Are you looking for an engaging way to teach social studies? If you have just a textbook or lack materials, virtual field trips are an amazing way to bring history to life!
New to Virtual Field Trips?
A virtual field trip is an interactive way for students to learn and explore places and geographic features of the world. If done right, a virtual field trip provides an opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning, adds in cross-curricular subjects, and provides a means of critical thinking and discussion. A virtual field trip is more than just an online website or video cam. Students are provided an opportunity to dig deeper into the content. You can learn more about using virtual field trips here.
If you are new to virtual field trips, I'd love to give you access to my Ancient Egypt Virtual Field Trip. This VFT explores the Valley of the Kings where archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered King Tutankhamen's tomb!
The best part is the work is done!
I've designed this digital activity for Google Slides, so that you can assign this to your students in Google Classroom, but this is also compatible with other learning platforms. All of the instructions and links are built into this activity, so this virtual field trip is completely set up and ready to go. Yay!
This virtual field trip includes informational text to build background knowledge and has built-in clickable links for students to tour various sites around the Valley of the Kings. Technology today is pretty amazing, and the 360-degree views in Google Earth™ provide an opportunity for students to explore and take ownership in their learning.
As well, this virtual field trip includes a link to a short video from an archaeologist studying the tombs. This is a great way for students to hear from different voices and perspectives.
Before exploring each burial site, students will locate the specific tomb on the site map using the correct code. Students will drag and drop a star icon to pinpoint the location on the map.
Throughout this virtual trip, students will answer critical thinking questions. I have made all of these editable so that you can tailor the questions to better fit your student needs. These short answer questions are a great way to keep students accountable for their learning while providing an opportunity to use critical thinking skills. A grading rubric is also included for you.
What is Google Earth™?
Let me just say this program is amazing! Teachers continually tell me that their students love exploring Google Earth™! This free program renders 3D representations of the Earth using satellite images. Your students will be able to view cities and landscapes up-close and personal from various angles through the technology of satellite images, aerial photography, and GIS data onto a 3D globe.
There are many fantastic images and panoramic views on Google Earth™, but it can become overwhelming. I've taken the time to incorporate specific links to places that are most meaningful and have the best panoramic views for students.
Google Earth™ can be easily accessed on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. If using a desktop, the main thing to remember is to use Chrome as the browser. If using a tablet or smartphone, download the free Google Earth™ app. All of the navigation features are accessible on both versions.
Ready to check it out? Here's your access to get started! If you are looking for a different virtual field trip, check out the entire collection of history and geography trips in my shop.
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