Thematic Middle School Units Using Google Earth

Cross-Curricula Activities Using Satellite Imagery for Studies

Aug 20, 2008
David R. Wetzel

Three Sisters Observation Point in Australia - Google

Thematic units involving the use of free satellite imagery is effective for integrating multimedia in cross-curricula studies and presentations in middle school teams.

Developing thematic units for cross-curricular activities in middle school is a great way to involve students in making connections in all subject areas. Middle schools using a team approach will find Google Earth helpful in integrating technology. Students can integrate science, math, language arts, social studies, and fine arts using Google Earth.

This technology allows teachers to guide students in specific studies using multimedia as a method for presenting projects. Also, it allows students to develop their own projects anywhere on the earth. The only limitation is the creativity of the selected studies or student developed study topics.

Multimedia Use with Google Earth

Students can conduct their study over a period of time or take quick snapshot views for their thematic unit topic. They can download current and historical images, along with obtaining street level views in some suburban and urban areas. These images and videos can be embedded in PowerPoint or word processing documents for presentations.

They can also develop tables using a spreadsheet to record their data, which can then be easily converted into graphs for embedding in multimedia. Students can also use additional Internet based resources to support their studies using Google Earth.

Google Earth and Thematic Units

Thematic units can be developed around any topic which takes advantage of the technological power of Google Earth. The following are example thematic units:

Passport to Europe – students can develop a multimedia virtual tour for tourists:

Read stories about Europe
Write stories for potential tourists
Calculate costs and travel distances
Use maps and geographic points
Use Google Earth to obtain satellite imagery of key cities or features

Flat Stanley Visits Africa – students can develop a multimedia presentation of Flat Stanley’s adventures by:

Reading about Flat Stanley and countries in Africa
Writing stories about Flat Stanley’s visits to countries or regions
Calculating costs and distances of his travels
Integrating stories and pictures of animals he sees along the way
Using maps and geographic points to record his travels
Using Google Earth to obtain satellite imagery of his travels

Post Cards from Australia – students can develop a multimedia presentation based on their virtual adventures to Australia by:

Reading about Australia and key points of interest
Writing postcards about their visits to places they virtually visited
Calculating costs of traveling around Australia
Using maps and geographic points to record their travels
Writing stories about the interesting animals encountered during their travels
Using Google Earth to obtain satellite imagery of their travels

Developing thematic units using Google Earth allows students to make connections across multiple subjects. It also provides them the opportunity to make real world connections about places they hear almost about every day.