Geogle Maps: google maps as an educational tool for geosciences

Abstract

Geosciences are an area of knowledge not very detailed in basic education and, therefore, some mistakes are still made when trying to explain phenomena related to this science. The Geogle Maps project was created in order to encourage the teaching and popularization of Geosciences using a device that is accessible to the majority of the population, the smartphone. An Instagram page was created to show examples of how the Google Maps and Google Earth apps, compatible with almost all cell phones, can assist in teaching Geosciences. Satellite images make it possible to observe, for example, tectonic plate boundaries. The 3D view allows the characterization of different reliefs. Street View allows observation of smaller features, such as sedimentary, igneous, brittle and ductile structures. There are several possibilities and the project encourage the reader to seek other ways to use applications in the teaching of Geosciences.