Niskayuna Central Schools
Iroquois & Van Antwerp Middle Schools
Niskayuna, New York
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School District School Location
Niskayuna Central Schools Iroquois & Van Antwerp Middle Schools Niskayuna, New York
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Baughman
Principal Mr. Anthony Brandone
Teacher Carol LaRow
Tools Used: Google Earth WEB, Chrome Browser, Docs, Apple iMovie
Project Title - Using Google Earth To Teach An Historical Novel
Project Title - Using Google Earth To Teach An Historical Novel
This historical novel is about a family living in Connecticut during the time of the American Revolution. They must face the consequences of the war when it reaches their community. The story is told through the eyes of the younger son, Tim Meeker.
My Brother Sam is Dead
My Brother Sam is Dead
by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier
This Google Earth project can be used as a complete lesson to teach the novel. It follows the story and characters, chapter by chapter. Click on the placemarker pins to open windows that contain discussion questions, written by Carol LaRow's 7th grade students, which can be used in class to arrive at the meaning and theme of the novel. Each link contains chapter summaries and additional WEB resources, which help students understand the time period of the American Revolution.
Don't miss the links at the bottom of the KMZ file which contain additional resources, links to the Library of Congress, and primary source documents, webquests, and online games for learning about the revolution and Colonial Times. There are also suggested activities and projects for students to use as culminating activities.
View and download chapter questions and additional resources. See links below.
If you have difficulty opening the project, click here. This link goes to the same file and plays in the "new"version of Google Earth.
LINK to file that plays in Google Earth WEB
(plays in a browser)
Play or download Podcast
Directions For Lesson - Download PDF file
Culminating Activities
And Projects
with searchable text
can download PDF
Sample Student Reflection
Essay - Google Docs
sample way for students to use Google Docs
links to Google Drive where students write online
Sample Peer Editing Form - Students Collaborate on
Writing Skills
sample way for students to use Forms as peer editors
link to Google Form for peer editing assignment
Follow along chapter by chapter as Google Earth shows you where the action of the novel took place.
Click on the placemarkers and use the discussion questions written by our 7th grade students. Each placemarker has additional resources and links to the WEB.
Then, use the bottom of the Google Earth tour/project for links to a separate webpage entitled, "Additional Resources," for additional photos, links to primary source documents, suggested culminating activities, and more.
Lesson Overview Includes: Essential questions, Lesson Outcomes, Activities, Assessments, Resources and Materials
Please write us and let us know how you used this lesson. Email: larowc@gmail.com
Additional resources can be found at Carol's webpage: http://www.carollarow.org
Note: This lesson is best used chapter by chapter. You can "fly" the lesson, but it is designed to open each placemarker as you read each chapter and discuss the chapter questions with students, "whole class." Students can also use this lesson on their own, asynchronously, or in small collaborative groups.
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