Using Google Earth in Science and Math
Posted by David Wetzel
Google Earth
Google Earth is free and lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean.
You can explore rich geographical content, save your toured places, and share with others.
New additions to Google Earth include the ability to explore under the oceans and take a 3D trip to Mars.
Educational Uses of Google Earth
The following are examples of the way Google Earth can be used in science and math:
Rising Sea Level Animation
This file animates one scary potential effect of climate change — rising sea levels. Will your house be underwater? Will the desert become an ocean? Use the time slider to see which locations will be submerged as the planet’s oceans rise. Note: it’s important to turn on the terrain in the “Layers” section of the Google Earth client. And for added effect, turn on the 3D buildings layer.
Real-time Earthquakes
Want to explore the world’s seismic hot spots in real-time? From the Pacific Ring of Fire to the San Andreas Fault, this KML will give you a better geographical understanding of the daily changes occurring on our planet. Each place mark contains data about a specific area’s seismic activity and a link to more extensive information.
Climate Change In Our World Antarctica
Explore and learn about the impacts of climate change and find out how you can make a difference with Climate Change in our World. The Met Office Hadley Centre, British Antarctic Survey and UK Government have harnessed Google Earth technology to present you with an interactive animation showing the retreat of Antarctic ice shelves over time. On opening up the KML you can find out more about how we produced these files, and what is happening on a global and domestic scale to prevent and combat the effects of climate change.
Coral Reef Monitoring
It is estimated that coral reefs cover around 284,000 square kilometers providing a habitat for thousands of species to live. Global warming poses a major threat to these massive living structures and in this file you can explore the state of coral reefs around the world, seeing their distribution and concerns facing their future existence.
Additional Resources
Google Earth and Global Warming Science Projects
Thematic Middle School Units Using Google Earth
Science Investigations Using Google Earth
