Google Earth is a free, downloadable application that works as a browser for all sorts of information on Earth. It uses satellite imagery to grab, spin, pan, tilt and zoom down to any place on Earth. Students can explore every corner of the globe, measure distances, create their own virtual tours, and share their tours with others. You can also create and download layers of information and view them in geographic context.
Here are some lessons and ideas:
· Meteors. Have students locate the places around the world where meteors have hit, then use that data to create charts or graphs.
· My Summer Vacation. Elementary students can explore geography while sharing something about themselves in this lesson.
· The American Revolution. This activity is appropriate for elementary aged students and traces the paths of America’s founding fathers.
· Using the Ruler Tool to Measure in Google Earth. This lesson walks teachers through using the ruler tool in Google Earth as a learning resource.
· Flat Stanley. Scroll down to the May 4th entry here to learn how you can use a Flat Stanley icon to use in Google Earth.
· study natural and political maps
· learn map reading and navigation
· visually explore historical, news, and census data
· annotate locations and share with others
· create their own 3D models to overlay on maps
· download geographically-referenced information created by others
Many other ideas here:
I did not realize all the things that Google Earth could be used for. I think the Flat Stanley idea is really neat!
ReplyDeleteAmy K.
Google Earth is a great tool! There are a few Google Trips that are saved on the shared drive
ReplyDelete(S:\Groups\Staff\Technology Workshops\Google Earth)and a PDF about using it.
Google Earth is so cool! Even if you don't use it in the classroom, it's neat to play with and check out the world on your own. I'm going to attempt to use it this year with our DC unit in social studies! More on that soon...
ReplyDelete~Kara