forest home and the roles they play within their distinct environment. Your essay should include a thesis and support for your argument. Include any relevant information about the beetle such as its habitat, its food sources, and how it interacts with other animals and humans. Please also include what materials you chose to construct your beetle out of and where you sourced them. The short analytical essay should be your own work and should include a Works Cited with at least 3 sources.

Finished sculpture may be scaled up in size but should be no larger than 5”x5”x5” and should weigh no more than two pounds.  Sculptures should not contain any food or edible ingredients (including wheat, seeds, or pinecones).  Select sculptures from this challenge will be featured in Phipps’ Winter Flower Show. Therefore, each sculpture must have a securely-fastened string or wire so that it can be hung on display.

Schools are welcome to submit additional well-made beetle sculptures for the opportunity to be displayed in the Winter Flower Show. These additional sculptures should be submitted in a separate container from the sculptures that are being judged for the Fairchild Challenge and clearly marked “Display Only.” A limited number of sculptures will be displayed.

Entry Requirements:

• Challenge Entry Form
• Create a sculpture using found or recycled materials of a beetle
• Each finished sculpture should be no larger than 5”x5”x5” and should weigh no more than two pounds, and should have a securely-fastened string or wire to be hung on display.
• For each beetle you sculpt, write a short paper detailing the unique impact your beetle has on forest health. The paper should be 1-2 pages with 12 point font and 1-inch margins, and it should include a Works Cited with at least 3 sources.
• Include the school name and the participating students’ names.

School Submits: Challenge Entry Form, 3 to 10 sculptures (Please note: submitting fewer than 3 sculptures will result in a lower score on this project.)

Address:

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

Resources:
The following list of online resources may be used when preparing your entry.

 

• Insects in Forests – Climate, Forests and Woodlands (extension.org)
• Beetles (Coleoptera) – Wisconsin Horticulture
• Bark beetle outbreak enhances biodiversity and foraging habitat of native bees in alpine landscapes of the southern Rocky Mountains | Scientific Reports (nature.com)
• Beetle Pollination (usda.gov)
• Beneficial Insects: Beetles (usu.edu)

 

Standards: 

Read below to find the standards for each grade level for Challenge 1 of the Middle School Fairchild Challenge

• Grade Six – Eight

Grade Six – Eight

• CC.1.2.6.A Determine the central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
• CC.1.2.6.B Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and/or generalizations drawn from the text.
• CC.1.2.6.C Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text.
• CC.1.2.6.L Read and comprehend literary non-fiction and informational text on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.
• CC.1.3.6.B Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences and/or generalizations drawn from the text.
• CC.1.4.6.A Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.
• CC.1.4.6.C Develop and analyze the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
• CC.1.4.6.G Write arguments to support claims.
• CC.1.4.6.H Introduce and state an opinion on a topic.
• CC.1.4.6.I Use clear reasons and relevant evidence to support claims, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic.
• CC.1.4.6.J Organize the claim(s) with clear reasons and evidence clearly; clarify relationships among claim(s) and reasons by using words, phrases, and clauses; provide a concluding statement or section that follows from the argument presented.
• CC.1.4.6.V Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry when appropriate.
• CC.3.5.6-8.A Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
• CC.3.6.6-8.H Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis reflection, and research.
• 4.1.6.D Explain the costs and benefits of recycling in controlling resource use.
• 4.4.6.A Explain how different plants and animals in the United States have specific growing requirements related to climate and soil conditions.
• CC.1.2.7.B Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences, conclusions, and/or generalizations drawn from the text.
• CC.1.4.7.A Write informative/ explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information clearly.
• CC.1.4.7.B Identify and introduce the topic clearly, including a preview of what is to follow.
• CC.1.4.7.C Develop and analyze the topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples; include graphics and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
• CC.1.4.7.G Write arguments to support claims.
• CC.1.4.7.H Introduce and state an opinion on a topic.
• CC.3.5.6-8.A Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
• CC.3.5.6-8.E Analyze the structure an author uses to organize a text, including how the major sections contribute to the whole and to an understanding of the topic.
• 3.5.6-8.H Distinguish among facts, reasoned judgment based on research findings, and speculation in a text.
• CC.3.6.6-8.H Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis reflection, and research.
• 3.1.7.B5 PATTERNS; Compare and contrast observable patterns in the physical characteristics across families, strains and species.
• 9.1.8.C Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
• 4.5.8.A Explain how Best Management Practices (BMP) can be used to mitigate environmental problems.

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