Google+Earth


 * Google Earth Session**

[|Google Earth] (GE) is a highly interactive mapping application where users can view and create mixed media in order to explore, investigate, analyze geographical locations. This Google Earth tutorial will help you get started using GE for basic explorations as well as beginning to create content. Check back with the Model Schools Google Earth [|wiki article] as well as Google's [|GE User Guide] for more information on using Google Earth. // toc //

[|7 Things to Know About Google Earth]
[|Educause] puts out helpful information sheets about a variety of powerful web tools. This document (pdf) answers the basic questions like what it is, who is using it, why it is significant as well as addresses some of the downsides of GE.

What to do with Google Earth

 * Demonstrations
 * Supplement existing lessons/concepts
 * Create a standalone learning experience (i.e. - exploration, investigation, or review experience)
 * Share relevant information with a wider audience (or stakeholders)

Engaging Google Earth
We'll take a few minutes to look over the Google Earth interface to familiarize yourself with the menus, icons and panels. Navigating in Google Earth may take a bit to get used to, however, once you are engaged in an exploration you may find your skills improve in no time.
 * Interface** & **Navigating**

media type="youtube" key="rd2uXE1fTI0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425" Now try navigating using each of the methods described within the video. Be sure to find the navigation method that best fits your working style here. There is no right or wrong way here, just what works best for you.  //Use the search menu to locate interesting places. Try searching your town, locating your home, interesting places you've visited or will be visiting soon. Try searching for your home, school, local parks, or places of interest to point students towards.//
 * Search**

Places that you open or create are sometimes initially located in your Temporary Places folder under the Places menu. The Temporary Places folder is used to hold files that you potentially want to use or save. If you do not save the items in this folder they will be deleted once you close Google Earth.
 * Places**
 * //Temporary Places vs. My Places//**

//Click on the Sightseeing link in the Places menu to view a Sightseeing tour of interesting places throughout the world. View a virtual tour and map overlays done by [|Bob Dedrick] of the Canandaigua Academy.//
 * Take Virtual Tour**s
 * [|Erosion of a Stream]
 * [|Watersheds: Western Finger Lakes]
 * [|Mount St. Helens Tour]
 * [|Literature Trips] - [|The Grapes of Wrath]
 * [|Crisis in Darfur] **- Warning:  ** //Content may be unsettling for some viewers.//

Using the web search and import Google Earth content related to the following current (or recent events). For starters try the [|Google Earth Gallery].
 * Challenge - Current Events**
 * Hurricane Gustav
 * Election 2008
 * Beijing Summer Olympics

Adding Content
Much of the content that is available in GE is user-created, meaning, the users of GE create files (.kml or .kmz files) that can be emailed or shared via websites for other users to download and use. Within the classroom, this can be particularly helpful to make learning experiences that utilize GE specific to your local area or area of study.

Adding a //placemark// is the quickest way to add content to GE. Practice adding a //Placemark// by clicking in the **Add Placemark** icon.

media type="youtube" key="FB1EseH7jzs&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&fs=1" height="344" width="425" Play around with adding **Polygons**, **Paths**, and **Image Overlay** tools.
 * Challenge - Adding Polygons, Paths & Overlays**


 * [|Ballfield Proposal]- Simple demonstration of using Polygons and Paths
 * [|School Buildings] - Dudley/Northside Model
 * [|3D Warehouse] - Search for more 3D Model Overlays
 * Create Your Own - [|Learn more...]

//**Organizing Content**// As you use GE you will likely accumulate a growing collection of placemarks, images, overlays, etc. Creating folders often helps organize your GE content. Create a folder by clicking **Add > Folder** or right-clicking on My Places and selecting **Add > Folder**.

//**Saving Places**// To add a place to your My Places click **File > Save** **to My Places**. The place should now appear under **My Places**. To save a place locally (on your computer or network) for later use or to transport it to another computer (via USB flash drive) click **File > Save Place As** To save the entire My Places folder (much like saving a document) click **Save My Places**.


 * Layers**

Extending Google Earth

 * Use [|Google Sketch-up] to create 3D files to upload to Google Earth
 * Check out [|Google for Educators and Discovery Education] site for examples of how [|Google SketchUp] can be used.

Google's GEEI provides educators with Google Earth Plus for use with students. For more information about Google Earth Plus for Education email the Google Earth Education Coordinator at GEEC@google.com.
 * Google Earth Education Initiative**

Tips for Teaching
> Students will learn the tool as they explore, finding new ways to look at locations or discover new information. Provide the framework and direction for exploring without dictating how to do it. > Placemark, 3D building and tour files can clutter up your Places menu. Create folders based on an investigation, specific class or subject area to keep files separate and ease of navigation. Read the Managing Places section for more information. > Google Earth can be overwhelming at first glance. Start with a simple tour or exploration of an area with your class. This will allow you and your students to discover additional tools and ways to navigate Google Earth. > As you and your students become more adept, challenge them (and yourself) to create tours, map overlays, or even create a 3D building or object that portrays their learning.
 * **Don't let GE be the focus of instruction**
 * **Keep files organized in folders**
 * **Start small**
 * **Extend assignments**

Google Earth Resources

 * [|Google Earth]
 * [|GE User Guide]
 * [|GE for Educators]
 * [|GE Gallery]
 * [|GE Community]
 * [|GE Outreach]
 * [|Google 3D Warehouse]
 * [|3D Cities Under Construction]
 * [|Google's Geo Blog]
 * [|GEarth Blog]
 * [|OgleEarth Blog]
 * [|Google Earth Hacks]
 * [|Google for Educators]