As a northeastern state with an Atlantic coast and a metropolitan area, new jersey is home to many exciting industries and natural landscapes. From beaches to swamps and pine forests, the Garden State has a lot to offer its residents and tourists alike!
New Jersey has a diverse population, and this is reflected in its cities and towns. Some, such as Jersey City and Newark, are major urban centers with a lot to do and see! Others, such as Paterson, Camden, and Trenton, are smaller but growing communities with their own unique personalities.
In addition to its diversity, new jersey is known for its rich history and natural beauty. Some of the more interesting historical landmarks in the state include Liberty State Park and its ferry terminal where visitors can leave from Lower Manhattan for Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty; the Thomas Edison Museum in Menlo Park, where his early light bulbs and phonographs are on display; and the sycamore tree that is thought to have inspired Frank Sinatra’s hit song “New York, New York”.
A large portion of the state is also home to the Pine Barrens, an area of swamps and pine forests that are home to a special ecosystem. This area is popular among environmentalists and hikers, but it is also the origin of several ghost stories about the Jersey Devil, a mythological creature that is said to haunt the Pine Barrens!
As a result of its location and abundance of resources, new jersey is an important economic hub. The state’s major industries include shipping, manufacturing, and transportation, as well as finance, insurance, and tourism. It is also home to a number of colleges and universities, and the renowned Rutgers University in New Brunswick has one of the largest research libraries in the United States.
The state’s 127 miles of shoreline is a major draw for both locals and tourists. The beaches in Atlantic City and Wildwood have nightlife that goes until dawn, while places like Cape May and Asbury Park are more family-friendly. Inland, the shore is lined with sandy beaches and bluffs, while the dunes in Sandy Hook and Island Beach are part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and are great places to visit for nature lovers.
New Jersey is a fun and fascinating place to live, and its residents are known for being hard-working and friendly. The state has a rich heritage and is a great place to raise a family or start a career! Use this colorful All About New Jersey poster in your classroom to teach students about this spirited, bustling state. Then, have students complete this fun research worksheet that asks them to fill in information about New Jersey’s famous people, sights, and more! Make sure to laminate this resource for repeated use in class.