Google Maps Measuring Tools - Great for Math (..and History and English Language Arts)

Today through Richard Byrne I discovered some new cool features with Google Maps.  Now, I'm sure most of you are utilizing your Google Earth application all the time when referring to a geographical location ;0).  However, Google Maps is also a great tool for maps.  Since you already are using your laptop top device as your main teacher tool, you can have Google Maps bookmarked and ready to go when your ready to display a map or two that refers to you current content or topic (in what ever subject you are in).

Here's what's new with Google Maps:

Google maps has measuring tools (great for Math, History, English Language Arts).  You have to activate this feature in Google Maps.  Locate Maps Labs at the bottom of the Google Maps site, as indicated in the image below.  From there you can activate or deactivate some extra features that Maps has to offer.  One of them is the Measuring Tool.

Once you click on the "ruler" icon (image below), you will have a drop-down menu of measurements to choose from.

The Google Maps Measuring Tools now offers over 50 unique measuring units from American Football Field to Egyptian Royal Cubit.  This is a great way to use measuring in a unique and fun way; and depending on the subject can put a better understanding on distance throughout history or historical literature.  For more info from Richard Byrne go to Free Technology for Teachers: Getting Geeky With Google Maps Measurements:

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