Over the summer, Google Earth launched a new version that is web based and compatible with all devices- including cell phones and tablets! This is exciting news to bring the world (literally!) into your classroom.
Since the initial launch, Google has vastly improved the Voyage tool. Simply click on the ship's wheel icon on the left side of the screen and you will be able to explore many of Google's pre-made tours.
The voyages are divided into the categories of travel, nature, culture, history, and education. Under the education category, you will find several voyages that relive the travels of early explorers including Marco Polo, the Vikings, and the Conquistadors.
The story of Christopher Columbus includes an interactive tour of the Genoa Italy and linked media from PBS Education to engage learners as they start their quest.
Google Earth Voyages are full screen with a table of contents to easily keep students on task and learning.
For our social studies teachers, the connections to Voyages is clear; however I assure you that connections to all curriculum areas can be found. Consider some of the following:
- Math: Have students calculate distance between locations, area of a location, population density, angles in architecture, ect.
- Science: Explore different habitats, biomes, climate types, even look for environmental hazards such as pollution.
- ELA: Tour the settings of different literature, have students create story maps with plot locations, identify the main idea and supporting details of the voyage passages and media.
- Enhancements: Describe the visible differences in culture, look inside museums and theaters, tour sports venues around the world, or tour one of the amazing digital art collections!
I encourage you to check out Google Earth and bring the world into your classroom!
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