I am excited to introduce you to my new project idea that I hope will result in some engaging content for our classes. It is collaborative in the same way the Interesting Ways resources are and I will need your help to make it a success.

Elevator Pitch

Using Google Maps.
Maths activities in different places around the world.
One location, one maths topic, one map.
Activities explained in placemarks in Google Maps.
Placemarks geotagged to the maths it refers to. “How wide is this swimming pool?”
Teachers to contribute and share ideas.
Maps can be used as independent tasks or group activities in class.
Maps can be embedded on websites, blogs or wikis.
Tasks to be completed by students and recorded online or offline.

Some background

Four years ago I created Google Earth resources for the classroom and posted them to the GE Community Forum. Two of them were called Maths in Madrid and Maths in Las Vegas. These were based on the fact that there is maths all around us, every day, everywhere we look. Google Earth (and Maps) gives us a great perspective on it all. It also provides easy access for our students to see rich visual content that depicts everyday maths. I have always loved the idea of children seeing the maths they are working on.

The only issue with Google Earth is that it is restrictive in two ways. It is not browser based and it is impossible for me to create a resource for others to collaborate on.

Luckily Google Maps has caught up and using the collaborative features I can now invite other teachers and educators to help build on these resources. It is exciting to return to these old ideas and work on them with you all.

How can you contribute?

Explore the maps below for the ideas already added, follow the links to open them in a new window.
Send me details of which map you want to edit and your Google email address and I will add you as an editor, follow the link from the email invite.
Click on EDIT in the left panel.
Zoom close to the city and it’s surroundings. (Don’t forget Streetview)
Find some TOPIC ideas you can see.
Add a placemark (use the right colour for the age group it is best for – see purple pin)
Explain the activity in the description.
Change the title to show how many ideas there are.
Send out a Tweet or write a blog post to highlight this resource and encourage others to contribute.