The Globe

This slideshare shows a lesson that can be given to first-graders about the globe and continents using Google Earth.

1. The GlobeThe Globe
Objective:Objective: Teach the students what Teach the students what
the globe is, followed by teaching the globe is, followed by teaching
them the names of each of the seven them the names of each of the seven
continents.continents.
Standard:Standard: First Grade Standard 3, First Grade Standard 3,
Objective 3, part d. Objective 3, part d.

2. Hook: Zoom in Hook: Zoom in
from far away from far away
into the into the
precise precise
location of the location of the
students’ students’
school. After school. After
this, continue this, continue
on in showing on in showing
the class each the class each
of the seven of the seven
continents continents
around the around the
globe. globe.

3. Follow showing the
seven continents
by zooming into
places of interest
that the students
express to you. (In
this example, one
student wanted to
see the state of
Washington.)

4. What went well:What went well: The students were very much The students were very much
captivated by Google Earth, so their motivation captivated by Google Earth, so their motivation
and desire was up for listening and learning; this and desire was up for listening and learning; this
proved an effective activity in bringing the seven proved an effective activity in bringing the seven
continents to life for the class:continents to life for the class:
What to improve:What to improve: Involve the students more in Involve the students more in
this technology experience by having a virtual this technology experience by having a virtual
tour ready at the click of a mouse for each of tour ready at the click of a mouse for each of
them at their own computer in the school them at their own computer in the school
computer lab, etc. Just going through Google computer lab, etc. Just going through Google
Earth in front of the students is effective, but this Earth in front of the students is effective, but this
lesson could be even more effective by doing lesson could be even more effective by doing
what was stated above!what was stated above!

6. This picture simply
illustrates how
zooming in to given
locations on Google
Earth can really bring
to life what different
dimensions of the
globe exist. The
students found this
fascinating!

7. Student use of technology:Student use of technology: This didn’t happen in this This didn’t happen in this
lesson; the students viewed technology in action, but didn’t lesson; the students viewed technology in action, but didn’t
use it personally.use it personally.
Use is Essential:Use is Essential: Technology was used effectively in this Technology was used effectively in this
lesson, as it was motivational and something that peaked lesson, as it was motivational and something that peaked
the students’ interest in learning about the globe.the students’ interest in learning about the globe.
Focus on Learning Task:Focus on Learning Task: Granted one would have to tell Granted one would have to tell
the students how to spell the locations they want to go to, the students how to spell the locations they want to go to,
overall this technological tool wouldn’t be too hard for first-overall this technological tool wouldn’t be too hard for first-
graders to do in groups. This program definitely is graders to do in groups. This program definitely is
beneficial for the students’ learning!beneficial for the students’ learning!
Added Value:Added Value: Through Google Earth, the students were Through Google Earth, the students were
able to see the globe in 3-D and up close, as opposed to a able to see the globe in 3-D and up close, as opposed to a
tangible globe or even a world map. tangible globe or even a world map.