Using Google Earth for Social Studies Projects

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Permalink Reply by Amanda Bauer on December 26, 2008 at 9:54am

Hi Pamela,
I have used Google Earth in the classroom for a history lesson in French, and while I've never used those specific layers, one of the most important things I found that really wows students and gives them a real prospective is starting zoomed into wherever the school is, then entering the address for where you are going and letting it zoom in to the country level. The students are amazed and it really gives them a perspective as to where the place is in relation to them and their lives. You can discuss things such as hemispheres and climates and their effects on life in the place, etc.By sparking this interest and common thread, you'll find that students will beg you to use this tool every time you talk about some place new.

HTH!!!

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Bosch on December 26, 2008 at 10:35am

I've seen some amazing things done with Google Earth, I especially like Google Lit--I'm sure there is some history/lit connection there. You also might check here.

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Permalink Reply by Pamela AuCoin on December 26, 2008 at 4:15pm

Everyone -- I'm loving this site right now. I've only been on a few weeks, and feel so supported by my virtual colleagues. Amanda and Nancy, these are really good ideas. I've checked out googlelit, and I am really looking forward to "flying" to different regions, like Amanda mentioned. In English, they are going to read The Kite Runner, so I can make some good connections with that.

I'm also interested in doing something with the National Geographic magazine layers -- perhaps some sort of independent project. It seems like every issue is on there, including my personal favorite, about the history of the Romany (less politically correctly known as Gypsies).

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