An introduction to Google Earth as a fun resource to support literacy and numeracy skills development.
Google Earth aims to combine satellite imagery, maps and the Google Search to “put the world’s geographic information at your fingertips.” You can view a satellite picture of your chosen location by typing in an address. You can search for schools, parks, restaurants, hotels and get driving directions. You can also tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings.
Google Earth offers some fun opportunities for supporting literacy and numeracy skills development! Here are just a few ideas:
Measure Shape and Space
The 3D mapping tools could help bring the concept of 3D alive. There`s also a measure distance facility that allows you to measure the distance between, say, your home and the train station, or between the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe! The facility to change the units of measurement could support work on metric/imperial measures.
Reading and Writing
The Places Directory allows you to save your favourites and type in descriptions of them. Your learners could read and print out driving directions, and email them to a friend along with a brief message.
To visit the site, go to earth.google.com.
Happy surfing!
