It might really feel formidable to have one other classroom tech instrument to be taught, however belief me, Google Earth is a complete game-changer in terms of scholar engagement. And it may be used throughout a number of content material areas, so it’s a win-win!
Google Earth is a free program that renders 3D representations of the world utilizing satellite tv for pc photos (to not be confused with the Google Maps we use after we’re misplaced). One of the crucial unbelievable facets of this system is the “avenue view,” which permits a consumer the flexibility to “drop in” to a location via aerial images and GSI knowledge. Which means our college students can “stroll” alongside the Nice Wall of China or take a digital tour of the White Home from their classroom or house.
Carry the world to your classroom
I realized about Google Earth in 2012 and determined to offer it a attempt with my first graders. On the time, I used to be instructing a unit on communities. Lots of my college students hadn’t traveled far outdoors of city, and I wanted a approach for my firsties to know the vastness of the world round them.
I began the lesson by typing in our faculty handle on Google Earth.
This allowed my college students to “see” our faculty playground and buildings on our massive display. What I didn’t anticipate was the instant sense of awe and surprise it created!
Subsequent, I zoomed out to view our group. College students started to acknowledge buildings and locations on the town. All of a sudden everybody wished me to lookup their house, their greatest buddy’s house, and their grandparents’ place.
Lastly, I zoomed out much more to view completely different cities, cities, and places all over the world. My college students instantly begged for extra. I discovered myself pulling up Google Earth not simply throughout social research, however in different content material areas as properly. It shortly turned my go-to instrument.
Utilizing Google Earth in ELA
Google Earth can be utilized throughout grade ranges and content material areas. It’s an important instrument to assist college students visualize texts. For instance, when studying the e book A Lengthy Stroll to Water by Linda Sue Park, it may be useful to supply background information and construct some context earlier than studying by actually exhibiting college students photos of the terrain, flora, and group constructions in Sudan. Google Earth supplies an interactive and interesting visible in order that our college students higher perceive the nation and the encircling space as they undergo the e book research.
And higher but, analysis exhibits that studying positive aspects are most vital when college students have extra background information, so including Google Earth is one other highly effective strategy to do exactly that!
Integrating Google Earth into math classes
After we could make real-life connections, our college students usually tend to discover worth in what they’re studying. Should you’re instructing geometric measurements, the measurement instruments inside Google Earth are an important instrument to make the most of. For real-world mathematical issues, pull up the varsity playground or soccer area and use the measurement instruments to find out the perimeter or space of the house. For extra visible apply, have college students discover geometric measurements of particular places or landmarks.
Google Earth and science
Should you’re learning biodiversity or habitats, the “avenue view” characteristic of Google is a robust approach for college students to conceptualize the world. Have your college students “go to” the Amazon rainforest:
Or take an underwater tour of the Nice Barrier Reef:
The panoramic views on Google Earth present a chance for college students to “go searching” or discover the biodiversity of the world, which is certain to maintain them engaged.
Combine Google Earth in your sub plans
Should you’re being pulled to cowl one other class due to the present sub scarcity, or should you want an enticing exercise to depart with a visitor instructor, take into account a Google Earth–built-in digital area journey. Make Google Earth purposeful by taking your college students on a digital tour of a key landmark, nation, or particular historic web site whereas additionally integrating studying and writing abilities. Mix informational textual content on the subject, Google Earth hyperlinks, and significant pondering response questions to supply your college students with a digital area journey. In case you have gadgets, your college students can full this as an unbiased, self-paced exercise. Or your visitor instructor might function the tour information and navigate via Google Earth complete group.
With expertise right now, we’ve new methods to interact our learners and supply classes that transfer past the textbook. The world of instructing prospects is limitless with Google Earth.
How do you employ Google Earth within the classroom? Tell us within the feedback.
On the lookout for extra articles like this? You’ll want to subscribe to our newsletters!