Google Tools for Elementary Students
Google "Cheat Sheet"- has most of the info we are covering in class in a quick "reminder" format.
If you find great tools or ideas that you think we could all use, feel free to add them to this page by clicking on the "Edit" button and using the login "contracosta." Teachers are their own best resource!
Google has also created a whole section devoted to educators. Visit it at http://www.google.com/educators/index.html
Download the handout for the class here:
Great Google Tricks.doc
Personalized Home Page
You can make Google your home page, and make it reflect your personality! There are tons of widgets and doodads to use, including calendars, news, weather, pictures, quotes, games... All you need to do it set up a Google account by going to google.com
Google Search Features
Google is most useful when you know the ways to search effectively. Below are posters and handouts you can use on your own or with your class to remind them of the searching tools available. Google also has several nifty little tools built into its search page, like "define:" to get definitions of a word, conversions for money and measurements, a calculator function, and quick ways to find basic information. You can use the homepage for your searches and use Boolean terms, or you can click on the "Advanced Search" link to search without having to know as many tricks.
Search_nblachman.pdf
CribSheet.Search3.pdf
poster_search_tips_final.pdf
Tips_Tricks_85x11[1].pdf
google_adv_search.doc
Google Maps
Google maps allows you to get a map of an area or directions from one place to another. You can choose a traditional map, a satellite view, or a hybrid. Below are links to some lessons that use Google Maps. Who knew you could use Google Maps for something more than finding directions?!
To access Google Maps, go to the Google homepage and click on "Maps."
Take a tour of Google Maps.
Google Maps Directions:
Maps_JCescalante[1].pdf
Sample Lessons
Google Earth
Google Earth allows you to take a 3-D trip around the world. The application has to be downloaded to the computer (check with your district about policies on downloading applications if you have trouble,) but once it's on, sail away! Below is a "Cheat Sheet" with tips on using Google Earth, as well as other tools to use with Google Earth.
Download the application here.
Want to go even further? Try Google Moon!
Google Docs and Spreadsheets
Google Docs and Spreadsheets allows you to store documents online and share them with others. For example, if your grade level is working on a newsletter, create it in Google Docs, and everyone can access and edit it from anywhere. No more saving to a thumb drive. Or, to use it with students, set up Google accounts for each student, and it won't matter which computer they started writing on- they can access it from any computer, at school or at home.
Access it here: docs.google.com
Google Notebooks
Google Notebooks allows you to clip text, images, and whole pages from the web, and organize them so you can access them from any computer. As a teacher, you can use this to find pages at home and access them again at school. For students, this allows them to organize notetaking or other online resources and access them at home and from any computer at school.
Access it and download the extension at: google.com/notebooks
Take a Tour
I've looked for tips and tricks, lesson plans, and activities using Google Notebooks, but without much success. If you find any or come up with any of your own, add them here.
Google Discussion Groups
CribSheet.Groups2[1].pdf
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