Module 2 Web Tools Project

     Googling: The act of searching the internet for information. However I have been Googling or exploring all Google has to offer in terms of web tools to be used in class.  Module 2 is based on tools that allow teachers and students to create something for class.  I have previously used Google Scholar, Maps & Blogger.
      One large part of Google are the use of Docs, well for those who haven't used Docs in a while you will now have to download Google Drive- which works the same but replaces Docs. I feel I have only scratched the surface of the usefulness of Docs.  You can use them with students to share assignments between teacher and student, as well as student and student.  When these Docs are shared there is an editing tool so students can continuously upload data or make comments as needed.  You can also see others typing right on the document as they edit (in different colors)!  I think the use of Google Docs will be easier to use versus having to attach files to emails or having paper trails, however the issue that I'm stuck on is if I want a student to be able to type in a document (ie notes or data sheet) I will have to convert word/PDF files to Google Docs in order to do so... I foresee a lot of time involved in this.
     A second part I've explored is Google Forms.  These are found under Drive and work like a Doc.  You can create surveys for your students that automatically record data in a spreadsheet that you can leave as a datasheet or create into tables/graphs.
     The third component and focus of my Module 2 Project is Google Maps/Google Earth.  I'm sure many of  us have played around with Maps for locations and directions and Earth to find our house and 3-D tours. With Google Maps you can login and create your own maps.  I immediately thought of a project that I do with Earth Science of locations of volcanoes/earthquakes and relationships to plate boundaries.  They end up creating a paper globe of this information, but how cool would it be to have all of this information in an electronic format where pictures and much more information can be added.  Playing around with Google Earth I created a globe with volcanoes and earthquakes mapped.  Using latitude and longitude from a few websites I mapped out several locations.  And also did you know that Google Earth, through USGS, has an additional layer you can download from their website that shows recent earthquakes and plate boundaries. So I mapped these too.  Below is a screenshot of my Google Earth with one volcano and one earthquake that I located, about 6 other recent earthquakes that USGS mapped, and plate boundaries.

Student Instructions for Globe Project:
1)  Open up Google Earth from your desktop.  You may need to download if you have not previously used Google Earth.  Go to http://www.google.com/earth/index.html for download.

2)  Login using your gmail account.

3) You will collect latitude and longitude points for 10 volcanoes and 10 earthquakes.  Along with lat/long you need to also record name, date, magnitude (for earthquakes), and type (for volcanoes)
You may create a spreadsheet of this information or enter the information into Google Earth as you go. 
Volcano Locations:  http://www.volcano.si.edu/world/volcano.cfm?vnum=0608-01=
Earthquake Locations: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/

4)  In Google Earth locate the placemark tool (looks like a thumbtack) on the upper bar.  Click on the tool to add in the specific lat/long of either your volcano or earthquake.  Name it, change the icon to either a volcano or blue waves, and add date, magnitude or type in the description box.  You may also add an image to correspond to the location if you would like.

5)  Continue until you have 20 locations mapped.  Now time for Plate Boundaries.  Go to http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kml.php and click on Real-Time Earthquakes to download.  Ta-da!  Plate boundaries as well as at least 30 recent earthquakes will appear as a layer on your map.

6)  Observe the relationship between plate boundaries and the location of volcanoes and earthquakes.  For interpretation of the boundaries see your teacher for a reference map for convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries around the world.

7)  Write a one page essay describing the relationship between the locations of volcanoes and earthquakes.  Make sure to describe why they may be located at a certain place and how this occurs.

8) To turn in this project 'Share' with the Google Earth Community. I will have set up a folder for our class you can turn in your globe to.  For your essay also 'Share' as a Google Doc under Drive with me.  Make me an editor please so I can add comments.