Did you know that Google is more than just a search engine?  Many of Google's features are accessible without "signing in".  However to access services such a Google Docs, Google Mail, Google sites etc., you will need to create an account with Google.  All you will need is a current e-mail address or you can create a Gmail account.

For a listing of available Google products, go to http://www.google.com/options/index.html

Google Books

Over over one million public domain titles free for download.

Available on many mobile devices including iPod touches at http://books.google.com/m

Google Earth

http://earth.google.com

Google Earth is a free program that you can download from Google.  Using it, you can see satellite views of towns, cities, streets and even your own home.

Once installed, you can:

• Fly from space to your neighborhood. Type in an address and zoom right in.
• Search for schools, parks, restaurants, and hotels. Get driving directions.
• Tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings.
• Save and share your searches and favorites. Even add your own annotations.

Here's a good activity to try with your students.  Plan a tour.

Google News Timeline

Using Timeline, users can search on a topic and will be shown a history of articles, photographs and videos arranged by date, week, month or year. Users can also refine the search to specific magazines, newspapers or blogs.

http://newstimeline.googlelabs.com/

Google Notebook is a very useful tool for gathering clips, information, URLs, and notes to yourself as you are conducting research; with or without the browser plug-in, you can organize information, export to Google Docs, and share and collaborate on your notebook with others. 

Google Gadgets