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LEARN • EXPERIENCE • PROTECT

INTRODUCTION The Citizen Scientist Project of the Key Biscayne Community Foundation sponsors the Key Challenge. Following the example of The Fairchild Challenge and its wider audience and area of concern, the Key Challenge is an island-wide initiative on Key Biscayne directed at increasing students’ appreciation and knowledge of the island’s natural resources. The Challenge incorporates 4 disciplines – art, writing, informatics, and science. These disciplines are further broken down into individual and/or group challenges open to various grade levels. The Challenge starts on September 16th, 2026 (registration must be completed by October 16th, 2026) and concludes on April 15th, 2027. Awards will be announced before May 31st, 2026 (may be subject to change). Each challenge, whether individual, group, or class, will be judged within its grade level categories. Grades are separated by the following breakdown: • Pre-K, Kindergarten and First grade (K) • Second and Third grades (3) • Fourth and Fifth grades (5) • Sixth through Eighth grades (M) • Ninth and Tenth grades (H1) • Eleventh and Twelfth grades (H2) There is also an At Home Individual category for each of these age groups. Students who are Key Biscayne residents may provide an entry even if their teacher and/or school is not participating in the Key Challenge. Only those projects listed in this brochure which are marked with “At-Home” can be entered in this category.

2026-27 KEY CHALLENGE THEME NEW! This year’s Key Challenge theme will be Nature’s Movement & Migration. The Citizen Science Project wants participants to investigate different ways that plants and animals move locations and the means and methods used. This includes examples such as: different ways that plants disperse their seeds, Monarch butterflies making annual cross-continental migrations, birds flying south in the winter, pathways for invasive species to become established somewhere, and much more. While focusing on the myriad ways plants and animals change locations during the course of their life history, we also want participants to look at how human activity may change or disrupt their various movements or migrations, or even cause animals to be unexpectedly relocated. Some questions to ask as you are working on your projects: How have humans caused invasive species to establish here in Florida? How can we change our activities/habits to help plants and animals migrate without being disturbed or disrupted? Which species migrate and how do they know where they are going during migration? How do plants spread from one area to another? We want students to focus their research on plants and animals that are found in Florida, in particular Virginia Key and Key Biscayne. Invasive species may be included. If a student or teacher has any questions about this year’s theme, they may contact info@keyscience.org.

Ci t i ze n S cientis t Project ’s KE Y CHALLE NGE

GENERAL INFORMATION • All projects meet certain CPALMS Standards for Science, listed at www.keychallenge.org. • Each school must complete a School Registration form by October 16, 2026. Each class must complete a Class Registration form, including class roster, by October 16, 2026. • The Challenge officially starts on September 16, 2026. • For each class, 2 entries per challenge will be accepted for judging in their grade level category. For each grade level category, one winner will be chosen per challenge from all entries, including the At Home Individual Category. • A completed Project Entry Form must be included with each project submitted for judging. It is available to download on the registration page. • To submit an entry for judging, every participant is required to attend at least one environmental activity (lecture, beach cleanup, butterfly walks, birding expedition, invasive plant species removal, etc.). At Home Individual participants must also meet this requirement. There is an Environmental Activity Form that can be downloaded and signed by the activity coordinator. Include this form with the Project Entry Form or give it to your teacher. • A Community Service Award will be given to the school with the greatest percentage of a school’s student population participating in environmental activities for the Key Challenge. For students to get credit for attending an event, they will need to print out an Environmental Activity Form and have the person in charge of the event sign it. These should then be collected by their teacher and turned into KBCF when all the challenges are submitted for judging. If attending a Citizen Science Project event, a signup sheet is provided, and student attendance automatically recorded for the Key Challenge. • For group projects, the maximum number of members is four. • Students must stay within the challenges assigned to their grade level category and follow the rules and directions of their chosen project. • Do not combine different projects into one. • Absolutely NO perishable items or sand may be used in any of the challenges. Projects should be easily portable and should not have too many loose parts. • All participants must adhere to the given size limitations for projects. Projects that are outside the size limitations will be disqualified. • For questions, visit www.keychallenge.org, email info@keyscience.org, or call (305) 361-2770. • Register at www.keychallenge.org.

PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN, & FIRST GRADES

2D OR 3D CREATION

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS & AT-HOME | up to 2ft x 2ft) Create a collage, painting, or sculpture depicting a plant, insect, or animal spreading its population, moving locations, or migrating from one area to another. Use materials such as paints, found objects, clay, or other non-perishable items (please no sand and do not create new trash by buying disposable objects). Include a written description by the teacher or parent that accurately describes the movement or migration being depicted, the process of creating the artwork, the materials used, and the lessons learned about the movement or migration habits of the plant, insect, or animal.

TWO ANIMAL PUPPETS

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | 2 puppets & 1 page story) Choose an animal or insect that migrates annually as part of its normal behavior, and create two puppets. Pay attention to how the animal or insect looks and how they are able to move locations (do they ﬂy, walk, swim?). The teacher or parent should work with students to write a short 1-page story about how they migrate and why.

MIGRATION GAME

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS & AT-HOME | cardstock or thick paper) Create a card matching game, puzzle, or another type of game using cardstock or thick paper so that it can be handled repeatedly. Matching games must have at least 5 matching pairs. Choose a variety of animals, insects, or plants, incorporating information on how they migrate or why their population may move or spread into new or diﬀerent areas.

PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN, & FIRST GRADES

PHOTOGRAPHY & ZIP ODE

(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | one 8” x 10” photograph & 1 zip ode poem) Take a visually artistic photograph that captures the theme of movement and migration in nature. Choose a plant, insect, or animal local to Key Biscayne. Your photograph should reﬂect creativity, originality, and be relevant to the plant, insect, or animal you chose. Then, write a zip ode poem inspired by the plant, insect, or animal, describing how they move locations or migrate. Zip odes are a form of poem created by O, Miami Poetry Festival in which each line has the same number of words found in each number of a zip code. More information can be found at omiami.org/pages/zip-odes. Participants are also encouraged to submit their completed zip odes to O, Miami.

BOOK

(GROUPS & CLASS | max 28 pgs not including cover) Create a book (for example ABC, Counting, Colors, a story, or any other sequence/idea) depicting diﬀerent plants, insects, or animals that use various methods to disperse, move locations, or migrate. The artwork and/or words must be student-generated, but the book may be computer-printed or assembled by the teacher for very young students. Include a description of the creation of the book and the students’ involvement (written by the teacher or parent). Please try to include as many diﬀerent animals, insects, or plants as possible.

S ECON D & T HIR D GRADES

2D CREATION

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS & AT-HOME | up to 2ft x 2ft) Create a collage or painting depicting a plant, insect, or animal spreading its population, moving locations, or migrating from one area to another. Use materials such as paints, found objects, clay, or other non-perishable items (please no sand and do not create new trash by buying disposable objects). Include a written description by the teacher or parent that accurately describes the movement or migration being depicted, the process of creating the artwork, the materials used, and lessons learned about movement or migration habits of the plant, insect, or animal.

SCIENCE PROJECT

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS & AT-HOME | a detailed exploration on a standard poster or science board) Explore local habitats by cataloguing the plants, insects, or animals found within the ecosystem, and describe their movements or migrations. Explain which animals or insects are only there temporarily because they are migrating and which plants they depend on. Present your ﬁndings on a poster or foam board, incorporating images and facts to represent the diﬀerent plants, insects, and animals within the habitat, and information about their migration patterns.

PHOTOGRAPHY & ZIP ODE

S ECOND & THIRD G RAD ES

DIORAMA

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | no larger than a shoebox, contained within the box completely, and include written description) Create a diorama depicting plants, insects, or animals found in Florida that spread their population or migrate as part of their normal behavior. Dioramas must be in a shoebox or similar container (no larger) and the opening should be from the side, not the top. The scene should not extend past the wall of the box, unless it can be closed without damaging the artwork. Include a written description by the teacher or parent explaining the animals and plants in the diorama, the process of creation, and how they move locations, spread their population, or migrate.

SPECIES LIFE HISTORY

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS & AT-HOME | 3 posters, each poster up to 12in x 18in) Choose one species of animal or insect found in Florida that regularly migrates and create three small posters as follows: One poster describing the animal or insect and how is looks and behaves, one poster describing its habitat, and one poster explaining its migration habits. Highlight the importance of conserving these insects or animals for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.

FOU RT H & F IF T H GRADES

PHOTOGRAPHY & ZIP ODE

(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | one 8” x 10” photograph & 1 zip ode poem ) Take a visually artistic photograph that captures the theme of movement and migration in nature. Choose a plant, insect, or animal local to Key Biscayne. Your photograph should reﬂect creativity, originality, and be relevant to the plant, insect, or animal you chose. Then, write a zip ode poem inspired by the plant, insect, or animal, describing how they move locations or migrate. Zip odes are a form of poem created by O, Miami Poetry Festival in which each line has the same number of words found in each number of a zip code. More information can be found at omiami.org/pages/zip-odes. Participants are also encouraged to submit their completed zip odes to O, Miami.

2D MIXED MEDIA MAP

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | up to 12” x 18”) Create a mixed media map of Key Biscayne that showcases insects or animals that migrate in, around, or through Key Biscayne. Use various materials such as paint, dry media, and found objects to depict the animals and their migration patterns (use only non-perishable items and please no sand). The map should creatively illustrate where each species would be found geographically and the routes they use to arrive there. Provide a written description explaining when these species migrate, their reason for doing so, and their roles in the ecosystem. This project aims to educate about the diversity and importance of life in Key Biscayne while promoting creativity and environmental awareness through art.

FOU RTH & FIFTH G RAD ES

SPECIES CLASSIFICATION

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | each poster up to 12” x 18” with written decription of each plant, insect, or animal species) Choose 5 plants, insects, or animals that are that are found in or migrate through Key Biscayne and create individual posters for each one. Each poster should contain a common name and scientiﬁc name, a photo or detailed illustration, and a description of how it spreads its population, how it has moved from one area into another, or where and how it migrates. Inclusion of threats and protections is encouraged.

SCULPTURE

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | no larger than 6"x6", and include written description) Create a sculpture depicting a plant, insect, or animal found in Florida that spreads its population or migrates as part of its normal behavior. Sculptures should be no larger than 6 inches tall or 6 inches wide. Include a written description explaining the animal, insect, or plant depicted, the process of creation, and how they move locations, spread their population, or migrate.

SCIENCE PROJECT

(INDIVIDUALS & GROUPS | a detailed exploration on a poster or science board) Create a detailed exploration of a speciﬁc habitat in Florida, cataloging the diverse plants and animals found within this ecosystem and illustrating the plants’ seed dispersal methods, a species’ movements into or out of the area, a species’ migration patterns if present only part of the year, or the ways in which invasive species arrived in the area. Present your ﬁndings on a poster or foam board, incorporating images and data to visually represent the biodiversity and intricate movements and migration patterns for species within your chosen Florida habitat.

MI D D L E S CHOOL: SI XTH, SE VE NTH, & EIGH TH GRA D ES

SCULPTURE OR DIORAMA

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | no larger than a shoebox, sculpture no larger than 6"x6", and include written description) Create a sculpture or diorama depicting plants, insects, or animals found in Florida that spread their population or migrate as part of their normal behavior. Sculptures should be no larger than 6 inches tall or 6 inches wide. Dioramas must be in a shoebox or similar container (no larger) and the opening should be from the side, not the top. The scene should not extend past the wall of the box, unless it can be closed without damaging the artwork. Include a written description explaining the species depicted in the artwork, their population movements or migrations, and the process of creation.

