Tools & Technology: Lessons involving Google Earth
Want to integrate novel technology into your classroom? At no charge?
The Education Division has partnered with Google Earth on several initiatives, and we encourage teachers to check out the wealth of ready-made educational maps produced for the classroom.
We’ve also made a few ourselves!
Check out these two lessons:
Google Earth Geology Field Trip (2-7)
What types of rocks are found in California? How were they formed, and how do people use them in everyday life? Fly from the coast to the Sierras and back, exploring the unique geology of the state!
Green Buildings Virtual Tour (3-8)
What are some characteristics that make a building “green”? Where do we find exemplary buildings, and how can we view their 3D structure using Google-developed graphics?
Steps to get things started:
1. Download Google Earth for FREE. Just click “Agree and Download.”
(The Google Chrome browser is optional — if you don’t want to try it out, just uncheck this box before your download.)
2. Go make a snack while the program installs. If you experience errors, Google has a wonderful Help section.
3. When you download the “Google Earth Tours” from our lessons plans (files with extension .kmz), they should launch automatically in Google Earth.
4. Familiarize yourself with the control panel at left, and the tools in the upper right which zoom in and out, adjust the angle of view, etc. The best way to learn how to use the software is to play around!
If you have a favorite resource that integrates Google Earth (or if you’ve produced you own), be sure to share it with us!
