Google Earth Resources

Below are several Google Earth resources you may find valuable when integrating this technology into your classroom. There are many general resources to explore as well as a listing of resources for several of the content areas. Don’t forget to view the presentation below to get a general overview of geospatial technologies and how they impact our lives on a daily basis.

Google Earth Support Materials

 

Below are several resources you may find helpful while using Google Earth in the classroom.

Click here to download Google Earth

Support Documents and Video Tutorials
GE-Globe-Graphic-small Google Earth Help Files – Several manuals including keyboard and mouse shortcuts, along with the official Google Earth Users Guide
Google Earth Video Tutorials – A link to several short animated video tutorials highlighting the basics skills associated with using Google Earth
Google Earth Links – A listing of Google Earth sites that are desinged to provide help in using Google Earth
Google Earth Files (KML/KMZ)
SpatialSci KML/KMZ Library – A listing of Google Earth files that can be downloaded from our site.GE-Globe-Graphic-smallGoogle Earth Gallery – A Google sponsored site with lots of great KML/KMZ files to explore.Google Earth Hacks – Tons of files that can be downloaded into Google EarthKMZ Links – Links to spectacular satellite images from around the world, via Google Earth.Census Data in Google Earth – All types of demographic data in Google Earth format.Google Search Engine – A great way to find Google Earth files.

Google Earth Across the Curriculum

GE-Globe-Graphic-small Science
Math
Language Arts
Social Studies

  • KML Factbook – An extensive site of current world demographic data that can be downloaded into Google Earth.
  • Westward Expansion
    • Lewis and Clark – A file outlining the trip taken by Lewis and Clark along with supporting documentation.
    • Oregon Trail – A file showing the route traveled by many settlers of the early west.
  • Wars
    • Civil War – Several files relevant to the many battles of the civil war.
    • World War II– This file puts all of teh battles of WWII on the earth.
  • Historical Places
    • Community Mapping
    • Elder Interviews
  • Virtual Autobiography
Health and Human Performance

  • Geocaching – A site to begin your geocacing journey
Foreign Language

  • Virtual Study Abroad
Other Curriculum Related Sites

  • PlaceNames – This curriculum focuses on building cross-cultural relationships between traditional Bitterroot Salish ~ Pend d’Oreille worldviews.
  • Cyber-Enabled Earth Exploration (CE3) – An Earth Science Curriculum focused on using Google Earth to discover Earth processes.
  • GE Lessons – A great site with tons of resources for using Google Earth in K-12 education.
  • One World, Many Stories – Choose a story and begin your journey.
Other Ideas for Using Google Earth in the Classroom
GE-Globe-Graphic-small GPS and Google Earth – A Teacher How-To book for using Google Earth and GPS
Sketch Up – A 3D software tool that combines a tool-set with an intelligent drawing system. Providing a way for users to place 3D models within Google Earth.
Mars, Moon, and Sky – Check out the different views with Google Earth simply by clicking on the planet icon in the toolbar
Google Flight Simulator – Check out the embedded flight simulator which can be found under the tools menu.
The Milk Truck – Drive a milk truck across the surface of the Earth
Geo Greeting – A new way to send a greeting and practice those spelling words.
Flat Stanley and Google Earth – A new twist on the Flat Stanley activity.