Cancelliere_GoogleEarth

Presented by: Dawn Cancelliere
__**Project Description**__: My project will pertain to using Google Earth in the classroom. Google Earth is a technology that allows you to travel around the world using satellite images, maps, pictures, 3D buildings, and much more.Google Earth is a great tool that can be used for a variety of reasons both student driven and teacher driven. Google Earth is a great 21st century tool for the learning becauses1. It's Free, 2. The students are interested by it. And 3. It Can enhance learning within a traditional classroom (i.e. travel across the world in 40 minutes). I have set up my project so that you will first use a powerpoint to give you an overview of what is Google Earth, demonstarte how you can use it in the classroom, and give youtips when using Google Earth. You will also be able to see a project that my students completed using Google Earth.

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__**Content uses of this technology**__ Google Earth can be used across the curriculum. At first it may appear that it is geared more towards social studies content and while social studies content has obvious relations to Google Earth, using Google Earth in other content areas can bring a new and exciting approach to the curriculum. Language Arts teachers can use it to create literature field trips. Science teachers can use it visit different ecosystems around the world. Art teachers can use it to visit places around the world famous for their art history. Math teachers can use it to create math problems such as counting the cars in a Las Vegas parking lot and making fractions comparing colors. Google Earth can be used to create assessments, i.e. project based assignments as well as being used as a tool to spark interest in a topic. In the articles section I have posted links that give examples of how to use Google Earth in different content areas.

**__Pedagogical Considerations for this technology__**

Using Google Earth in the classroom is tool that can bring real life images from around the world into the classroom. Google Earth may be used in lessons that are both student driven and/or teacher driven. However, always remember that when using technology it is important to make sure the technology enhances the lesson rather than using the technology just to use it. Google Earth can be used as an inquiry-based tool or as a presentation tool.I have used Google Earth both ways in my classroom. I have given the students a task and they use Google Earth programs to complete the task as well as using Google Earth to show a virtual tour. The way you choose to use the technology may depend on the technology available to you (do you have access to enough computers for all students or will be in a classroom that has one computer). Google Earth is also a great way to integrate several disciplines.

__**Components needed for to use Google Earth.**__

Google Earth runs on both Windows and Mac operating systems. **Depending on how you use this technology will also depend on components needed**:
 * The requirements to run Google earth are fairly basic and most schools meet the technological requirements. The following requirements are from the Google Earth webpage:**
 * Minimum 2 dual-core Intel or AMD CPUs
 * Minimum 4GB RAM; 8 GB RAM per core recommended
 * 1 Ethernet Network Interface Controller (Gigabit ethernet recommended)
 * If you want the students to use the technology individually you need to have access to a computer lab with the appropriate amount of computers and those computers need to have Google Earth downloaded to them.
 * If you would like to use Google Earth in for a whole class setting, in addition to the computer requirements you will also need a projector and screen.

**__Where to purchase or acquire:__** The great thing about Google Earth is that it is a FREE application. It simply requires a download. To download Google Earth go to the website, [], and click Download Google Earth.

**__Websources supporting the use of Google Earth__**


 * Google Earth for Educators Community, a site to share, connect & learn
 * Teaching with Google Earth
 * Google Earth Lessons
 * Juicy Geography (Geography site but has links to Google Earth resources)
 * PDF on how to create a Google Earth Tour
 * Google Earth Blog

__**Example of Student Project using Google Earth**__ This year I had my 8th Grade American History students complete a Google Earth project on the 13 original colonies. They were required to research information about the 3 sections of colonies, as well as the individual colonies. They then had to create a Google Earth map/tour to present the information. The students were excited about using the technology and did a nice job putting together their presentations. Below is an example of one. Please note: you have to have Google Earth installed on your computer to run.