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New Jersey has one of the largest remaining federally endangered bog turtle populations in America?

Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest

Empowers 5th grade students to advocate for an endangered or threatened species from New Jersey through a well-researched, creative essay and original art piece.

The Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest empowers 5th grade students to advocate for an endangered or threatened species from New Jersey through a well-researched, creative essay and original art piece.

Simple, Fun, and Free to Enter!

One winner from each county in New Jersey will be selected. Open to all New Jersey fifth grade students.

The contest kit (including rules, species list, & entry form) should be downloaded below.

Click here for a detailed video with information about the contest for teachers and 5th grade students.

Click here for the 2023 Contest Kit!

Image of First Place, Atlantic County, Atlantic Leatherback Sea Turtle

Zoom+ First Place, Atlantic County, Atlantic Leatherback Sea Turtle (c) Jordyn Robinson

⚠️ Important Note About Species Selection ⚠️

A complete list of endangered and threatened wildlife species can be found on our Field Guide.

All entrants must select a focus species from this list or the list provided in the contest kit.

Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest Teacher Resources for Essay Development - 5.9MB
Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest Teacher Resource Kit for Essay Development. Includes comprehensive unit and NGSS daily lesson plans which include pre-writing graphic organizers, Powerpoint presentations, grading rubrics, & other resources to help implement the contest into your curriculum.

Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest Teacher Resources for optional Art Project - 16.0MB
Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest Teacher Resource Kit for Optional Art Project. Includes comprehensive unit and National Core Standard visual art lesson plans which include Powerpoint presentations, classroom games, grading rubrics, & other resources to help implement the contest into your daily curriculum.

Past Winners of the Species on the Edge Contest

This STEAM-based contest enables 5th grade students to advocate for an endangered or threatened species from New Jersey through a well-researched, creative essay and original art piece. Check out the past winners of this contest since the beginning.

Species On The Edge - Testimonials

Testimonials from educators about the Species on the Edge Contest. Submit your own testimonial.

Species on the Edge Circle of Winners Club

Open to all past and current winners of the Species on the Edge Art & Essay Contest, the Circle of Winners Club will offer unique access to upcoming wildlife events, academic and professional networking, merchandise discounts, and up-close and personal wildlife experiences.

JOIN THE SPECIES ON THE EDGE ART & ESSAY CONTEST MAILING LIST!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, Contact:

Rachel McGovern, Education Director: Email

Find Related Info: Species on the Edge

Thank you Sponsors!

Atlantic City Electric

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The Zoological Society of NJ

Our Species

Explore our online field guide that depicts over 200 species of rare wildlife in New Jersey and learn about how we are working to protect them.

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