ENVIRONMENTAL FABLE

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | max 4 pages, not including cover) Create a short story featuring the theme of movement (changes in location) and migration. There should be one or two drawn or digitally created pictures to go along with the story as cover art. The story should be based on science, about a challenge faced by the main character (a plant, insect, or animal that lives in or migrates through a Florida habitat) and have a moral at the end of the story for the audience. Stories should not be longer than 4 pages typed (not including pictures). This project aims to educate younger audiences about the importance of migration routes and a species ability to spread and move into diﬀerent locations, allowing older students to share their knowledge with younger peers through engaging story-telling and colorful illustrations.

MIGRATORY ANIMAL PSA VIDEO

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | video up to 5 minutes) Create a public service announcement focused on safeguarding migratory animals that are known to move or migrate in or around Key Biscayne. Specifically address their importance within Florida's ecosystems and how we are affecting their ability to continue their migration journey. Explain how human activities, such as pollution, too many lights, over-development of land, and other variables threaten these animals, their habitats, and their ability to migrate without interference. Discuss the lasting impacts of these environmental issues on Key Biscayne's biodiversity. Provide actionable steps individuals can take to contribute to conservation efforts and protect migratory species. Ensure that all video production adheres to legal and ethical guidelines, avoiding any disruption to wildlife.

(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | one 8” x 10” photograph & 1 zip ode poem)

M ID D L E S C H O O L: S IX TH , S E VE NTH , & E IG HTH G RAD ES

PHOTOGRAPHY & ZIP ODE

Take a visually artistic photograph that captures the theme of movement and migration in nature. Choose a plant, insect, or animal local to Key Biscayne. Your photograph should reﬂect creativity, originality, and be relevant to the plant, insect, or animal you chose. Then, write a zip ode poem inspired by the plant, insect, or animal, describing how they move locations or migrate. Zip odes are a form of poem created by O, Miami Poetry Festival in which each line has the same number of words found in each number of a zip code. More information can be found at omiami.org/pages/zip-odes. Participants are also encouraged to submit their completed zip odes to O, Miami.

SCIENCE PROJECT

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | a detailed exploration on a standard poster or science board) Create a detailed exploration about the migration patterns and life history of a speciﬁc animal or insect found in Florida. Describe how, when, and why they migrate and why migration is important to their existence and/or reproduction. If relevant, describe the change in habitat they experience when migrating, and how this is necessary for their survival. Present your ﬁndings on a poster or foam board, incorporating images and data to visually represent the biodiversity and intricate movements and migration patterns for the species you chose.

HI G H SCHOOL 1 : NI NTH & TE NTH GRAD ES

SCIENCE REPORT

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | max 4 page written report (may include a few pictures separately) or a PowerPoint, up to 20 slides) Create a PowerPoint or written report which describes a migratory insect or animal known to migrate in or around Key Biscayne and the habitat which it relies on while traveling through. Describe how, when, and why this insect or animal migrates, where it spends its time in the local environment, and how humans may be aﬀecting it. This report should include data collection and analysis; the level of detail is up to the participant, but more detailed information will score higher.

COLORING BOOK, COMIC STRIP, OR ILLUSTRATED STORY

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | max 10 pgs not including cover & comic strips should not exceed 16 panels) Create sequential illustrations or a comic strip that tells a story with the theme of movement (changing locations) and migration in nature. Chose a speciﬁc plant, insect, or animal and describe how it disperses seeds, spreads its population to a new area, or migrates annually between two diﬀerent places. Keep in mind that this project is being made for a younger audience, to give older students a chance to teach younger students about the environment.

