Using Google Earth

Description

Created by a former NASA scientist, Using Google Earth is a tool providing a manageable way to teach students about the history and scientific features of our planet. Each book is divided into units. The first unit introduces students to the Earth by using the Google Earth Tools. In the second unit, students learn how to see natural, artificial, and abstract features on Earth. Students become competent in saving and organizing the places they visit in the third unit. In the remaining units, students will learn to explore our planet in Google Earth in the context of content-area lessons. These lessons include language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics, as well as a cross-curricular unit that includes space exploration, the oceans, art, and imaginary places.

Before you even begin, the introduction walks you through how to prepare to use Google Earth. This includes the recommended speed for high-speed internet, how to best display Google Earth (an interactive whiteboard or projector is recommended but a single computer will work), how to keep students' files, and how to download and set-up the free Google Earth program. Instructions also show how to set Preferences and the View Menu, while they also provide other important technology notes. This program is a standards-based curriculum and you will find correlation charts that list each standard taught in the product, as well as the page number (s) for the corresponding lesson (s).

After the set-up, you are ready to begin the lessons. Each lesson gives you an overview, the Google Earth Tools used, vocabulary words, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions on how to teach it. After each lesson, there are student activity sheets to assess the students' content knowledge and Google Earth technology skills. Extension activities also provide additional activities for students needing an extra challenge. A teacher resource CD is included in the back of each book that contains reproducible copies of all the student activity pages along with recommended literature, a Google Earth Reference Window, a how-to guide, and an assessment rubric for technology skills. This program gives students the ability to use a three-dimensional model of Earth to learn more about our planet and the many details or features that it exhibits. Reproducible for classroom use only.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.