Google Earth Across the Curriculum

GE Image property of http://www.geek.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/earth_logo_large.jpg

Most of us have seen the wonders of traveling the earth courtesy of Google Earth, but have you had the chance to consider its vast resources and how they might help you in the classroom? Google Earth has become one of those resources I can't live without as it contains so many incredible pieces that complement each part of my curriculum. Whether I'm using it for a geography lesson or conducting a lesson on area, you can be sure that I'm going to use Google Earth first! 


In fact, the more I learn about Google Earth the more I grow to love it and appreciate all the different facets of it! Lately I've been doing many presentations for educators on the benefits of Google Earth and just how they might use it in their classes, whether they're teaching kindergartners or college students, whether they're discussing science or art. 


Here is a link to the outline I use for my course: tinyurl.com/GEATC2. Inside you'll find tons of links to fantastic resources and ideas for projects. One of the most beneficial links you'll find is to a document I worked up regarding Google Earth Layers: tinyurl.com/GEATC2Layers. This document lists all the layers within Google Earth 6 and highlights how some of them might be used by different subjects.

Have a great time using Google Earth and if you have any questions or comments about my presentation, please leave a comment. Also, feel free to use any of the material I've provided, but please, give credit where credit is due. Happy travels!

Mapping the World

A great way to help students connect to the world is by showing them a map of an area that is being discussed in class. This is especially useful way to connect with visual learners, those who remember best when seeing something.

How might this possibly be used in the class? Many younger students begin the school year with an "About Me" unit where they write about places they have lived, facts about relatives, and details about their lives. What better way to share your life than with a map marking special places? My story might include the map embedded below, which shows Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I was born. Students can then post a series of placemarks to denote a series of special locations, mapping out their entire lives in a personal history lesson. Another option may be to show where students have been on vacation. Imagine the connections that would develop when two students see that their families travel to the same small mountain town!

Where can you go?


View Larger Map