Take your students around the world to learn about 7 different communities. Using a combination of Google Earth™ 360-degree views, informational text, video, and visuals, your students will learn about various characteristics, physical geographic factors, cultural ideas and practices, and so much more.
 
This virtual field trip covers:
:: What is a community?
:: 5 types of communities
:: 3 physical structural types (urban, suburban, rural)
:: Your community
:: (1) South America (Yanomami)
:: Way of life (hunting & gathering, societal structure)
:: Language and spirituality
:: Land ownership (outside contact, deforestation)
:: (2) The Arctic (Sámi)
:: Traditional ways of life
:: Spirituality
:: Outside conflict and modernization
:: Anthem and flag significance
:: (3) South Africa (Zulu)
:: Geographic factors
:: Cultural backgrounds
:: Apartheid and Nelson Mandela
:: Impact of housing zones
:: KwaZulu-Natal climate and landscape
:: Zulu ways of life (homes, societal structure, clothing)
:: Dancing and stick fighting
:: Spirituality
:: (4) Scotland (Ecovillage)
:: Sustainable community living
:: Ecovillage structure
:: Ways of life (shared facilities, eco-friendly living)
:: Misconceptions
:: (5) Middle East (22 Arab Nations)
:: Geographic factors
:: Culture & misconceptions
:: Family significance
:: Food & Celebrations
:: Clothing (keffiyeh)
:: (6) Australia (Aboriginal peoples)
:: Geographic factors and climate
:: First inhabitants (ways of life, outside contact)
:: Great Victoria Desert
:: Uluru and spiritual significance (Ayers Rock)
:: (7) Japan
:: Geographic factors and population
:: Traditional homes and city apartments
:: Ways of life (cuisine, customs, holidays)
:: Spirituality
 
This Virtual Field Trip Includes:
:: Informational Text (build background knowledge)
:: Response Questions (EDITABLE)
:: Google Earth™ Links to 360-degree views
:: Video Links
:: Grading Rubric
:: Everything is set up in Google Slides & ready to go!
 
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How it Works:
This virtual field trip can be conducted teacher-led or shared with students through Google Classroom as an independent assignment. Everything is set up for you. This resource is LOW PREP and would even make great sub plans. Student directions are found within the lesson, and direct links are included to specific Google Earth™ locations and videos. All work is completed digitally. No printing necessary.
 
Structure:
This virtual field trip is structured. This means that the informational text and links are meaningful and are meant to lead students to think critically as they respond to the questions throughout the virtual field trip. This is also a great way to keep students accountable as they learn and explore. All response questions are EDITABLE, so you can tailor to your class needs. Students complete this activity in edit mode of Google Slides.
 
Standards Alignment:
:: Common Core Standards for Reading Informational Text
:: New York Grade 3 Communities of the World Social Studies Standards
:: Can be used as a cross-curricular activity as it fits many different standards
 
Grading Rubric:
A grading rubric is included which assesses: accuracy, thoroughness, validity, and writing conventions. Answers will vary throughout, as students are recording their observations and findings. Map skills answer key is provided.
 
Technology:
Please note that students will need to access Google Earth™ to complete this assignment. Google Earth™ can be accessed on a desktop using Chrome as the browser. If using a tablet or smartphone, simply download the Google Earth App before starting the virtual field trip. Your students will also need access to YouTube to view the video clips. Video clips are editable.
 
If you have questions, feel free to reach out prior to purchasing. Looking for another virtual field trip that you don’t see? Let me know! I can be reached directly by email at: michellemcdonald9515@gmail.com
 
Thank you!
Michelle McDonald, B.A.E.
Social Studies Education, K-12
Elementary Education K-8
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Connect with Me:
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