Eclectic Technology

Do you "want to extend the concepts of the math curriculum beyond the pages of the text?" This site uses Google Earth as a "dynamic tool that will be used to accomplish this. Google Earth provides startling clear satellite views of the globe in an interactive 3D environment. Beyond the visual, users can add placemarks, annotations, photos, and models, as well as measure distances and draw paths."
Check out this site for "lesson ideas, examples, and downloads for mathematics that embrace active learning, constructivism, and project-based learning while remaining true to the standards. The initial focus will be for grades 5 and up, but teachers of younger students may be able to find some uses or inspiration from the site. Higher level thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and creativity are encouraged as well as technology skills and social learning. The core of this site is mathematics, but many lessons lend themselves to interdisciplinary activities also."

The Surui tribe, native to Brazil's Rondonia state, released a detailed cultural map of their ancestral lands, embedded into Google Earth.

“These days you can’t separate talking about culture from talking about technology, there’s no separation between these things,” Chief Almir Surui told Mashable. “You also can’t talk about sustainable development seperated from technology.”

In June 2007 Chief Almir proposed a partnership with Googlea documentary, 'Trading Bows and Arrows for Laptops: Carbon and Culture,' shares the relationship between the tribe and Google Earth. 

Have you thought about using Google Earth in your classroom? This Google Presentation provides a wide range of activities that may inspire you to make use of this tool.