Using Google Earth on a Chromebook

First off, in case you missed it...you can use Google Earth completely in the browser (meaning also on a Chromebook).  Earth was an application that you used to have to install, but this is no longer the case.  If you haven't tried it lately, do yourself a favor and have some fun with it!

There is lots of great content in Google Earth. I'd be happy to help you find a match to your curriculum, whether it be exploring the setting for a novel that students are reading, the landscape of a region they're learning about, the mathematics of latitude and longitude...lots of possibilities!

Anyway...
The specific point of this post is that I was working with two 9th science teachers this morning on using Google Earth to study changes in glaciers.  The need was to upload KML files from the National Snow & Ice Data Center (NSIDC) site.

Here's the solution:

• First off, what's a KML file? It's simply a text file that contains information about geographic data.  Google Earth uses these (as well as KMZ files) to show information about places. 
• Download the appropriate file from the site above (or other source). 
• Important note: When you download a file to your Chromebook, it goes (by default) to your Downloads folder (which is a folder that only exists on that particular Chromebook).  If desired, you can drag it into your Drive to be able to access it from any device.   
• In Google Earth, you need to enable KML file uploads.  This is in Settings.  Scroll down to the bottom and turn on. You (and students) only need to do this once.  See the screenshot below.

 

• You're now ready to upload the KML file.  
• Once loaded, you can double-click on any location to "fly" there.

Making maps

I've posted before about map-making tools.  These are excellent learning tools for students, whether it's mapping out the places in a novel they're reading, or planning a wildlife refuge, or examining the historical development of their town. 

Two new things to share on this:

Google Earth, which used to be an installed app, is now web-based.  However, you'll notice that there seems to be no way to create your own "tour" in the web-based version.  There is now a tool called TourBuilder that solve this problem.  It's in beta, but seems to stable.  Here's a tour I made of CVSD schools:

In TourBuilder
In Google Earth

If you want to use a powerful app to create maps with lots of geospatial data, take a look at ArcGIS.  I got to know this software at a recent conference.  We have free accounts for all students at CVU.  Here's the kind of map you can produce with ArcGIS.

Google Earth now works on Chromebooks!

There is a brand new version of Google Earth and it works on Chromebooks.  One popular use of Google Earth in classrooms is "Lit trips," in which students explore the geography of places they've read about.  Here's a nice step-by-step guide  by Eric Curtis for doing a Lit trip on a Chromebook.

Two recent inspiring class activities

I had the privilege of working with two classes using technology in recent weeks.  In both cases, students were using technology in creative and transformative ways.  It's always good to share these-- if you're inspired and want to take on something similar, please let me know!

Geology Volcano Project

Kerry Walker's classes are studying volcanoes.  Each student used LucidPress to create an online "brochure" about his/her volcano.  Then, the class used a shared Google Map, attached a pin to the location of each volcano, and provided a link to the brochure.  Check out the final result here:

Current Issues Political Ad Project

Lezlee Sprenger asked her students to create political ads for different candidates. The description and targets are here.
Here's what one student produced:

Measuring Direct Distances in Google Maps

This could be helpful when using Google Maps in the classroom...

To measure direct distances ("as the crow flies"):

• Click the X in the search box to clear it
• Right-click the starting point
• Choose "Measure Distance"
• Click the end point

Distance will be shown in miles and km.  You can add/edit additional points, as shown here.

 *here's an obvious math question-- what's the area of the land enclosed in the triangle shown?

Using Google Maps/Earth in the classroom

There are lots of great applications for Google Maps/Earth in the classroom.  Science classes can plan out natural areas (check out the CVU example below), English classes can go on "lit trips" (seeing the actual places described in a novel), math classes can explore the geometry of the "real world," etc.
Richard Byrne-- the author of the amazing Free Technology for Teachers blog-- has posted several helpful resources in a recent post.

Summer Opportunities for Teachers

Here are a few opportunities I've noticed for developing tech integration ideas this summer:

RETN is offering a course on harnessing the power of digital video in the classroom (this appeared in the latest Field Memo for the VT Agency of Ed).

Google is offering a free on-line course on Google Earth and Google Maps.  It starts June 10th (during exams, unfortunately), but it's self-paced, so you can probably jump in when ready.  It goes until June 24th.  There are lots of great uses of Google Maps/Earth in the classroom.  Here's one example from CVU (look at #2).

Know of others that you want to share?  The easiest way to comment is to select "Name/URL" where it says "Comment As:".  Then just enter your name (a URL is not necessary).

Technology Integration Showcase 01

You may recall that last year, I started posting excellent work that students did using technology in what I called the "Technology Integration Showcase."  Since our help site is now public, I have gotten permission from some of the students to re-post their work here.

If you are a student or teacher that would like to share what you've done, please let me know.  Go ahead and show off-- it may inspire others!

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OK, here are three from last year to kick it off...

1. Here is what Antonio F and Graeme W created when asked by Garett MacCurtain to present their understanding of the fall of Rome: 

Students were given the choice of how to do this presentation. These students used goanimate to produce an animation. Others used Prezi, Lego animation, video editing software, and more.

Rome pt. 1 by antonio and graeme 12 on GoAnimate


Rome pt.2 by antonio and graeme 12 on GoAnimate

Part1: http://goanimate.com/videos/0SykfUI0Obnk/1

Part 2: http://goanimate.com/videos/0S66Tshf4F_Y/1

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2. As part of the final exam in Natural Resources, Mike Burris and Nicole Gorman asked students to create a Forest Management Plan for the Hinesburg Town Forest. Students had used GPS devices to find coordinates, then used Google Earth to create and annotate a map. The map was part of a presentation students did of their plans.

Here is Nik's  (click "Download," then "open in Google Earth."):

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3. Students in Glenn Fay's Thayer Model Engineering course built engaging websites and entered them into a ThinkQuest competition.


Here's a site built by Chris B and Andrew D:
http://consciousconsumption.netai.net/