Google Expedition Lessons For Math

I've been interested in using Google Expeditions in the math class but I really didn't know where to start.  I've seen expeditions for most every subject but Math so its a matter of starting from scratch.

The other day, I stumbled across a website by Kathi Smith that has several Math based Google Expeditions.

The lesson plans range from grades 3 to 12 and the topics range from pyramids to volume of recycling materials to the New York Transit system. Each lesson plan has the title, standards, worksheets and everything needed to carry out the lessons including the Google Expedition.

From another website by Sheil Spiel, talked about using Google Expeditions in a Geometry class.  Use the Expedition of Machu Picchu to discuss the geometric characteristics of the attraction while exploring the area. Then have students calculate the angle of elevation from the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Big Ben in London introducing both via High Points of Europe:Tour of the Towers.  This requires students to do a bit of research to find their heights and use the height plus distance and right triangles to find the elevation.

I took time to check out Expeditions that directly deal with math and there are several.

AR based Expeditions.
1.  Geometry : Types of triangles explores right, acute, obtuse, isosceles, and equilateral triangles.

2. Math in Structures which looks at the Pyramids, Chichen Itza, Eiffel Tower, Spider Web, and Honeycomb.

3. Probability covers rolling a dice, flipping coins, cards, bingo, and the lottery.

4. Rotation and axis which is on the seesaw, baseball, rotational orbit vs spin, and flight dynamics.

VR based Expeditions

For any of these, it would be looking at the mathematical application based on which expedition you wanted to do.  For instance, you might show one on the art of Egypt as a way of introducing the thirds rule for bodies.  Or look at the Leaning Tower of Pisa to introduce cylinders in real life.  These virtual ones are more about whats.

One thing I discovered while researching this topic is something called Google Arts and Culture where they look at artwork in galleries.  The cool thing is they have a bunch of artwork that falls under the topic of math.  This section looks at mathematical applications in art including symmetry, tessellations, perspective, grids, fractions, proportions, rotations, shapes, and the golden ratio.

The first page shows the paintings but if you click on the painting, another page comes up with the picture and provides more detail on the painting itself from size to general information about the topic of the painting.  Something new I can add to my repertoire for teaching come fall.

Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.