Using Google Earth in Your Curriculum S

Presenter: Max Monroe, Assistant Principal, Ninth Grade Academy Pickens High SchoolMax_Monroe@alumni.clemson.edu

Description: One of the neatest programs to come along in ages is Google Earth. This session will show how to load and use this program and to do more than to just look at things. There will be applications to various curriculum levels and subjects. Learn to better use this fantastic tool in your class.

Day/Time: Thursday 9:30 AM -10:30 AMRoom: MR203

Google Earth is a program that utilizes satellite and other aerial photography to create a mosaic of the entire Earth. Want to know about a specific location? Dive right in – Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps, and the power of Google search to put the world’s geographic information at your fingertips. Google Earth is a program that is available for download in one of three forms. First there is the free version – what we are seeing today, there are also two paid versions that have other tools for either $20 or $400 per year. If using a GPS device the $20 per year version can be useful.

Go to www.google.com and see the list of links over the search bar. The last word is “more” – it then opens a window and you choose “even more.” This opens a Google tools page and then you choose Google Earth. Choose the Install Google Earth Free Version. Follow the directions and make sure that you are on a broadband connection or it will take forever for this to work

Notes on the Program

Some areas are much more detailed than others. Resolution is always improving but some resolutions go from 30ft down to 1ft.

If finding specific areas it sometimes helps to turn on the road option. This can be turned on and off easily.

There are many uses of the program in various curriculum areas. Specific areas are noted on the Google Earth Web site and can be downloaded to your Mt Places Menu.

The Globe can be rotated or spun or realigned to the North with the tools that show on the screen.

Eye Altitude is the altitude from which the view is from the ground. When close enough to the Earth the elevation of the spot where the hand is located above

MSL is listed. This is not real time – it is always day and always cloudless. The pictures stream in and it takes a while for them to clear up. Most pictures are between 1 and three years old. More locations and resources are being created all the time.