Eighth graders Sydney Maegle and Anna Bittner received second place in the recent Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Fairchild Challenge, “Nature’s Dynamic Duos.” Additionally, seventh grader Marion Rent received a Special Merit recognition for great vocabulary and focus on native species.
Students were challenged to learn about a pair of organisms that display mutualism or commensalism and to design a trading card that listed neat traits and abilities of each organism and included a special ability that only activates when both cards are played together.
Sydney and Anna chose a Pistol Shrimp and a Goby. Marion chose Milkweed and the Monarch Butterfly.
Middle School science teacher Mrs. Carolyn Manko encourages students in her classes and in the Middle School Environmental Club to participate in the various Phipps Fairchild Challenges offered throughout the school year. This is the 10th year that Keystone Oaks Middle School students have participated in the Phipps Fairchild Challenge.
Congratulations, Anna, Sydney, and Marion on your outstanding work!