Rationale

You may be asking yourself how Google Earth can be used to enhance literature-based projects. A Lit trip is a term to describe an activity that uses Google Earth to enhance literature.    Google Earth is one tool to aid in the creation a digital and dynmic book reports.  Google Earth provides a digital representation of the Earth and Sky, and allows users to zoom in on specific locations based on latitude and longitude or physical address.  It is loaded with other features to enhance comprehension of the story. Using Google Earth students can:

• add placemarks and create chapter summaries
  
• use image and video links to assist in visualization of the setting, geography, and vocabulary
  
• use website links to provide supplemental information about the setting
  
• view maps of specific locations to observe terrain, buildings, and landforms

Google Earth brings the Earth into the classroom to enhance comprehension of a story and supports an interactive learning environment. Students work collaborative to develop summaries, use resources locate specific information, and engage in discussions. Google Lit trips can be saved and emailed, providing a means to share a creative, digital book report.