Google Earth and Sketch Up

While exploring around Google Earth, I discovered Sketch Up, which used to be a part of Google, but as of April 2012 is now part of Trimble (but still maintains Google Earth support).  Sketch Up is a 3-D modeling platform, allowing users to create 3-D models of architectural designs, floorplans, products, packaging, and so on.  Taken together with Google Earth, there are many educational implications, as I learned about in this video:

This could be used in many different subject areas: foreign language classes, social studies, technology classes, and math classes.  

Activity idea:

Groups of students research a building or landmark in the country or region that they are studying.  This could be as open as the teacher wants to make it: for example, in a Spanish class, the students could choose from landmarks in Mexico, Central or South America, or Spain.  After conducting a study of the history of the building or landmark, students will view it on Google Earth, and take a Sightseeing tour.  Finally, students will explore Sketch Up, and make a 3-D model of part or all of the building or landmark.

AASL Standards addressed: 

1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools to access information and pursue inquiry.

1.2.3 Demonstrate creativity by using multiple resources and formats.

3.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use, and assess.

3.1.5 Connect learning to community issues. (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

Common Core Standards addressed: 

CC6-8WH/SS/S/TS6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently. (History, social science, and technical subjects, grades 6-8)

CC9-10WH/SS/S/T6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically. (History, social science, and technical subjects, grades 9-10)