Google Earth

Another great technology tool that I recommend using to increase your students' motivation and retention is Google Earth.  There are so many ways to use Google Earth in the classroom because of the numerous features it contains.  The way that I have used it in my social studies classes is having the students create tours based on movements of generals and their armies in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War.  Using the "Turn Back the Clock" feature, you can change the time period from present to the time period being studyied which makes it even more realistic.  Students love working in groups to create the tours and are able to better grasp strategies that the generals had to come up with when fighting in those important wars that took place on American soil.  Go to http://earth.google.com to download Google Earth and start using it in your classroom today!