Google Earth iconWhat is Google Earth? Google Earth is a geo-browser that accesses satellite and aerial imagery, topography, ocean bathymetry, and other geographic data over the internet to represent the Earth as a three-dimensional globe. (definition from serc.carleton.edu)

Start arrow New to this Google tool?

Check out our "Basics" section for resources to get you started off on the right foot.

Compass Ready to learn more about this Google tool and go further?

Take a look at our "Tips & Tricks" section to get ideas and suggestions.

Open padlock Not sure if your students have access to this Google tool?

The "Who can use" section outlines which grade levels have access to this tool.

Rocket taking off Wondering how this Google tool ties into Deeper Learning?

Scroll down to our Deeper Learning section for ideas and resources.

Google Earth basics

 You can access Google Earth from:

Who can use Google Earth?

Google Earth permissions & access

Only SFUSD staff have access to view and explore Google Earth. Due to data privacy concerns, students cannot access or use Google Earth.

If you have any questions, please submit a Help Desk ticket.

Deeper Learning with Earth

Deeper Learning has 4 core instructional priorities

Person looking at some images and text while thinking Inquiry

The thinking and questioning of students is the focal point. Students build connections to prior learning and experiences, and are independent learners who make their thinking visible.

Three students working together Collaboration

Students interact in meaningful ways through conversation, or participation in collaborative structures. The educator serves as facilitator and a collectivist or communal approach is used. 

Three people linked with a dotted line to an image of a book Equitable Access & Demand

Curricula is designed and instruction is delivered to ensure access for all and cognitive demand for “each and every” student, supporting independence, not dependence.

Two people talking or communicating Assessment for Learning

Students are provided with time, space and support to set goals, assess learning, track progress and present their growth. Students are seen as co-designers of their assessment, owning and sharing their learning.

 

To learn more about Deeper Learning in SFUSD, visit the Deeper Learning Towards the Graduate Profile website.

Inquiry

A big piece of inquiry is student exploration and student-created questions, and Google Earth can be a tool to fuel question generation. Although students don't have access themselves, teachers can project Google Earth from their computer to serve as a jumping point for a whole class activity or for a teacher-supervised station.

This page was last updated on February 6, 2023