The Ultimate in Virtual Field Trips
Google Earth 4.2 is an interactive atlas of the world and the solar system that is excellent to use with the SMART Board. Using satellite imagery and Google's search capabilities you can see anything from the Grand Canyon to the Washington Monument to Lewis and Clark's Expedition Route to the constellations. Find out more at Google Earth's information homepage. Download the free version of Google Earth.
You can also view sketches of certain buildings and other landmarks by using Google 3D Warehouse along with Google Earth. For example you can see an illustrated image of the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Louvre Museum, or Pyramids at Giza and download it to Google Earth where you can view it in its proper place.
|
|
|
|
|
Search the list of images at 3D Warehouse.
So, what can you do with Google Earth in the classroom? The applications are seemingly endless for all grades and subject areas.
| Take a Virtual Field Trip anywhere | Look at the Egyptian Pyramids when you study them. | Go to Anne Frank's house when reading the Diary of Anne Frank. |
| Read How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World and "go" to each place it mentions | Follow Lewis and Clark's Route west when studying the Louisiana Purchase | Study latitude and longitude |
| Explore the continents and oceans | Look at buildings of different architectural styles | Go to Athens when learning mythology |
| Show the distance between Tennessee and China | Look at the Volcanoes in Hawaii | Check out the Coliseum in Rome |
| Study landforms or elevation | Follow the Iditarod | Locate the island in Island of the Blue Dolphins. |
Websites with more ideas for using Google Earth.