map-sampler


 * A Sampler of Downloadable Maps for Google Earth** - You may click on the links In the list below to download the map. The maps are [|kml] or [|kmz] (zipped kml) files which open with //Google Earth//. The purpose of this list is to get teachers started with //Google Earth//. It is recommended that teachers use these files in teacher-led instruction rather than student use in the computer labs. This is because Google Earth is an application which requires a powerful computer (for 3D graphics) and a fast network connection (for maps and layers). In a lab setting where Google Earth is running on multiple computers, the performance of the application will be significantly slower - especially when multiple layers are turned on. Sources of kml/kmz files in this sampler are: | [|Google Earth Hacks] | [|Google Earth Lessons] | [|Real World Math] | [|Google Earth Gallery] | [|Google Earth Community] | [|Google Earth Blog] | [|Google Lit Trips] |


 * Sidebar** - The **Sidebar** (left side of screen) has three main parts: **|  Search | Places | Layers |**
 * **Search** - is further divided into three options: Fly To | Find Businesses | Directions
 * **Places** - Information about the [|placemarks] appear in the **Places** section of the **Sidebar**. To save a copy of a map, drag it from **Temporary Places** into **My Places**; then, use the **File** menu and choose **Save My Places**.
 * **Layers** - This content is created by Google or its content partners. Google publishes the content you see in the **Layers** panel. Tip: turn off layers which are aren't using for better performance. Examples of layers which are useful for classroom activities are:
 * Borders and Labels
 * Weather
 * Gallery (open this folder and check only the one(s) you need)


 * Examples of Good Maps**
 * Social Studies
 * Ancient History
 * [|Ancient_Egypt.kmz]: This file is mostly placemarks to help identify locations.
 * [|Ancient_Greek_Regions.kmz]: This files has an overlay map of Ancient Greece. To change the opacity of the overlay map, click once on [Ancient Greek Regions] in **Places**; then, use the **Edit** menu and choose **Get Info**. Adjust with the **Transparency** slider.
 * [|Ancient_Rome.kmz]: This includes about 50 placemarks as well as a map overlay of Imperial Rome (350 AD).
 * American History
 * [|Civil_War_Battlefields.kmz] and [|Civil_War_by_Campaign.kmz]: These two files display Civil War battlefields. The second file takes it a step further by organizing the battles by campaign.
 * [|Lewis_and_Clark.kmz]: Follow the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806) to the west coast. It includes the path, links to the website as well as an overlay map of the Louisiana Purchase (1803).
 * World Cultures
 * [|LGG_World_Capitals.kmz] and [|Top 100 cities.kmz]: These two files include major cities of the world. The maps are not identical; try them both if you're interested.
 * UNHCR - The UN Refugee Agency - //Bird's Eye View of a Refugee's World//: [|web page] | kml file - [|UNHCR_Google_Project.kml]
 * //Crisis in Darfur:// one of the Layers in Google Earth | See also, [|explanation from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum]
 * Science
 * Earth Science
 * [|A Virtual Tour of the 1906 Earthquake]: This link takes you to the USGS site where there are several different kml/kmz files to study the San Francisco earthquake in depth.
 * Bio Sci
 * [|Avian_flu.kml] - The Spread of Avian Flu: This map includes placemarks and links to data about the avian flu in humans as well as animals.
 * Space Science
 * In //Google Earth//, use the **View** menu and choose **Switch to Sky** to see [|astronomy-related topics].
 * ELA
 * Visit the [|Google Lit Trips] site and click on Downloads for more than a dozen Google Earth kml/kmz files to support novels which are commonly used in schools. Titles which fit middle school include: //My Brother Sam is Dead//, //The Slave Dancer//, //Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants//, and //Macbeth//. Before you try the Google Earth files, spend time exploring the site for additional items such as podcasts by the educators who created these journeys.
 * Math
 * At [|realworldmath.org], you will find lessons for Google Earth organized into four different categories: **Concept | Project-Based Learning | Measurement Lessons | Exploratory**. Check out the site for the lesson plans as well as connections with NCTM standards.
 * Other
 * Music
 * [|Beatles Map] - The Long and Winding Road Map
 * [|mappamusica] - a mashup to discover music
 * Tech Ed
 * Download [|Google SketchUp] (it's free) and discover how to make 3D models which can be used with Google Earth. Tip: (1) Fly to New York, NY, (2) Turn on Layers > 3D Buildings, (3) Zoom in to Manhattan.
 * In //Google Earth//, use the **Tools** menu and choose **Enter Flight Simulator** to use the [|built-in flight simulator].