Your first step is to download the Google Earth program to your computer. Direct your browser to http://earth.google.com and click the Download Google Earth X.X. Agree to the terms of service and your download will begin. The first thing you download is the .exe program that will download and install Google Earth. Click on the "Run" or "Open" buttons on the pop up box. There are two programs that will download. One is over 10 MB and the other is more than 9 MB. Depending on your internet connection, the download process may take a few minutes...but it's worth it!
Once the program is downloaded and installed, it is ready to use. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet when you use Google Earth. Double Click the Google Earth icon on your desktop or start menu to open Google Earth.
Using Google Earth to enhance your child's homeschooling experience is relatively easy. Geography and Social Science (Social Studies) lessons can be greatly enhanced with the use of Google Earth. Google Earth has the capability of searching for abstract key words such as "active volcanoes" and will find these items on the map of the globe.
In the top left-hand corner of Google Earth, there is a search box labeled "fly to..." Use this to search out your requested criteria. Whether it is "lumber mills", "coldest place on earth", or another less abstract search such as the name of a location, Google Earth will surprise you with the results.
Google Earth's relationship with Wikipedia, YouTube and other companies and websites enables them to attach all kinds of information to locations. This is one of the most powerful features that Google Earth can boast. Use the "Layers" function display or not display these resources on the map.
Google Earth is an awesome resource to use in conjunction with other resources. It allows the student to type in a location or other criteria, then Google Earth will "fly" you down to that location, allowing the user to visualize exactly where that place is on earth.
Your child should still develop the skill sets to be able to research using an encyclopedia or world atlas. Google Earth will definitely be more efficient, more current, and more fun, so have your child do comparisons or use Google Earth as a supplement after these other resources are used.