At the CLS Technology Conference I went to a Focus Session called Going Geo with Google Maps and Google Earth. The presenter, Ken Shelton, a history teacher at a middle school in L.A., taught us how to use Google Earth for creative projects, geography, Social Studies and History (ancient times through present times) and literature. For example, if students are reading The Grapes of Wrath they can trace the route of the story. They can also use Google Lit Trips to mark the journeys of famous characters from literature using Google Earth.
Google Earth is a free, downloadable tool anyone can install if they have enough RAM. Ken taught us how to use the various layers on Google Earth. It was fascinating to view the National Geographic or Discovery Network videos on one of the layers, to visit ancient ruins, to track Earthquakes, as well as "flying" around the globe to view a place from distant space right down to street level. I found a tutorial on Google Earth for Educators which you can view here: Google EarthTutorial.
I haven't used Google Earth yet with students but I'm excited at the possibilities!
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