Google is more than just a search engine. It’s packed with hidden surprises called Easter Eggs! These fun, interactive tricks can engage students, spark curiosity, and add excitement to learning. Let’s explore some of Google’s best Easter Eggs and how you can use them in your K-12 classroom.
What Are Google Easter Eggs?
Google Easter Eggs are hidden features, animations, or mini-games embedded in Google Search, Google Assistant, and other Google products. They provide a fun way to explore technology while encouraging students to experiment with different search functions.
Engaging Google Easter Eggs for the Classroom
Here are some of the best Google Easter Eggs and how they can be integrated into your lessons:
1. “Do a Barrel Roll”
- Try it: Type “do a barrel roll” into Google Search. This will cause the entire search results page to rotate 360 degrees, mimicking a barrel roll maneuver.
- Classroom Connection: Use it as a quick brain break or to discuss motion and rotation in physics class.
2. “Askew”
- Try it: Type “askew” into Google Search. The search engine will tilt the screen for you.
- Classroom Connection: A fun way to introduce students to optical illusions and angles in math.
3. Google Gravity
- Try it: Visit Google Gravity. The Google logo and buttons fall to the bottom of the page. Click and drag the logo or buttons to move them around the screen.
- Classroom Connection: Explore gravity and physics principles by watching search elements fall to the bottom of the screen.
4. “Pac-Man” Doodle Game
- Try it: Search “Pac-Man” and click on the game.
- Classroom Connection: Introduce students to early video games and discuss game design elements in STEM lessons.
5. “Google in 1998”
- Try it: Search “Google in 1998.” The website will transform into the design Google had 15 years ago when the company first launched.
- Classroom Connection: Use this to discuss the evolution of technology and how search engines have changed over time.
6. “Flip a Coin” and “Roll a Die”
- Try it: Type “flip a coin” or “roll a die” into Google Search.
- Classroom Connection: Use for probability lessons in math or decision-making activities.
7. Google Assistant Fun
- Try it: Ask Google Assistant “Tell me a joke” or “Sing me a song.” Say “OK Google” or “Hey Google” to activate Google Assistant
- Classroom Connection: Use these interactions to introduce AI and voice recognition technology to students.
8. Animal Sounds
- Try it: Search “animal sounds.”
- Classroom Connection: Great for younger students learning about different animals and their habitats.
9. Snake Game
- Try it: Search “Snake” and play the classic game. In the game, you guide a snake around a screen to eat apples without hitting walls.
- Classroom Connection: Discuss the history of early video games and let students experience a simple, engaging game from the past.
10. Block Breaker
- Try it: Search “Block Breaker.” Tap “Play” to load the game. This is Google’s most recent easter egg.
- Classroom Connection: Introduce students to the history of arcade games and discuss how physics plays a role in game mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Google Easter Eggs are a fun and engaging way to integrate technology into your classroom. Whether you use them as interactive learning tools, conversation starters, or just for a bit of fun, they can make lessons more dynamic and engaging for students. . In addition, be sure to check out these Google experiments.
Have you tried any Google Easter Eggs in your classroom? Share your favorites in the comments!
Factual: “Why do leaves change color in the fall?”
Conceptual: “What would happen if the sun never set?”
Creative: “If you could invent a new planet, what would it look like?”
