Google Earth Virtual Field Trip

Here is the first virtual field trip I have made with Google Earth.
Instructions on how to view:

1. Click on "Here" above, then download the .kmz file from the ge.tt site.
2. Make sure you have downloaded and installed Google Earth before opening the downloaded .kmz file.
3. When you open the file and successfully start the program, make sure to close the tips that pop up, then click on the little triangle to the left of "Geography Trip" folder on the far left side of the program's window. 
4. Double click on "UCAES!" to read the directions and start your adventure!

This virtual field trip will introduce my students to the basic geography of the earth as well as the potential of the Google Earth application. Specifically, it will familiarize them with terms like hemispheres, equator, latitude, longitude and prime meridian. They will also learn some interesting facts about each of 7 continents including where they are located and something they are well known for. They will learn unique tools in Google Earth, such as weather, historical imagery, and ruler.

Aside from the above learning outcomes, my students (or anyone who views this) will develop a broader view of our world, which will help them not take their home for granted (especially when compared with Antarctica's weather). This virtual field trip will help students learn to appreciate the unique highlights found on each of the continents, and hopefully interest them in finding out more about a specific continent and/or country. Plus, just using Google Earth is fun and engaging. You can't help but move the world around, playing with it like ball. I'm sure students will 'accidentally' come across things around the world that will fascinate them and distract them from the tasks just because the scenery is so amazing in the app. Hopefully they will see how our earth is similar in its geographical features, and be inspired to keep it beautiful and inhabitable.

By learning about our continents and interacting with Google Earth, my students will develop their respectful mind. They will understand the world and their place in it better. They will value the variety of scenery, history and culture around the globe and acknowledge how different theirs is from others. They will also develop their ethical mind by seeing their place in the world, and that even though they only take up a small space, they are responsible for doing their best to preserve and improve that space. Hopefully they will discover this by thinking about how everyone in the world, with that same healthy mindset, will help maintain a wonderful, beautiful place to live.