I love to start the year off with 2nd & 3rd Graders taking a Virtual Field Trip using....Google Earth! It is so much fun watching them travel the globe! We first talk about what it's like to be a Virtual Traveler and then have the Students guess which application would be the best for such an experience. Their eyes light up when they hear how they'll travel!! And why not? Google Earth is an awesome tool to use as they set their sights on famous landmarks all over the world, like: Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Eiffel Tower, Niagara Falls, the Speedway in Daytona, the Statue of Liberty, and throwing on a virtual bikini for a trip to Hawaii! Their list is full of world famous landmarks that I switch out each year for new experiences!
To get the best view of these sites, have the Students change the settings under 'Labels' to make sure they are seeing all the 3D images, by clicking on the arrow next to 'Gallery' and the box next to '3DCities'. Then, challenged them to click on as many of the 3D-balls in their windows for the ultimate 'Field Trip'! I also encourage them to look at the buildings, people and surroundings....are there similarities or differences from our own lives...and what are they? Would you want to live or vacation in these places? And so many more questions that help in this exciting exchange!
This experience is a great starter to learning all about these places and more as they begin 'Research Season' in their Grade level activities!
Bonus: Have Students take screen-shots of their favorite places, making sure to cite their sources, as a part of a creative writing experience!
Ideas:
* Use Google Earth for "Holidays Around The World"
* As part of their learning to Research.
* Use as a part of Civic Ed - what are the differences/similarities between the way we live our lives and those that live a world away?
* View ancient ruins
* View planets in outer space!
Happy Traveling!
Elana Moore
