Educational technologies such as Google Earth have the potential to increase student learning and participation in geoscience classrooms. However, little has been written about tying the use of such software with effective assessment. To maximize Google Earth's learning potential for students, educators need to craft appropriate, research-based objectives, utilize engaging student-centered learning techniques, and directly assess student learning. Several example activities are included to suggest how Google Earth-based geoscience lessons can be created and still maintain measurable learning outcomes.