GPS++Geocaching

Geocaching

Anderson, Jim Holland & Susan. __Google Earth & GPS Classroom Activities Intermediate Science:Grades 5-8__. Eugene : Visions Technology In Education, 2007. The activity above came from this book! =What is geocaching  http://www.cacheopedia.com/wiki/ =

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 * Geocaching** is a recreational activity using [|GPS receivers] to describe the location of a hidden object using coordinates in [|latitude and longitude], and then challenging other people to use the coordinates to try and locate the hidden object. The hidden object is called a "[|geocache]", and is almost invariably some type of container which holds a [|log book] at the very least, and usually some [|trade items]. Anyone who finds the cache must sign the log book and then replace the cache as they found it. The person also has the option of trading something they brought with them for a trade item from the cache.



Traditional Caches
A traditional cache is the most common type of geocache, described in [|what is geocaching]. It is a container of some sort containing a logbook. The coordinates of the container must be posted in the cache description.

Trading etiquette
Basic trading etiquette expects those who take something to also leave something of their own for others to find. When trading, the item(s) left in the cache should be at least as valuable as the item(s) taken. The total value of the items in a cache should never decrease as a result of a trade. This is sometimes expressed as "Trade up, trade even, or don't trade." While [|dollar store] trinkets are typical, some geocachers prepare for trading with an exceptionally well-stocked cache by carrying a few more expensive items as well. Others simply [|leave cash] on such rare occasions.

Quick Guide to Getting Started
The quickest, easiest way to get started, even without a GPS, is simply go to a cache listing site get a geocache listing. For the purposes of this tutorial, we'll use [|geocaching.com]n the upper right-hand corner of the home page, type in your zipcode. The zipcodes are good for the US, Canada, Britain, and Australia. Then click GO. The resulting page will be a list of all geocaches within 100 miles. The center of this circle of caches is a point determined by the geocaching.com site -- gc.com, for short -- and might not be the closest to //you//. It's a bit more complicated to get the caches closest to your home, but we really don't need to do that to get you started.

A [|GPS receiver] (GPSr) is the most useful piece of equipment that most geocachers will want. A basic GPSr can be purchased new for less than $70 and used models can be found for much less. You'll use your GPSr to find the general location of the cache listed on the cache description page on geocaching.com A good GPSr can be found at a Super Wal-mart or your local sporting goods store. You don't need one with all the bells and whistles, and you definitely don't need street-navigation features for geocaching. Often, the least expensive GPSr will suffice. Aside from batteries for your GPSr, anything else you need for geocaching is pretty much determined by what you want to DO with geocaching.

Stretch and Enjoy the Trip
**Geocaching websites:** []

**Official geocaching.com logo!** **Buy some travel bugs on Geocaching.com**

=**Basic Background Information can be found on Brain Pop and You Tube... Excellent resources**= On Brain Pop. 1. Latitude and Longitude 2. GPS Help! We're Lost On You Tube 1. How GPS systems work 2. Geocaching 101 On Teacher Tube 1. Using GPS and Geocaching in Education Awesome choice!
 * Suggested beginnings before geocaching. Written by Mary Frazier, Buhler DITS.**

=Events: Dillon Nature Center GPS Geocaching April 7, 2009 Grades 5 and 6.= The activity: Mary Frazier created our geocaching actiivity: Geocaching Bingo. It is filled with many SKILLS including use of coordinates in our world: latitude, longitude, photography, recording, completing a math problem and working together as a team and communication within the team.

When the groups of children and leaders gathered at Dillon Nature Center two sheets were given to each group. One as above and one with all the coordinates given as below. These were our blank worksheets.

=Caches= The caches were created by Mrs. Gilley and Mrs. Stambaugh. It was called "Mystery Number." The teachers made up ten math problems. The math problems were places in plastic containers along with a sign off sheet. There was ten caches in all. Students had to solve the math problem and sign off on the sheet, after finding the cache. They also placed their answers to the problems on the above Bingo sheet. The curriculum connections during this geocache involved the following: math, science, technology, and geography. As a follow up activity students wrote reflections about their geocaching experiences using pages. Each reflection required a picture that was taken during the activity.

=Some suggested followup activities.= Instructions: Students go to Inspiration. (Students will have a color copy of the Dillon Nature Center map.) Make a mind map of the following: 1. At least 4 things you learned about Dillon Nature Center that you did not know before. 2. At least 4 things you learned about GPS geocaching. 3. At least 4 things you would like to know about Dillon Nature Center. 4. At least 4 thiings you want to know about geo caching.
 * Teacher enters follow-up activity on class wiki or blog.**

Some of the things I would include in my assignment. Things I would like to learn at DNC: 1. Learn names of trails. 2. Study the labeled trees in the summer and fall seasons. Some of the things I learned today about DNC: It has 2 ponds connected by a stream, Trees are labeled on trails. Beautiful waterfalls. Lots of practical rules for fishing at Dillon Nature Center.


 * Teacher prepares a grid of coordinates on paper, promethean flip chart or technology of choice: Have kids MOVE according to coordinates given**. Kids need more practice and individual instruction.


 * Teacher prepares a practice of GPS skills of** moving correct direction or either numbers going up or down to reach location. This would be done individually in as simple a place as possible right outside of the building. My original idea was to do this in the hallways at school but cannot reach the satellites from inside the building. Kids could also create this exercise for others to do.

=**Evaluation thoughts by teachers and students about the April 7 GPS activity at DNC**= Great things we saw: Excitement, enthusiasm, new learning, groups working together and communicating. Organization was evident and it was a well planned activity. We saw more use of how to use GPS systems. Loved the use of digital cameras by students! Good to have various jobs within groups. WELL organzed, One adult leader good in each group. Dillon Nature Center was the BEST place for this activity. Beautiful nature place! Good idea to have each group be assigned a different cache to find first! A neat surprise : TRAVEL BUGS and a lesson on travel bugs by Mary Frazier. Brand new learning for me!! Changes we might consider: Less caches for time alloted. We had 10 plus the bonus travel bug in time of 1 hour and 20 minutes and even less with instructions given and cards and GPS's passed out. We may have had too many caches for the age or inexperience of our learners. Have a few easy caches to begin with right around the outside of the building. Maybe these might not even count in the bingo but be part of the PRACTICE. Work in small places such as Obee school to begin with for working with GPS. Perhaps a hands on "test" before geocaching: Pre test skills of individuals to prove knowledge in coordinates and moving to make the numbers move up or down to get to correct coordinate.

The Easter Egg Hunt was an excellent simple beginning with each child having a partner. Each child had their own coordinates to find ONE Easter egg intended for them! Filled with candy of course! This is an EXCELLENT beginning activity..make it small to begin. It does not have to be Eggs, it can be anything! The idea is to start small! =O Coordinates at Obee=

N 38 03.569 W 97 50. 95

This is what we hope the kids see and understand!
 * Coming soon!! April 30, 2009 GPS culminating activity!**



Further plans for this year: **GPS celebrates "real life" .** A panel of guests witll be brought in for a quick rotation with 4 classes. The speakers would speak on the application of GPS systems in their work. Ideas for workers include: Farmers, Surveyors, Military uses, and Families and GPS systems in cars. I am calling this event **GPS FOR REAL!**

This is my favorite photo I took at Obee School during Geocaching activity!

Check out You Tube for geocaching videos.. Here is one called Geocaching 101 []
 * More background information**:

Teacher Tube has some great educational videos on geocaching.This one good for elementary and perhaps more! [] []
 * A great Blog on Geocaching!**

Steps to get ready for geocaching: Part of docuement is not shown on this page. Go to website to get full instructions! []

= = =GPS for Real pictures April 30, 2009 Geo Event at Obee School, A TRC school=



















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