The ability to complete science projects has taken another technological leap for students today. This leap is called Google Earth, developed and offered by Google. Students have access to real time and current data they never had in the past. Earth's images use of mosaic of displays using a combination of satellite and aircraft imagery. These images provide resolutions necessary for research.
Students can now conduct science project investigations anywhere in the world. They can use this free Google Earth technology to view rain forests, the Arctic region, Antarctica, world’s biomes, selected ecosystems, volcanoes, and more. The only limitation is the creativity of the investigation and hypothesis being tested.
Science Projects Using Google Earth
Google Earth can be used to study geological features, river systems, glaciers, and more. The features of Google Earth make it ideal for long term studies, because students can go back to the same location on regular basis to view scientific events. Students can download data and images related to their study and embed them in multimedia presentations.
For example students can select a specific area of interest and study it over several weeks or months for an in class science project. This technology is ideal for research and collecting data for a science fair project. Here are a few examples students can study using Google Earth.
- A specific active volcano to determine its effect on the surrounding area
- A specific rain forest to determine rate of human destruction
- Tracking typhoons or hurricanes from formation to downgrading to tropical depression
- The effects of typhoons or hurricanes by viewing a region before and after hurricane land fall
- The effects of drought in a specific biomes
- The effects of large forest fires in western regions of the country
- Comparing levels of air pollution in major cities around the world
- Studying the migration of Wildebeests on the Serengeti in Africa
- The effects of the Three Gorges Dam Project in China
- The effects of large earthquakes anywhere in the world
- The effects of water erosion after floods in any part of the world
- The effects of the Ice Pack melting and the opening of the Northwest Passage
- The rate of growth of wind mill farms in parts of the country and world
These are just few examples that students can choose to study using Google Earth. The possibilities are unlimited with this free software program by Google. The key point is that students can inquire into any natural phenomena on the earth and study it over a given period of time.
Google Earth provides real time perspective of everything affecting the earth, humans, vegetation, and animals. Using this program, allows students access to real world scientific tools and the opportunity to conduct research like a scientist.
Google Earth Download for Free
Visit Google Earth and Global Warming Science Projects for technical specifics about Google Earth and where to download for free. An additional source to help guide student questions is Understanding Scientific Inquiry.
David R. Wetzel - Dr. David Wetzel's experience includes more than 25 years in continuing, adult, and teacher education.
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