The broad goal of this correlation exercise is two-fold: to further the delivery and use of Projects Learning Tree, WILD, Aquatic WILD and WET in classrooms throughout New Jersey and to emphasize the value of these resources to New Jersey teachers. The final product will be made available to educators through NJDEP's website.

Eight New Jersey classroom teachers will be selected to conduct the actual correlation exercise. We are seeking four elementary teachers, two middle school teachers and two high school teachers to work with grade-appropriate lessons from the respective guides. These materials will be distributed as part of a mandatory one-day training program scheduled for June 21, 2006 at the Hackettstown Natural Resource Education Center from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. During the training, participants will learn about what is expected of them regarding this exercise. A formal agreement will be signed by participating educators detailing their responsibilities. The exercise must be completed by the end of September, at that time each teacher will receive an honorarium of $1,000 for their participation.

The correlation exercise will focus on the four primary activity guides for the Projects (Learning Tree (PLT), WILD, Aquatic WILD and WET). These were designed for use with grades K-8 or K-12. The learner objectives in each of the lessons in these guides will be correlated with the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Specifically, lesson outcomes will be linked with specific cumulative progress indicators, which are the measurable objectives for various grade clusters in each of the subject area core curriculum content standards.

Criteria for selection are as follows: