Google Earth

Technology changes how students learn and how we teach.

I am not sure there is a world like Google math which combines Google earth with math. I am pretty sure Google earth is a fancy tool to teach students how to learn math and how to connect math with real-life applications.

This video shows a very good example on how to use Google Earth make measurement and find out the perimeter and area.

With the help of this app, students can use Google Earth to explore the whole world. They can search the name of famous architectures and they can use the tool from Goole Earth to make measurements to find out the areas of various shapes. Students do not have to limit their imaginations to someone's backyard when it comes to the concepts of perimeter and area. Remember that: when we teach Grade 6, we always ask students if I want to buy fence to enclose my yard, if I want to plant grass in my backyard or if I want to paint the wall what the perimeter and area would be. This is a traditional type of question which can not engage students any more. Therefore, Google Earth can give students freedom on what they want to explore and they can even work on irregular shapes.

I also see the chance for students to make cross-curriculum learning. If I am going to plan this lesson, I will give students time to find one architecture they want to research. After they figure out the perimeter and area, they can also write one paragraph to introduce the architecture and the reason why they choose this architecture. In this case, students get chances on project-based learning and they can make their own inquiries based on their interests.

There are multiple ways to make of Google Earth in math teaching. If you have more ideas please share with me.

Thanks