Google Maps, Google Earth, in Math Class, Oh My

Google Maps provides users with a wealth of information about the world around them.
Users have access to thousands of aerial and satellite photos, dozens of layers of
information: city names, country borders, airport locations, photos, road maps, National
Geographic content, volcanoes, and more. (Google Earth Blog)

Using Google Maps for Taxicab Geometry

By taking a city layout from Google Maps, students can brainstorm the distance with a
variety of factors.
1. Type of Transportation: bus, foot, plane, car
2. Different Routes based on variables
3. Estimate the time it will take to get from point A to point B.
Students will use the distance formula in order to get from one location on the map to
another location. The use of a map really helps the student visualize the difference
between the two distance formulas in Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometries.
Furthermore, provides the user with a real world application for this formula and use
case for Taxicab Geometry.

Scale Drawings, Proportions, and Ratios

My 6th graders are introduced to scale drawings in math class this topic is covered
again in 7th grade. Using Google Maps, students can use the iPads to explore our
school and see what it looks like from an Arial view. Students can brainstorm what type
of math they would use or think is used when creating images on Google Maps.
Students can then break up into groups to create a scale drawing of the school with a
choice of tools (technology, posters, markers, pencils, etc.)
This project will help reinforce the concepts of ratios, proportions and scale drawings.
Students will calculate estimated distances by using the scale bar from one location to
the next. Students will also be able to use the right click feature to calculate the distance
in order to check their answer. For an extension, students will write a letter to a surveyor
communicating their findings and observations.

Google Earth & Tracking Hurricanes

For my 8th graders and Algebra students, students will use Google Earth and Hurricane
tracker to track hurricanes and record data. In this type of project, students would track
hurricanes, analyze data, organize and display data, make predictions based on data
and determine what the rate means in the context of the problem. In addition, this
project gives the students an opportunity to serve as the expert in the room.

Online Mapping & Student Achievement

The use of online mapping tools in the math classroom encourages meaningful
discussion, collaboration and sharing. In the article What is inquiry-based learning?
inquiry-based learning is defined as the students are seekers of information and
knowledge. With the use of online mapping tools, exploring the world without leaving
the classroom is finally possible. Google Map and Google Earth are the vehicles that
allow students with the Internet to take a field trip to Italy, track hurricanes, track shark
sightings, and track the Avian Flu.
With these tools in the hands of students, we can now be immersed into learning and no
longer boxed in when it comes to mastering one concept or outcome. Students let
their questions or curiosity guide them in search to find the answers to their questions.
With inquiry based learning students take ownership of their learning and become active
participants instead of a classroom full of bystanders.
With Online Mapping tools, students are encouraged to share their findings with their
classmates and/or post their results online. Google Maps projects use the 4 Cs
creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication as discussed by Tim
Manger in My View: What a 21st-century science classroom should look like.