Forest Monitoring Designed for Action

Here’s a sample classroom activity and a worksheet designed for upper primary or lower secondary students (ages 10–14), focused on land cover change and forest monitoring using Global Forest Watch (GFW).

Sample Classroom Activity

Title: Where Did the Forests Go? Investigating Land Cover Change with Global Forest Watch

Objective:
Students will explore global and local forest loss using Global Forest Watch and reflect on its causes, consequences, and possible solutions.

Activity Outline

Grade Level: 5–8
Time: 1–2 lessons (45–90 minutes)
Tools: Internet access, computers/tablets, printed worksheet

Steps

1. Introduction (10 min)

• Show satellite images of deforested vs. forested areas.

• Ask: Why do forests disappear? How can we monitor this?

2. Explore Global Forest Watch (20–30 min)
Students open: https://www.globalforestwatch.org

Tasks:

• Use the “Forest Change” layer to identify where deforestation is happening.

• Zoom in on their own country or region.

• Use the timeline tool to see change from 2001–2023.

• Pick a deforestation hotspot (e.g., Brazil, Indonesia, DRC) and compare it to a more stable forest region.

3. Analysis & Reflection (15–30 min)

• Fill in the worksheet.

• Discuss: What causes this loss? How is it related to consumption (e.g., soy, beef, palm oil)?

4. Optional Extension (homework or extra class)

• Research a deforestation-related product (e.g., chocolate, fast food, paper).

• Present how consumers can make sustainable choices.

📄 Sample Worksheet (Student Version)

Tracking Deforestation with Global Forest Watch

Name: ____________________
Date: ____________________

Part 1: Exploring Forest Loss

1. What country or region did you investigate?
   → _________________________________

2. How much tree cover was lost between 2001 and 2023?
   → _________________________________

3. Was the forest loss increasing, decreasing, or stable over time?
   → ☐ Increasing ☐ Decreasing ☐ Stable

Part 2: Analyzing the Causes

4. What are the main causes of deforestation in the region you explored?
   (Tick all that apply)
   ☐ Agriculture (soy, palm oil, beef)
   ☐ Logging
   ☐ Mining
   ☐ Urban expansion
   ☐ Fires
   ☐ Other: __________________

5. What surprised you most about the data?
   → ___________________________________________________________

Part 3: Reflecting on Solutions

6. How does deforestation affect the environment and people?
   (Give at least 2 effects)
   → ___________________________________________________________
   → ___________________________________________________________

7. What can you or your community do to help protect forests?
   → ___________________________________________________________
   → ___________________________________________________________