Google Maps for Education
Resources for Google Earth, Google Street View, and more!
How can we utilize Google Maps to explore, connect, and build a global perspective?
Use Google Maps, Google Earth, or Google Street View to transform your students' learning experiences.
We all know and love Google Maps. But did you know that the Street View Pegman has few more tricks up his sleeve? Google Street Views takes some of the most amazing Street View imagery, as well as user submitted photography, and turns it into a unique platform where students can explore every corner of the Earth in full panoramic glory. From the top of the world’s tallest buildings to the depths of the ocean floors, it really is an immersive and awe-inspiring experience.
Take a Trek, where experts explain and educate using video, audio and written commentary.
For teachers and students who are interested in doing more than just looking at Street View imagery, check out how you can get involved and contribute to Google Street View. Using either an Android or iOS device or a DSLR camera,take your own 360 degree photos and upload them to the Street View library for the world to see.
English Language Arts Resources
Lesson Ideas
- Search for settings of novels, short stories, non-fiction articles, and/or films.
- Visit places mentioned in novels and/or short stories using Street View.
- Use locations for journal/writing prompts.
- Write travel directions between locations for procedural text.
- Create your own literary trip using Google Earth or have students create one. Click here to view more information.
Math Resources
Lesson Ideas
- Use Google Maps to measure distances between places and actual objects to find real world solutions to mathematical problems. Example lesson by Dale Basler. Watch the video below in the Science section for instructions on measuring distance in Google Maps.
- Compare distance/time in routes for walking, public transportation, biking, and driving.
- Show natural geometrical angles and shapes in streets, objects, and locations.
- Calculate the volume of famous locations or land area/perimeter.
Resources
- Math Maps - interactive Google Maps with embedded math activities. Teachers can contribute and share ideas. Targeted to K-5, but activities could be adjusted for other grade levels.
- Google Treks for Mathematics - Google Maps activities for any grade level.
- Math Trail by HeyMath! - Game-based activity powered by Google Maps that takes you to locations and you answer math questions along the way. Watch a video about the game below.
Science Resources
Lesson Ideas
- Use Google Maps to help students with speed, velocity, and displacement in Physics with routes. Example lesson by Dale Basler. Watch the video above for instructions on measuring distance in Google Maps.
- Virtual Field Trips to biomes and habitats
Resources
- Google Treks for Science - Google Maps activities for any grade level.
- Google Cultural Institute - World Wonders - bring to life the wonders of the modern & ancient world. Uses Google Maps.
Social Studies Resources
- Google Treks for Social Studies - Google Maps activities for any grade level.
- Google Cultural Institute - Historic Moments - explore online exhibitions detailing the stories behind significant moments in human history. Uses Google Maps.
- Visit some of the Google Map based game sites shown below.
- Google Street View Art Project: Presenting the world's Artwork!
- Google Art Project, Street Art: Explore the story behind the Art
- GeoGuesser: Game using Google Maps Street View images that drops the player in a random location and challenges them to figure out where they are. Play Now