This blog series will explore the lesser-known Google tools. (It wouldn't all fit in one post, and I find something new and interesting all the time!) Some of theses tools are made by Google, Inc., and some are made possible with Google tools. Either way, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to get your Google on!
This post will focus on tools that utilize Google Maps, Street View and Google Earth.
(I am also working on a new Thinglink with all of the Golden Treasures of Google! Look for that soon!)
My Maps (formerly Maps Engine Lite)
- Create interactive lesson journeys
- Visit historical landmarks
- Travel through a Novel or Story
- Create an Amazing Race adventure!
Smarty Pins
Google generates a random trivia question about a specific city or country, and you must drop a pin on the correct location on the map. Players can choose from six trivia categories: Featured Topics, Arts & Culture, Science & Geography, Sports & Games, Entertainment, History & Current Events.
Although you cannot choose the location for your students, this is still a fun way to introduce some geography to your students.
Geo Guesser
Google Lit Trips
As a former ELAR teacher, I LOVE this! What a fun way to explore and integrate Google Earth in the classroom!
Tour Builder
- View Gallery of Stories
- Create Your Own Tours
- Great for Student Projects
- Note: Only works in 32-bit browsers (use Firefox or Safari)-- I know! Hard to believe!
- Must have the Google Earth plug-in
Kasey Bell will be presenting at the following upcoming events:
- WEMTA, March 22-24 (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
- #GAFETalk Event with TextHelp, April 8-9 (Denver and Colorado Springs)
- #GoogleEduOnAir (May 8-9)
- #TXGoo15, May 16: Texas Summit feature Google for Education (New Caney, TX)
- iPadpalooza, June 23-25 (Austin, TX)