The 2025-26 Key Challenge starts on October 30, 2025.
Key Challenge concludes on April 30, 2026.
Welcome to the 2025-26 Key Challenge:
COMMUNICATION IN NATURE
The Citizen Scientist Project of the Key Biscayne Community Foundation and the Village of Key Biscayne sponsor 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 directed at increasing student’s 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 October 30th, 2025 (registration must be completed by November 30th, 2025) and concludes on April 30th, 2026, at the end of Earth Month. Awards will be announced before May 31st, 2026. 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 to 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 as “At-Home” can be entered in this category.
NEW! This year’s Key Challenge theme will be Communication in Nature. The Citizen Science Project wants participants to investigate different methods used by plants and animals local to Florida to communicate with each other. There are countless ways in which plants and animals communicate with each other, warn others of dangers, send out distress signals, indicate they are ready to mate, and much more. Some examples include: Honeybees dance to indicate where a good source of food can be found. Fireflies use bioluminescent light to search for mates. Coral snakes are colored to warn they are venomous, meanwhile scarlet king snakes mimic coral snakes’ colors to confuse predators, even though they are not venomous. And the smell of cut grass is actually a distress signal released when their leaves are damaged and acts as a warning of danger to other plants.
The 2025-26 Program
The Challenge starts on October 30, 2025. Registration must be completed by the November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025 deadline. The Key Challenge concludes on and projects are due by April 30, 2026.
Download the 2025-26 Key Challenge brochure here (10MB • PDF)
We want students to discover the different ways in which plants and animals communicate with each other, with predators, and with other species. They may communicate visually with their colors, they may use auditory messages by calling for mates or making warning sounds, many species of plants and animals use chemical communication in the form of scent (often ones that humans cannot detect), some species even communicate with movement and dances, and some even use variations in temperature or water flow as a signal of change such as migration or mating seasons. Students should explore the various methods that plants and animals use to signal, message, or otherwise communicate with each other, and use this opportunity to understand some of the intricacies of the interrelationships within nature.
QUESTIONS? Please email [email protected] or call (305) 361-2770.
Important Information
• All projects meet certain CPALMS Standards, listed towards the end of the brochure and at www.keychallenge.org.
• Each school must complete a School Registration form by November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025. Each class must complete a Class Registration form that includes their class roster by November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025.
• The Challenge officially starts on October 30th, 2025.
• For each class, 2 entries per challenge will be accepted for judging at their grade level category. For each grade level category, 1 winner will be chosen per challenge from all entries, including the At Home Indivdiual Category.
• A completed Project Entry Form must be included with each project submitted for judging. It is available for download below.
• 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.). These requirements extend to At Home Individual participants. There is an Environmental Activity Form that can be downloaded and signed at the event by the event coordinator. This form can be handed in with the Project Entry Form.
• 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 will be 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 directions of their chosen project.
• Do not combine different projects into one.
• Absolutely NO perishable items or sand should be used in any of the challenges. Projects should be easily portable and should not have too many loose parts.
• The given size limitations must be adhered to by all participants. Projects that are outside the size limitations will be disqualified.
School Registration
Each participating school must have their Lead Teacher complete a School Registration form by the deadline November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025.
Lead Teachers, simply click the button below to begin registering your school to participate.
Class Registration
Once your school has been registered, each participating class must complete a Class Registration form by the deadline November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025.
Teachers, simply click the button below to begin registering your class to participate.
At-Home Registration
Students who are Key Biscayne residents or Key Biscayne students whose class is not participating in the Key Challenge, but would like participate themselves, may register also.
Students or parents, simply click the button below to complete the At-Home Individual Registration form by the deadline November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025.
All Registered & Ready to Participate?
Here are the Key Challenge Projects
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.
This year’s Key Challenge theme will be Communication in Nature. The Citizen Science Project wants participants to investigate different methods used by plants and animals local to Florida to communicate with each other. There are countless ways in which plants and animals communicate with each other, warn others of dangers, send out distress signals, indicate they are ready to mate, and much more. Some examples include: Honeybees dance to indicate where a good source of food can be found. Fireflies use bioluminescent light to search for mates. Coral snakes are colored to warn they are venomous, meanwhile scarlet king snakes mimic coral snakes’ colors to confuse predators, even though they are not venomous. And the smell of cut grass is actually a distress signal released when their leaves are damaged and acts as a warning of danger to other plants.
