Grover C. Fields Middle School Students Compete in March Mammal Madness

March isn’t just for basketball at Grover C. Fields Middle School. Students are diving into the wild world of March Mammal Madness (MMM), an exciting science-based competition inspired by the NCAA tournament format.

MMM, created by Arizona State University’s science department in 2013, is an annual event in which students research, predict, and track animal face-offs based on real-world ecological and biological factors. The competition engages students by teaching them about evolution, adaptation, and animal behavior while connecting them to a broader scientific community.

Students submit their MMM brackets via Google Forms, making their best predictions on which organisms will win in each battle. The results are meticulously tracked using a digital scoring system, and students watch as their chosen animals progress or get eliminated. Adding to the fun, students create research-based displays showcasing their chosen competitors on uniquely designed cereal boxes, making scientific learning both creative and interactive.

Beyond the competition, Grover C. Fields students have made a name for themselves in the MMM community. Last year, GCF student artwork was featured in battle recap videos viewed around the world. This recognition highlights their enthusiasm and the depth of research and effort put into their work. To celebrate their hard work, students receive trophies and prizes throughout the tournament, with top performers being honored at the end.

For educators, MMM is more than just a competition; it’s an immersive learning experience. "March Mammal Madness is a big passion project for me because it's such a fun way to teach about organisms and get the students involved with the scientific community," said Rachel Price, an 8th-grade science educator at GCF.

Through this engaging, hands-on approach, Grover C. Fields Middle School students aren’t just learning about science; they’re becoming part of it.

For more information about March Mammal Madness visit: MMM Website