Week Three: Lesson Two

Lesson: Google Earth research

Objective: Students will be able to expand on their prior background knowledge about biomes
by researching online, using Google Earth. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge
through note taking, using the app Evernote and drawing using the app iPaint.
Common Core Standards/Content Standards:
Content Standards: History-Social Science
4.1 Students demonstrate an understanding of the physical and human geographic features that
define places and regions in California
Common Core Standards: Science
Life Science
3. Living organisms depend on one another and on their environment for survival. As a basis
for understanding this concept:
3.a. Students know ecosystems can be characterized by their living and nonliving components.
3.b. Students know that in any particular environment, some kinds of plants and animals survive
well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all.
Common Core Standards: Language Arts
Writing Standards: Research to Build and Present Knowledge
7. Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a
topic.
8. Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital
sources; take notes, paraphrase, and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.
Common Core Standards: Visual Arts
5.3 Construct diagrams, maps, graphs, timelines, and illustrations to communicate ideas or tell a story
about a historical event.
Technology Standards
3.Research and information fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
a. plan strategies to guide inquiry
b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of
sources and media
c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
d. process data and report results
5. Digital citizenship
Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and
ethical behavior.
a. advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
b. exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and
productivity
6. Technology operations and concepts
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
a. understand and use technology systems
b. select and use applications effectively and productively
Materials:
Computer
SmartBoard
http://www.google.com/earth/
iPad
Evernote app
iPaint app
Overhead Projector

Lesson Preparation: Please turn on the SmartBoard, computer and Overhead Projector. Once
everything is up and running please open up the following website http://www.google.com/earth/
(students will be using this website and taking notes). I would explore the website first so you know what
to show students and demonstrate how to navigate around the website. Please grab all iPads from the
back crate, turn them on, open up the app Evernote and place them on each students desk. The number
on the back will correspond with the number on each students name tag.
Anticipatory Set: Has anyone ever been to the Amazon? (No student will raise their hand). How
about the Sahara desert? Well if you have never been to these places, how do you know what
they look like? How do you know what animals and plants live there? (Students should answer
by saying research online, by typing in a name we are able to see pictures that other people have
posted). Well today, you will be able to explore all the biomes, from just the click of your mouse.
We will be using this website today (display on the board Google Earth).

Guided Instruction: For about five or so minutes, explore the website and show students how
they can use their notes and type in any location and be able to get a up front view of the biome
(it will be as if you are right there, with never having to leave the classroom). Today you will
explore each biome and take notes using the Evernote app and you will draw what each biome
looks using the iPaint app (no need to go over this app, students are familiar with the app). Pay
special attention to the colors, surroundings and geographic images (trees, rocks, mountains,
etc.). Now if there are no questions, please grab your iPads and get ready to walk over to the
computer lab (please dismiss students according to table groups).
Independent Activity: While in the computer lab, students will be using the Evernote app to
gather notes about each biome and draw a small picture of what each biome looks like in real
life, using their iPaint app. Students should focus on the details and focus on distinct features for
each biome. Allow students to work for 35-50 minutes (depending on timing). Once complete,
please have students save their Evernote notes and iPaint drawings and walk back to class (walk
back as a group please).
Student Work/Outcome: Students will be assessed on their individual work in the computer
lab. Students will be monitored throughout their research and I will be asking students questions
while they are working to check for understanding. At the end of this lesson, students will know
how to navigate the website Google Earth, learn how to draw each biome and know how to
research information online. Students notes will not be graded at this time; they will graded at a
later time.