While focusing on the myriad methods of communication in nature, we also want participants to look at how human activity may disrupt these various types of communication. What are we doing that may prevent plants or animals from messaging each other? How can we change our activities or habits to help plants or animals live without being disturbed? How do species intercommunicate? While we focus our challenges broadly on native plants or animals found in Florida, students may choose invasive species also, if there is evidence of that species being found in Florida.
The Citizen Scientist Project’s Key Challenge is sponsored by the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, the Village of Key Biscayne, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, and the Knight Foundation.
PRE-K, KINDERGARTEN, & FIRST GRADES
2D OR 3D CREATION
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS, & AT-HOME | up to 24in x 24in)
Create a collage, painting, or sculpture depicting a plant or animal communicating to predators or others of the same species through its colors. 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 communication that the plant or animal is trying to convey, the process of creating the artwork, the materials collected, and the lessons learned about the characteristics of the plant or animal and why it is colored in this way.
TWO ANIMAL PUPPETS
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, & AT-HOME | 2 animal puppets & 1 page story)
Choose two animals that have a method of communication that we can see or hear. Pay attention to their colors, shapes, and patterns, and include these details in your puppets. The teacher or parent should work with students to write a short 1-page story about how they interact and how their sounds or colors are important for communication.
COMMUNICATION GAME
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS, & AT-HOME | cardstock of thick paper, max 18in x 18in)
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 or plants, incorporating their methods of communication. Examples include bees dancing, butterfly wings that look like eyes, mockingbirds singing, etc.
VISUAL ART & ZIP ODE
(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | 1 visual art piece & 1 zip ode)
Create a piece of visual art that captures the theme of communication in nature, whether it is sight, sound, smell, or other method. You may use any medium such as painting or drawing. Your artwork should reflect creativity, originality, and an understanding of the types of natural communication depicted in the work. Then, write a zip ode poem inspired by the wonders of the colors, sounds, or smells that are shown in your visual art. 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 including cover)
Create a book (for example ABC, Counting, Colors, a story, or any other sequence/idea) depicting different types of communication observed in local plants or animals. 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 or plants as possible (with the understanding that it may not be possible to include something different for every part of the book).
SECOND & THIRD GRADES
2D CREATION
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS, & AT-HOME | up to 24in x 24in)
Create a collage or painting depicting a plant or animal communicating to predators or others of the same species through its colors. 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 communication that the plant or animal is trying to convey, the process of creating the artwork, the materials collected, and the lessons learned about the characteristics of the plant or animal and why it is colored in this way.
SCIENCE PROJECT
(GROUPS & CLASS | a detailed exploration on a poster or science board)
Create a detailed exploration of local habitats by cataloging the diverse plants and animals found within this ecosystem and illustrating their interrelationships. Describe the communication methods used between species and explanations for why they are important to their survival. Present your findings on a poster or foam board, incorporating images and information to visually represent the different plants and animals within the habitat and their intricate ecological interactions.
VISUAL ART & ZIP ODE
(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | 1 visual art piece & 1 zip ode)
Create a piece of visual art that captures the theme of communication in nature, whether it is sight, sound, smell, or other method. You may use any medium such as painting or drawing. Your artwork should reflect creativity, originality, and an understanding of the types of natural communication depicted in the work. Then, write a zip ode poem inspired by the wonders of the colors, sounds, or smells that are shown in your visual art. 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.
SCULPTURE OR DIORAMA
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, & AT-HOME | no larger than shoebox diorama or 6in x 6in for sculpture, include short written description)
Create a sculpture or diorama depicting plants or animals found in Florida using or showing their method of communication. Sculptures should be no larger than 6 inches tall by 6 inches wide, and dioramas must be in a shoebox or similar container (no larger). Include a written description (by the teacher or parent) explaining the animals and plants in the diorama, how they are communicating, and the process of creation.
SPECIES DEPICTION
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, CLASS, & AT-HOME | each poster up to 12in x 18in, one poster per species – total of 3)
Choose three species of animals or insects from Florida and create individual posters for each species. Each poster should prominently display the animal’s name along with a photograph or detailed illustration depicting its unique characteristics. Describe the colors, movements, smells, etc. it uses to communicate with others and why this is important. Highlight the significance of conserving these animals for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health.
