The World according to google earth
Students explore online maps, research countries of their choice and help to design a World's Fair!
Put away those old fold-up maps and aging school atlases, Google Earth is here! Technology has revolutionized how students learn about geography and world cultures. In The World According to Google Earth, students use virtual maps, library books and online encyclopedias to find answers to six key questions about a country of their choosing. The students create presentations to inform the class about their chosen nation. Meanwhile, students learn to use Google Earth to create their own maps — adding placemarks, measuring distances and adding photographs. In the final part of the class, students create a model “World's Fair” with each pair of students designing a national pavilion for their country out of Legos. Geography class will never be the same!
In this class students will:
- Learn about Google Earth technology and how to create a map using the program
- Learn how to conduct online or library research of a country of their choice
- Learn how to take notes, summarizing useful information from primary and secondary sources
- Learn about the history of the World's Fair and international events
- Create a model World's Fair including a pavilion of the country they studied
- Learn about a variety of maps and their features
- Create an informational presentation about the country they have researched
- Learn key presentation skills while practicing making eye contact with their audience as well as practicing standing up tall, using visual aids and speaking with a strong voice
Class Specifications:
- Elementary (Grade 2-5) or Middle School (Grades 6-8) versions available
- 12-hour program (can be offered in a variety of formats)
- The World According to Google Earth can be implemented as an after-school program, summer camp or in-class project
- Supplies needed include laptop, projector or TV display, poster boards, construction paper, basic art materials
