Creating a shared Google map for your class

I've posted before about teachers using Google Maps for students to place annotated markers, routes, and regions on.  This can work well as a group activity, where each student creates a marker for a particular place on the map, for example.

Some ideas?  Create a map that marks important locations in a novel, or different regions in an area, or the routes taken on an historical journey.

I just wrote up teacher instructions on how to create a shared map in the first place.  If you'd like to give it a try, I hope these help.  I'm also happy to get you started.

The map below is editable.  Feel free to give it a try.

Hiding the side panel in a Google Map

Have you ever wanted to hide the side panel and tools in a custom Google Map?  While the panel does create a legend for the map, some find that it takes up too much room and adds clutter. 

Here's how to hide:

Look for the word edit in the URL of the map.  Change it to embed.

For example,

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?output=embed&mid=12345abc

would become

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?output=embed&mid=12345abc

Note that to make any changes to the map, you will need to use the first link.

Here's the difference in appearance:

Map with sidebar and tools

versus

Embedded map (no sidebar or tools)

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?

Google Maps how-to

Here's a nice, simple "cheat sheet" for  doing more with Google Maps, including ideas for using Maps in your class.  Thanks to Jennifer Judkins for the share.

https://docs.google.com/a/cvuhs.org/document/d/10YLdGjwJk9ufYrvvzorrrMCQPqrU1Bh-nzhXIfNdWWQ/edit

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).

National Geographic Education and Google Map Maker

(originally posted 5/10/11)

National Geographic has just unveiled its new education site (in beta), which promises lots of resources for teachers and students. One of these is a nice map-making tool, where students can add features to maps, then download the image files.

Speaking of maps, Google Map Maker is a tool that lets anyone add details to maps. Google may then incorporate the information into Google Maps. Students could add placemarkers and routes for the local area, for instance.

Students can also use Google Maps to create their own private or shared maps.