Internet Tool #2: Google Earth

Google Earth is a completely FREE geo-mapping tool that anyone with internet connection can access.  It uses a mass collection of imagery sources and satellite imagery to bring the world right to your screen.  As soon as you download the latest version, you have access to basically anywhere in the world.

Being that I'm a teacher, I will focus more on the educational aspect of the site.  Google Earth for Educators actually contains resources for teachers and students alike.  The site contains resources such as lesson plans, tips on how to use Google Earth, a teacher forum to gather more ideas for the classroom, and many tutorials to help get started.  Google Earth can be used for just about any subject you can think of.  From Geography to Oceanography, from Media to Astronomy, its uses are endless.  With anyone who logs on with access to help "add" to the site, Google Earth is a source that continuously grows.

For educators, the site's classroom resources page provides ideas on how to use the site. The page also contains a link to their lesson plan library.  If teachers would like to contribute to the site, they have the opportunity to submit lesson plans for review.  As I perused through the site, I found that Google Earth also features Google Maps and Google Sky, added features of Google Earth.  I would love to incorporate Google Sky into my Solar System unit.

With an endless amount of features tied to Google Earth, my main recommendation would be to explore Google Earth for yourself.  I am sure you would find many uses for the site, be them personal or educational.  Have fun exploring!

Informational sources: http://sitescontent.google.com/google-earth-for-educators/
Image Sources: http://rack.0.mshcdn.com/media/ZgkyMDEzLzA1LzA5LzdmL2dvb2dsZV9lYXJ0LjJhMGYxLmpwZwpwCXRodW1iCTEyMDB4NjI3IwplCWpwZw/13328605/a5a/google_earth.jpg

http://sites.duke.edu/tlge/files/2009/11/hi.jpg