Communication with parents, students, and community members
is easier than it has ever been for teachers.One of my favorite ways to communicate with everyone is through a
website! Google sites has a very easy and FREE way of creating a website as a
teacher. I have created a Google website for my parents and students to view
regularly. It has announcements, Google docs we use everyday, and also many
resources I use in the classroom.
Another great way to use Google Sites is for a student's portfolio or for a unit or project. Google sites has great advantages over Wix and other websites because it is user friendly. Also, it makes it very easy to add a Google doc, form, and calendar.
Here is a tutorial to show you how to get started!
There are many great technology tools out there that bring Earth to life. A couple tools to use in the classroom are Google Earth and Google Tour Builder! They are similar, but still very different at the same time.
Google Earth is an application that you can download to your computer. Follow the link above, and you can use it on the web, mobile device, or you can download it to your desktop. Here is a video that gives a beginner a tutorial on how to use Google Earth.
Google Earth is great way to explore different parts of the world. It helps engage students' learning, and it brings places to life more than just a picture. There are several great resources and websites to help you plan an activity with Google Earth in your classroom.
Another great tool to bring Earth to life is Google Tour Builder. Google Tour Builder reminds me of a mix of Google Slides and Google Earth mixed into one great resource for a teacher. It makes a presentation of different locations. It is a very easy resource to use to create a presentation that brings places to life. Here is a tutorial of how to create a Google Tour.
I have created a Google Tour for my Social Studies class this year. The purpose of my tour is to get the students excited about Ancient Civilizations! Here is the link to my Google Tour.
It's very easy to share your Google Tour Builder with students or colleagues. Here are some other resources I found for teaching and Google Tour Builder:
I think Google Tour Builder can be better than Google Earth because there are set locations, descriptions, videos and pictures that can be added to every location. Your students will love this application!
I am a 6th grade teacher who teaches all subject areas. One of my favorite subjects is social studies. The 6th grade ancient civilizations curriculum is fascinating to me. The students get to explore civilizations from all around the world and different time periods. However, when planning a field trip to help my students make connections to the curriculum doesn't always come easy. Most of the ancient civilizations we study are across the oceans. Google has a great app to help students explore these cultural sites without taking a bus (or a plane). The app is called World Wonders Project. It brings places around the world to life.
The World Wonders Project has hundreds of locations and archaeological sites that can be explored. Here is a screen shot of different areas that can be explored on the site.
This is one way you can explore the World Wonders Project. You can click on any site that is shown. Another way is to search based on the time-era. You can also search by an event as well.
I think this is a great tool for educators because students can take a virtual field trip to see these different sites. Also, artifacts can be easily analyzed as well.
Here is a tutorial about the Google World Wonders Project that I found helpful for explaining the site!
One of my favorite parts about the app for educators is that it has many great lessons and ideas. If you follow this link, it will take you to guides for using the app and also many great lesson plans to use with your students!
