Google Maps

Google Maps is a free tool provided by Google.  I have never created a map and placed my own points within.  This activity, like most others in this class, was a new, fun learning experience for me.  I like how the maps I create are automatically saved under My Places.

Since I got a full time teaching position in Barbour County for this coming school year, I decided to focus my virtual field trip for 5th grade.  In my county, we have the privilege to say that the first land battle of the Civil War was fought in Philippi, WV which is located in Barbour County.  With that being said, I chose to plan my field trip and design an itinerary that shows where we will visit in Philippi, WV.  Therefore, all my place-marks will be located within main street of Philippi.  I actually might get to administer this field trip with my students during the Blue and Gray Reunion that takes place in May.  When I was in 5th grade, we went on this same field trip.  :)   

Click here to go to my Google Map!

Click here to see my Google Document!

The possibilities of using Google Maps in my classroom could be unlimited.  I could teach history, geography, reading, and even math using this feature of Google.  Better yet, why not teach the students to create their own maps!  The students could design their own field trip to some place that we have studied in geography or history or even just create a project.  I even found a webpage, 6 Sites to Get Kids Excited About Google Maps, that shows ways to get students excited about Google Maps by thinking outside the box.

This activity relates to the ISTE NETS T standard 1: Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.  It relates to this standard because when teachers produce a meaningful learning experience through technology, it also teaches the students the concept as well as inspires the students to look further and learn more about the topics.  Students can interpret the map and create their own unique work to share.  Plus, this is a real world learning experience by incorporating a map and digital age media.