FOURTH & FIFTH GRADES
VISUAL ART & ZIP ODE
(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | 1 visual art piece & 1 zip ode)
Create a piece of visual art that captures the theme of communication in nature, whether it is sight, sound, smell, or other method. You may use any medium such as painting or drawing. Your artwork should reflect creativity, originality, and an understanding of the types of natural communication depicted in the work. Then, write a zip ode poem inspired by the wonders of the colors, sounds, or smells that are shown in your visual art. 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 animals living in or around the Key, with short explanations on how they communicate with each other or predators. Use various materials such as paint, dry media, and found objects to depict the animals and their methods of sending messages (use only non-perishable items and please no sand). The map should creatively illustrate where each species would be found geographically and how they interact with each other or with other species. Provide a written description explaining how these animals are uniquely adapted to use their methods of communication, highlighting 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.
SPECIES CLASSIFICATION
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, & AT-HOME | up to 10” x 12” with written description of each animal)
Choose 5 plants or animals that are that are found in Florida 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 its communication methods and adaptations to the local habitat. Inclusion of threats and protections is encouraged.
SCULPTURE OR DIORAMA
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, & AT-HOME | no larger than a shoebox diorama or 6in x 6in for scuplture, include short written description)
Create a sculpture or diorama depicting plants or animals found in Florida using or showing their method of communication. Sculptures should be no larger than 6 inches tall by 6 inches wide, and dioramas must be in a shoebox or similar container (no larger). Include a written description explaining the animals and plants in the diorama, how they are communicating, and the process of creation.
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 their interrelationships. Describe the methods of communication that these different species use between individuals or between various species. Present your findings on a poster or foam board, incorporating images and data to visually represent the biodiversity and intricate ecological interactions within your chosen Florida habitat.
SIXTH, SEVENTH, & EIGHTH GRADES
SCULPTURE OR DIORAMA
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, & AT-HOME | no larger than a shoebox diorama or 6in x 6in for scuplture, include short written description)
Create a sculpture or diorama depicting plants or animals found in Florida using or showing their method of communication. Sculptures should be no larger than 6 inches tall by 6 inches wide, and dioramas must be in a shoebox or similar container (no larger). Include a written description explaining the animals and plants in the diorama, how they are communicating, 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 communication in nature. There should be one or two drawn or digitally created pictures to go along with the story as cover art. The story should be about a challenge faced by the main character (a plant or animal that lives in 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 communication between various species of plants and animals, allowing older students to share their knowledge with younger peers through engaging story-telling and colorful illustrations.
NATIVE ANIMAL PSA VIDEO
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | video up to 5 minutes)
Create a public service announcement focused on safeguarding native animals found in or around Key Biscayne, specifically addressing their importance within Florida’s ecosystems and how we are affecting their ability to properly communicate or signal each other. Explain how human activities, such as pollution, too many lights, sounds, over developments of land, and other variables, threaten these animals and their habitats. 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 native species. Ensure that all video production adheres to legal and ethical guidelines, avoiding any disruption to wildlife.
VISUAL ART & ZIP ODE
(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | 1 visual art piece & 1 zip ode)
Create a piece of visual art that captures the theme of communication in nature, whether it is sight, sound, smell, or other method. You may use any medium such as painting or drawing. Your artwork should reflect creativity, originality, and an understanding of the types of natural communication depicted in the work. Then, write a zip ode poem inspired by the wonders of the colors, sounds, or smells that are shown in your visual art. 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 poster or science board)
Create a detailed exploration of a type of communication found in nature. Choose a type of communication: auditory, visual, movement, etc. and choose at least three plants or animals (or both) that use that type of communication. Describe how they send messages and why it is important to their survival and/or reproduction. If relevant, describe the methods of communication that these different species use both between individuals and between species. Present your findings on a poster or foam board, incorporating images and data to visually represent the biodiversity and intricate ecological interactions within your chosen Florida habitat.
NINTH & TENTH GRADES
SCIENCE REPORT
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | max 4 page written report (may include a few pictures separately) or a PowerPoint (max 25 slides)
Create a PowerPoint or written report which describes an animal found in Florida and the habitat in which it lives. Describe how this animal communicates with others of its species, warns predators, and/or sends out distress signals. This report should include data collection and analysis; the level of detail is up to the participants, but more detailed information will score higher.
COLORING BOOK, COMIC STRIP, OR ILLUSTRATED STORY
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, & AT-HOME | max 16 pgs including cover and pictures & comic strips should not exceed 16 panels)
Create sequential illustrations or a comic strip that tells a story with the theme of communication methods used in nature. Describe the different ways in which plants or animals interact with each other using sound, smells, colors, or other ways to send messages. 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.
