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.
Challenge 1: Biologic Sculpture
Title: The Wonders of Wings
For groups | Maximum points: 200
Due Date: Fri., Oct. 18, 2024 by 5 p.m.
Download the Challenge 1 Rubric Here
Your Challenge:
Unlock the secrets of flight and explore the diversity of avian life by crafting your very own bird sculptures from reused materials! Your challenge is to create a set of 3 – 10 sculptures made entirely out of “found objects” and recycled materials that each represent a unique species. As you construct your sculptures, pay close attention to the intricate details of their wing structures and consider how these features influence their flight patterns. Your artistic creations should not only capture the beauty of these feathered creatures but also highlight the incredible adaptations that allow them to soar, glide and maneuver through the skies.
Alongside your sculptures, you'll write a 1 – 2 page paper for each bird, describing its specific flight pattern and the distinctive aspects of its wings. Investigate how different wing shapes and sizes contribute to various types of flight, such as hovering, diving or long-distance migration. Consider why certain birds have evolved to have different wing structures and how these adaptations benefit them in their natural habitats. Through this project, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of birds and the remarkable adaptations that make each species unique. Let your creativity and curiosity take flight as you delve into the world of avian wonders!
Finished sculpture should be no larger than 5” x 5” x 5” 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. A limited number of sculptures will be displayed.
Entry Requirements:
Deliver to the science education coordinator at Phipps in person or via certified mail (electronic submission is not accepted for this challenge):
- Challenge Entry Form
- Each sculpture MUST be labeled with the participating school and students’ names
- Create a bird sculpture using found or recycled materials
- Each finished sculpture should be no larger than 5” x 5” x 5” and should weigh no more than two pounds and should have a securely-fastened string or wire to be hung on display.
- For each bird you sculpt, write a short paper describing its specific flight pattern, distinctive aspects of its wings, investigate how different wing shapes and sizes contribute to various types of flight and discuss these adaptations with respect to their natural habitat (form and function). 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.
School Submits:
Challenge Entry Form, 3 – 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 Alyssa Mulé
One Schenley Park
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Resources:
The following list of online resources may be used when preparing your entry.
- How birds fly — Science Learning Hub
- Bird Flight | Ask A Biologist (asu.edu)
- Search, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- A-Flutter Over Bird Wings: Basic Info, Wing Types, and More | ABC (abcbirds.org)
- Staying airborne: How bird wings are built for aerodynamic and efficient flight | Biomechanics in the Wild
- Bird-Wing-Types-Handout.pdf (cornell.edu)
- Everything You Need To Know About Feathers | Bird Academy • The Cornell Lab (allaboutbirds.org)
Standards:
Read below to find the standards for each grade level for Challenge 1 of the Middle School Fairchild Challenge
- 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.
