Modified Lesson Plan

I reviewed and modified a 3rd grade social studies lesson plan about geography and spatial patterns of a certain city or place.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/03/g68/hometown.html
To enhance technology and improve the lesson plan i suggest that instead of using map print outs the students use Internet resources such as google earth and online maps to mark and track spatial patterns of their hometowns. Using these online resources will enhance efficiency because instead of students dealing with numerous print out maps students will have one map to scroll along and find everything they need. They will be able to change the size and dimensions of the map which will allow them to see the information they need for the lesson. They will also be able to bookmark sites and locations that they want to use so they can track and identify spatial patterns more easily. Using online resources instead of print out maps will increase student effectiveness or comprehension as well. By seeing the actual city or 'real data' students will pick up patterns more easily and connect better to the lesson. Using google earth will also enhance the lesson plan by creating a learning experience that would not be possible without technology and the Internet. With google earth students will be able to see the actual business and streets that they are finding spacial patterns for. It will bring their hometown to life without leaving the classroom. By seeing the actual town through online maps and google earth students will be able to find patterns more easily than if they were to use print out maps.