Google Earth

      
(NOTE: Google Earth Version 4.3 became available while this tutorial was being created.  The images shared in this tutorial pertain to version 4.2, the same version currently installed on FCPS networks.  If you download the newer version on a home or personal computer you may notice some subtle changes and upgrades.)

The best way to learn how to use Google Earth, is to use Google Earth.  If you need help getting started with the basic tools, there is a built in "tour" of the program at http://www.google.com/earth/tour.html.  This page is full of video tutorials, but all come from YouTube and therefore may be blocked when previewed on an FCPS networked computer. 

Also available from Google is the Google Earth User's Guide: http://earth.google.com/userguide/v4/

And the Google Earth Users Group: http://groups.google.com/group/earth-help

A simple tutorial is also available from FCPS Tech Services: http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcnfpdkh_37hhkttqcj

For an introductory lesson in PowerPoint click here: http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dcnfpdkh_21f3f4sjf2
or watch it in the screen widget below...

 Mike H's Google Tip #8:
Don't reinvent the globe.  That's right, there are tons of resources available for teachers who use Google Earth, so before you start to create a lesson, check at one of these sites first:

Google Earth for Educators
Google Earth Lessons
Google Earth for Earth Science
Google Earth for Teachers

Mike H's Google Tip #7:
It's there, it's all there, you just have to know where to look.  Or, when to look.  Google Earth uses several different outside vendors and suppliers of satellite images with this application.  This means that images can be anywhere from three minutes to three years old.  As a result, they will be of varying qualities and from different times of the year. 

Want to try out a "tour"?  Right click on the "Seven Summits.kmz" file below and choose "Save Target As".  Save the file to your desktop, then open the file from Google Earth.  The tour will appear with the seven summits mapped out on the earth with links, pictures, and even videos.