In this lesson, students discover how the habitat of New Jersey forests have been impacted by human activity.

Inquire: Students practice nature journaling as a way to acknowledge where nature exists around their school. 

Investigate: Students compare and contrast New Jersey forest fragmentation and impervious surfaces from 1986 to 2020, and explore locations in New Jersey using the “Time Machine” simulator to see how the land has changed over time.

Inspire: Students discuss how and why humans impact natural areas, brainstorm restoration ideas, and write a summary of their learning.