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GEOCACHING: HUNTING FOR KNOWLEDGE. CHARICE L. THOMAS PROPEL HOMESTEAD CTHOMAS@PROPELSCHOOLS.ORG. What is GeoCaching ?. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS (global positioning system) devices .
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GEOCACHING: HUNTING FOR KNOWLEDGE CHARICE L. THOMAS PROPEL HOMESTEAD CTHOMAS@PROPELSCHOOLS.ORG
What is GeoCaching? • Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS (global positioning system) devices. • Caches are objects hidden according to latitude and longitude of location. Most of them have a log book and an object. They can be hidden very well. Some may ask the finder to take something or leave something. • After the hunt, locations and experience are updated on the geocaching website.
Why use geocaching? • Inquiry-based learning ??? • Suitable for all subjects • Improves technical proficiency • Increases student motivation • Innovative teaching
Creating a Cache • Complex – waterproof container, log book, pen or pencil, items relevant to content or theme • Intermediate – make it a scavenger hunt in which they have to find a point and answer content questions (i.e. Homestead history hunt) • Simple – small film canister with a number on it
Hiding the Cache • Out of plain sight • Away from major highways and automobile traffic • Do not change the area (i.e. pulling plants or trees) • Most important: Lock in the points of your spot • Official caches: go to GeoCaching website for more instruction
Integration: Elementary • Grade: 1 • Subject: Language Arts • Title: Caching with Wolves • Description: This multi-cache hunt reinforces the study of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. Students practice story sequencing and writing. • How it works: Caches 1-5: Each cache contains index cards with an event from the story on one side and a set of coordinates on the other. Students must choose which event is next and use the corresponding coordinates. Only the correct choice will lead to the next cache.
Elementary, cont. • Cache 6: Contains several flow charts. Each chart contains the title of a fairy tale. Students complete the chart using the perspective of a different character (ex. the wicked stepmother in Cinderella). When they return to the classroom, they will word process the first draft of their story.
Integration: Middle School • Middle School Grades: 6-8 • Subject: Math • Title: Math Cache • Description: In this multi-cache hunt students will practice their math skills and document their experience using a digital camera. Each cache corresponds to a “level” in the game. Ideally, this activity is done at a scenic outdoor location (ex. hiking trail, community park). • How it works: Students are divided into teams of three and will compete to reach the Level Five cache. Each team is given a set of coordinates that corresponds to a Level One cache. Each cache requires them to solve a math problem, choosing one of two possible answers provided by the teacher. A correct answer moves them to the next level. An incorrect answer moves them back. The first group to get to a Level Five cache wins.
Middle School, cont. • Each member of the team has a job. • The “navigator” operates the GPS unit. • The “notetaker” records the answers to the problems. • The “photographer” documents the experience and scenic locations.
Integration: High School • Grade: 11 • Subject: English • Title: A Class Act • Description: Students create and track a class cache through geocache.com. • How it works: Students fill the cache with items that are meaningful to them. Instead of signing the log book, finders are required to leave a favorite literary quotation or aphorism. Students track the “finds” on geocache.com and eventually review and discuss the quotes that are written in the log book.
GPS & Google Earth • Obtained by contacting Matt Strine • Purchased at retailer (i.e. Best Buy) • Mobile Phone could be used • Googleearth.com
Last Thing • In addition to its benefits as an instructional tool, GeoCachingprovides solid opportunities for team-building, physical activity and community exploration. • Be as creative as you want in your classrooms and make a hunt out of it, your students will love it! • Source: • www.geocaching.com • http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/hmcconnell-3768-geocaching-use-classroom-final-education-ppt-powerpoint/ • http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?s= • http://www.todayscacher.com/2004/dec/caches2.asp