Activity #1: Google Earth Investigation
Materials: None
STEP 1: You’re now going to turn your attention to where you live—Yap—and take a closer look at the land, ocean, and human impact around you. We’ll start by using Google Earth to explore the island in detail. Although you’ve used Google Earth before in this class, the videos below will serve as a quick refresher on how to explore in 2D and 3D, switch views, and use the timelapse feature to track environmental changes over time. Watch these carefully before beginning your investigation. Watch the video below and complete the summary in your workbook.
STEP 2: Open Google Earth and search for Yap, Micronesia. Start by using both the 2D and 3D views to closely inspect the island. Zoom in and tilt the view to explore forests, reefs, villages, shorelines, and roads. Then, click on the Timelapse icon (the clock symbol on the left panel) to observe how Yap has changed over time.
In your workbook, respond to the following prompts. Be as detailed as possible—this is your chance to apply everything we’ve explored in class to the place you live.
- Biodiversity check: What kinds of ecosystems do you see in Yap? Where might biodiversity be highest? What clues helped you decide?
- Human footprint: Where do you notice signs of human impact like development, roads, cleared land, or pollution? Has this changed over time?
- Natural barriers: Are there areas where the terrain (reefs, hills, remote forest) might isolate species or protect ecosystems?
- Timelapse reflection: What changes do you notice over time? Are there patterns of erosion, growth, deforestation, or reef bleaching?
- Local connection: Based on what you observed, what is one real environmental issue affecting Yap’s biodiversity? Why is it important?