Google Earth Tours
You will be creating video documentaries on human impact in Google Earth. You have to pick a country that we have studied this year and find at least 3 places where humans have affected or changed the geography. An example could be dams or irrigation to reroute water away from natural rivers. Then, you will create placemarks in Google Earth (more info below) and record a tour. Your video will be shown to the class and posted online.
Step 1
Choose a Country
You may choose any 1 country that we have studied this year. Your choices include:
- Bangladesh
- India
- Pakistan
- Bhutan
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
- Ukraine
- North Korea
- South Korea
- China
- Mongolia
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Cambodia
- Myanmar
- Egypt
- Israel
- Syria
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- Kuwait
- Iraq
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Other countries/regions possibly approved in discussion with Mr. Ramsey.
Step 2
Find Your Places
Google Earth is a realistic 3D model of the earth. You need to find 3 landmarks in the country. For each landmark, you have to write 1 paragraph (5 sentences or more) explaining why it is important, how humans modified the natural geography, and how it impacts life in the region.
The landmarks need to meet the following requirements:
- All of the landmarks have been affected or modified by humans.
- All of the landmarks have a significant impact on the lives of people in the local area or the larger country.
- Each landmark should be accompanied by a paragraph explaining its significance.
- Each landmark should have a picture or video to help people understand its significance.
- Each landmark should have a website link where people can find more information.
Step 3
Create and Organize Your Tour
Create your 3 placemarks and organize them in the order you will view them on your tour. The video below demonstrates how to do so.
You will need this document to add a placemark with a picture.
Step 4
Record Your Narrated Tour
Record audio narration as you go through your tour. The video below demonstrates how to do this.
Make you audio tour and save it from Jason Bedell on Vimeo.
Step 5
Save Your Tour
The video in the previous step shows you how to save the file. Right-click on your tour and click Save place as… Save it as Period-Lastname-Country.kmz. For example, if I’m in Mr. Ramsey’s 3rd period, I would save it as 3-Bedell-Peru.kmz. Turn it in to Mr. Ramsey on his drop box.
Example of a Finished Project
Japan Tour from Jason Bedell on Vimeo.
Grading Rubric
This rubric explains what to do to get a B. If you get 5 (the best) in every column, you will get at least a B+. If you want an A, pick an area and go above and beyond. You have several days to complete the project. If you want an A, do something outstanding beyond what is required. Be creative.
| 5 | 3 | 1 | |
| Placemarks | You have 3 placemarks. They all have a full paragraph that explains the significance of the landmark, a picture or video that helps people to understand the landmark, and a link to a good website to help people learn more. | You have 3 placemarks. At least 2 have a full paragraph that explains the significance of the landmark, a picture or video that helps people to understand the landmark, and a link to a good website to help people learn more. | You have less than 3 placemarks. Some may be missing the paragraph, the visual, or the link. |
| Human Impact Explanation | For all placemarks, a full paragraph is included that explains how the landmarks was affected by humans and how it influences the daily life in the region. | For all placemarks, a full paragraph is included, but at times it may not fully explore how humans have changed the landmark or how it affects life in the region. | The paragraph explanation tends to include either how the landmark affects daily life or how humans have changed it. Both sides are not discussed in every placemark. |
| Picture | All 3 visuals included are eye-catching and help the viewer to remember the landmark and to better understand why it’s important. | At least 2 if the visuals included are eye-catching and help the viewer to remember the landmark and to better understand why it’s important. | As a whole, the visuals chosen do not add much to the presentation or they are distracting. |
| Links | There are useful links chosen for each landmark. They provide further information beyond what was included to help people learn more. It also clearly shows that you did not plagiarize. | There are links provided for all 3 landmarks. They demonstrate that you did not plagiarize but overall do not help the learner to understand much beyond what was presented in the tour. | You either plagiarized or did not include links to the information. |
| Audio Narration | The audio narration is not read; it includes other details that help the user to better understand the country. | The audio narration helps auditory learners, but includes few extra details than the placemarks. The presentation is read fluidly without unnecessary pauses. | The audio narration includes no details that are not in the placemarks and does not add much to the user’s understanding. |
Planned Schedule
- Wednesday: We will go over the requirements, demonstrate how to add placemarks, watch a sample documentary, and give you time to practice with Google Earth.
- Thursday: You should complete at least your first 2 placemarks in Google Earth, complete with paragraph, picture, and website link.
- Friday: You should have completed all 3 of your placemarks in Google Earth. If you do so with extra time, you can start recording.
- Monday: You should complete recording the audio tour and turn in your final tour to Mr. Ramsey on his drop-box.
- Tuesday: We will watch each other’s tours.