PHOTOGRAPHY & ZIP ODE

H IGH S C H OOL 1: NINTH & TEN TH G RAD ES

MIGRATORY BIRD AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | 3–4 pages, including 3 posts/flyers) Create an educational campaign to raise awareness about migratory birds that rely on using Key Biscayne as a rest point during their long migrations during the fall and spring months. Write out a detailed outline explaining how you would reach the largest audience and what platforms and methods would be used (posters, flyers, videos, social media, etc.). Create 3 campaign posts or flyers that were discussed in your outline. They should explain the causes and consequences of human activity affecting migratory birds, emphasizing the impact that human-caused environmental change has on the birds’ ability to continue their migration. Provide information on how individuals can contribute to conservation efforts to mitigate our detrimental effects. Use compelling visuals and clear, concise messaging to engage your audience and encourage action.

MIGRATORY ANIMAL PSA VIDEO

HI G H SCHOOL 2 : ELE VE NTH & TWE LFT H GRA D ES

SCIENCE RESEARCH PAPER (INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | 6-7 pages)

Write a report detailing a species of insect or animal known to migrate in or around Key Biscayne. The report should emphasize the importance of protecting migratory routes and necessary habitats, while explaining how human activities disrupt their ability to rest during long migrations, ultimately impacting their survival. The report can be broad (for example, a general report on a single animal, a description of its migration patterns, and human influence), or more detailed (for example, focusing on several animals, describing which ones migrate and why, their roles within the ecosystem, how they are affected by invasive species, and how they may be affected by human activity/actions, etc.). It can include any aspect of movement from one location to another, migration of entire populations, or the ways that populations spread out. The subject of the paper should be specific to insects or animals that inhabit Key Biscayne for at least part of the year. The subject and level of detail in the report is for the participant to decide; however, all reports should show research, data collection, and analysis. It should loosely follow the scientific method: 1) ask a question, 2) do background research, 3) construct a hypothesis, 4) collect data and/or test hypothesis, 5) review hypothesis accuracy, and 6) draw a conclusion. It is okay if your data proves your hypothesis to be incorrect! Students can either create their own experiment based on their hypothesis and collect data to include in their report, or they can write a research paper using data sources and information from other scientific literature to prove or disprove their hypothesis. All outside sources must be cited. This project is includes a competitive award as it is more involved and detailed. It has a monetary award of $200 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place.

H IGH S C H OOL 2: E LE VE NTH & TWE LFTH G RAD ES All H2 students may opt to do an H1 challenge, which will be judged in the same category as H1. However, only the H2 Science Report has competitive monetary prizes.

AT- H O ME PA RT ICIPATI ON GUI DE LI NES

AT-HOME (CHOOSE ONE PROJECT PER STUDENT) Individuals who live on Key Biscayne but do not attend school on the Key or who attend school on the Key but whose class is not participating may still participate in the Key Challenge, following these guidelines: • Each child registrant may enter with one of the challenges given for their grade level category. The challenges listed on previous pages which will be allowed for the At Home Individual entries are marked “At Home”. • The child registrant’s parent/guardian may register him or her online in the At Home Individual category, or they may register themselves if high school-aged. • The child registrant will need to have their current teacher ﬁll out and sign a form verifying their current grade level, which is available for download on the online registration page. • Each At Home Individual challenge entry will be judged against other entries of the same grade level category. • Parents may provide guidance, but should allow the child to do the challenge on their own as much as possible. • Register at www.keychallenge.org.

AT-H OM E PA RTIC IPATION G U ID E L IN ES

C i ti ze n S cientis t Project ’s KE Y CHALLE N GE

2026-27 KEY CHALLENGE The Citizen Scientist Project’s goal is to secure a future Key Biscayne characterized by the same bounty of natural resources that exist today, thus maintaining the title of “Island Paradise,” while the Key Biscayne Citizen Scientist Lab provides a place to record and organize your ﬁndings in and around our island and to learn more about our island. The Citizen Science Project’s Key Challenge is sponsored by the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, the Village of Key Biscayne, then Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, and the Knight Foundation. Communication is always welcome. Contact the Key Biscayne Citizen Science Project at: Email: Info@KeyScience.org Web: www.KeyChallenge.org Telephone: (305) 361-2770

2026-27 Key Challenge