Social+Studies

=** Subject: Social Studies **=

**Ohio Academic Content Standard:**
Students use knowledge of geographic locations, patterns and processes to show the interrelationship between the physical environment and human activity, and to explain the interactions that occur in an increasingly interdependent world.
 * Standard : ****Geography **


 * Benchmark A: ** Use map elements or coordinates to locate physical and human features of North America.

4. Use maps to identify the location of major physical and human features of Ohio including: > a. Lake Erie > b. Rivers > c. Plains > d. The Appalachian Plateau > e. Bordering states > f. The capital city > g. Other major cities.
 * Grade 4 Indicator **

**Technologies Incorporated in this Lesson: **

 * Google Earth by Google




 * Google Maps by Google
 * Bing Maps by Bing

Classroom and Activity Description:
This lesson takes place in a regular fourth grade classroom. The students have various academic levels including below, at, and above grade level.

Students will start by choosing the method they want to use—Google Earth (a downloadable program that allows you to "fly" all over the globe), Google Maps or Bing Maps. Students will be asked to find a map of Ohio. Then, using the map on the screen and the zoom in and zoom out features, students will be asked to show the teacher the various places on the map (Lake Erie, Rivers, Plains, The Appalachian Plateau, Bordering States, the Capital City, other major cities). Students may also print maps of the features in the state, thus demonstrating they know how to find the feature on the map.

**Tried and True or New and Innovative? **
Using Google Maps and/or Bing Maps is a tried and true approach to maps. Teachers have been using this technology in the classroom for quite some time. However, asking students to use the maps to locate information may be more of a new and innovative approach. Using Google Earth in the classroom is new and innovative. This is something that has not been utilized much within the classroom. Students may not be familiar with the program.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Supporting Research:
In the article //Google Earth as a (Not Just) Geography Education Tool// by Todd Patterson, the GIS, or Global Information System and the program Google Earth are discussed in terms of classroom use. The Google Earth program has not seen much use in the classroom and this article discusses the potential it has.

Many schools and teachers are not using GIS systems in their classrooms to teach geography because the access to the computers and equipment needed has not been available. Also, many teachers are not trained in using GIS. However, “given the advent of computers and the evolution of digital technologies from video games to television, contemporary students have a different manner of learning and applying tools at their disposal” (Patterson, 2007, pg. 145). These students have grown accustomed to learning through images.

The article emphasizes that using online approaches to learning helps students improve their comprehension of concepts and skills. Using Google Earth in the classroom can also help students develop spatial skills, critical technology skills, and critical thinking skills. Google Earth employs “’the four E’s’ of the learning life cycle mode, allowing students to **e**ngage in the lesson, **e**xplore the earth, **e**xplain what they identify, and **e**valuate the implications of what they are learning” (Patterson, 2007, pg. 146).

There are a few disadvantages to using Google Earth in the classroom. One is the need for an internet connection in the classroom. Students also must understand how to make an account and search for data on the program. Finally, Google Earth is not really a true GIS. While it can give students a basic insight to GIS, it does not have all the capabilities of a true GIS system.

The advantages of using Google Earth in the classroom may outweigh the disadvantages. The use of the technology is valuable to students. The use of the program may also support student learning through the entertainment factor it provides. Students do not have to be at school to utilize the program—Google Earth offers a free version that can be installed on any computer. The program allows students to view places and objects on the earth from a variety of angles and depths. Because Google Earth is not a true GIS, students do not have to learn all the formal interfaces to run such a program. The use of geography in the classroom also brings together other disciplines in education. This is done through the “five basic themes of geography—location, place, relationships with place, movement, and regions” (Patterson, 2007, pg. 147). Google Earth allows students to develop complex thinking skills. Use of this program meets the national standards for math, technology, and science.

//References//