Students select one of more than eighty endangered New Jersey species and write a well-researched essay creatively advocating for that animal. Students can complete their essay and accompanying art piece as part of a weeklong Common Core and NextGen Science standards aligned unit or with a quick one day introduction. All educator materials, including handouts, PowerPoints, and detailed lesson plans, are included within the contest kit. Because students become champions for New Jersey animals by learning where they live, what they look like, and what threatens their futures, a diverse range of learners are able to engage in a real-world research project where writing and art take on significance beyond the walls of the classroom.