Google Earth

A. I tried to learn how to use Google Earth through Atomic Learning, but I couldn't handle the computer voice narrator...so I instead read through Google's getting started sheet for educators. I really appreciate the "10 cool and easy things you can do in Google Earth" tips, as it basically laid out the ten most important skills to know and understand when using Google Earth!

B. First, I looked at the lesson plan ideas for Grades 1-5. Many of the ideas involve creating placemarks. You can have the students create placemarks at their homes, helping them learn the geography of their local surroundings. You can also create placemarks that show American traditions, or map significant events in American history. You can also make global connections. One idea was to show monies from the different countries and "fly to" the different continents. You can teach the students about the different regions, and also show them how to use latitude and longitude.

The ideas for high schoolers were much more in depth and interactive and included ideas such as virtual tours, following the paths of characters in novels, studying the paths of explorers, and even (my personal favorite idea) raising global awareness.

C. In reading through some of the Google siteseer blog, I found a video about Google Map Maker. This allows for anyone to update and add to google maps by locating things such as their favorite coffee shops, favorite bike routes, shortcuts to class on a college campus, etc. It makes so much sense! People can add more information than satelites!
I also really like the Google for Educators section about Google Earth and the resources and idea that it lists. One cool thing I saw on there was that you can track earthquakes in real time. You can visibly see the constant changes of our planet! Amazing!

I think Google Earth can be so beneficial in a classroom setting, usable for multiple subjects. I would love to use it in literature to track locations, but I would also like to use it just to teach basic geography and maps skills. I think the students would love exploring their own neighborhoods and seeing how they fit into the world as a whole!