Collection: A group of resources submitted together that were created using the same format and educational design. The resources should be from the same category (Simple Resources, Complex Resources). There is no limit on the number of resources that make up a collection. More on Collections.

Complex Resource: Can be described with these parameters:  learner-centered, has curriculum framework, contains teacher instruction supplements such as lesson guides, active learner involvement but may be self-directed, nonformal or formal settings with definable scope and sequence and multiple/longer term contact between instructor and learner.

Examples:

• Activity guide

• Compendium of activities/lesson plans

• Interactive, instructional CD-ROM or DVD

• Workbook

• Instructional text

• Case study

• Project-based learning model

• Self-contained course, seminar, and workshop

• Experiential learningmodel

• Service learning model

• Comprehensive curricula (i.e., school-based model such as environment as an integrating context)

• On-line course

• Residential instruction

NPEEE: The National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education, NAAEE's initiative to set the standards for EE. There are five volumes in the Guidelines series, incluing Environmental Education Materials: Guidelines for Excellence (NAAEE 2004). The NPEEE was made possible through funding from the Environmental Education and Training Partnership (EETAP) and the Office of Environmental Education within the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  

Organization profile: A description of an organization whose resources are listed in the National EE Directory. Entering an organizational profile is the first step in the process, before entering a resource for review.

Resource: Any material or program that is used in environmental education. Each submission may include single or multiple resources (see Collections). There are two categories of EE resources: simple and complex. See Submissions for a list of examples.

Resource profile: A description of an environmental education resource that an organization offers to the public through listing in the National EE Directory. Entering the resource profile is the second step (after the organizational profile) in the Resource Reviews process.

Review: The process of evaluating EE resources. The process includes these basic steps:

• Submitter enters the listing for the resource in the National EE Directory.

• Submitter enters self-review of the EE resource into the Directory listing and requests a review from NAAEE.

• A team of three trained reviewers analyzes the resource, verifying or disputing claims of submitter.

• Submitter is notified of results; decides whether or not review is to be made public.

• Results made available to the public through National EE Directory at request of submitter.

Reviewer: An EE professional who completes an objective review of the submission. Reviewers are knowledgeable and trained environmental educators from varied backgrounds and organizations within the EE community.

Simple Resource: Can be described with these parameters: basic, limited contact, short duration, active learner involvement, involves learning cycle, has facilitator or presenter, limited or no scope and sequence.

Examples:

• Activity or lesson plan

• Guest speaking presentation

• Special event (limited duration or contact)

• Interpretive program or presentation

• Stand-alone field trip or guided tour (informal education settings)

• Issue investigation and action research

Submitter: The person at an organization who enters a resource into the National EE Directory and requests a review from NAAEE.

Submission: All components of a request for a resource review by NAAEE. 

A complete submission includes:

• Cover page

• Program profile entered in the National EE Directory

• Self-Review entered online in National EE Directory

• Four copies of the resource sent in hard-copy format to NAAEE's Washington DC office

• Backup information to support claims made in self-review included with hard copies

• Submission fee included with hard copies