VISUAL ART & ZIP ODE
(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | 1 visual art piece & 1 zip ode)
Create a piece of visual art that captures the theme of communication in nature, whether it is sight, sound, smell, or other method. You may use any medium such as painting or drawing. Your artwork should reflect creativity, originality, and an understanding of the types of natural communication depicted in the work. Then, write a zip ode poem inspired by the wonders of the colors, sounds, or smells that are shown in your visual art. 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.
NOISE AND LIGHT POLLUTION AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, & AT-HOME | 3-4 page outline of campaign, including 3 posts or flyers)
Create an educational campaign to raise awareness about noise and light pollution. Write out a detailed outline explaining how you would reach the largest audience and what platforms would be used (posters, flyers, videos, and social media, etc.). Create 3 campaign posts or flyers that were discussed in your outline. They should explain the causes and consequences of light pollution or noise pollution, emphasizing the impact on the animals that use sound or require light in order to communicate. 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.
NATIVE ANIMAL PSA VIDEO
(INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS & AT-HOME | video up to 5 minutes)
Create a public service announcement focused on safeguarding native animals found in or around Key Biscayne, specifically addressing their importance within Florida’s ecosystems and how we are affecting their ability to properly communicate or signal each other. Explain how human activities, such as pollution, too many lights, sounds, over developments of land, and other variables, threaten these animals and their habitats. 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 native species. Ensure that all video production adheres to legal and ethical guidelines, avoiding any disruption to wildlife.
ELEVENTH & TWELFTH GRADES
All H2 students may opt to do one of the H1 challenges, which will be judged in the same category as H1. However, only the H2 Science Report has competitive monetary prizes.
SCIENCE RESEARCH PAPER
(INDIVIDUALS & AT-HOME | 6-7 pages)
Write a report detailing a species of animal found in a Florida habitat and its unique method of communication. The report should emphasize the importance of protecting the animal and its habitat and explain how human activities disrupt its ability to communicate and ultimately impact its survival. The report can be broad (for example, a general report on a single animal, a description of where it lives and human influence), or more detailed (for example, focusing on several animals found in a habitat and their roles within the ecosystem, their various methods of communication, the interactions between species, and how they are influenced or affected by the actions of humans, etc.). It can include any aspect of communication such as visual, auditory, texture, movement, etc. The subject of the paper does not have to be specific to Key Biscayne, although it is preferred.
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 accuracy of hypothesis, 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 that they will 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 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.
AT-HOME
AT-HOME PROJECTS
(CHOOSE ONLY 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 middle school aged or higher.
- 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.
Project Submission Forms
When the time comes to submit your Key Challenge projects, we require certain forms to be completed and attached. Below are links to the various required forms: Project Entry Form, Environmental Community Service Participation Form, and At-Home Verification Form.
The Project Entry Form must be printed, filled out, and attached to each challenge entry submitted for judging. The Environmental Community Service Form must be filled out and signed by the organizer or supervisor of the environmental activity you participated in, and submitted either to your teacher or to the Citizen Science Project via email. Finally, the At-Home Verification Form is only used for those students that are participating as an At-Home Individual participant (i.e. outside of their school and class) and must be submitted via mail or email at the time of registration — before November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025.
Key Challenge Project Entry Form
This form must be printed, filled out, and attached to each challenge entry submitted for judging. Please attach it with a piece of tape or paperclip only. Challenge entries missing their project entry form cannot be judged. All projects must be submitted by the deadline on April 30, 2026.
This form covers all of the project categories (Full Class, Group, Individual, and At-Home).
Environmental Community Service Participation Form
This form must be filled out and signed by the organizer or supervisor of the Environmental activity you participated in, and either given to your teacher who will submit the forms or submitted via email directly to [email protected].
All Environmental Community Service Participation forms mut be turned in by or before a student’s project is turned in (deadline April 30, 2025).
At-Home Verification Form
This form must be printed, filled out, and returned to: Key Biscayne Community Foundation, 240 Crandon Blvd, Suite 108, Key Biscayne, FL 33149, or scanned and emailed to [email protected].
This form can be submitted by mail (postmarked no later than November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025), or in person at the office, or by email at [email protected] (received by November 30, 2025 (extended) December 15, 2025) for registration.
