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Connect with Curriculum through Geocaching. Mary Beth Hengelbrok Educational Technology Integrator IU #5. Today’s Agenda. Welcome Geo What? Talk the Talk Latitude and Longitude Getting Started Additional Resources. Geo What?. High- tech treasure hunt
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Connect with Curriculum through Geocaching Mary Beth Hengelbrok Educational Technology Integrator IU #5
Today’s Agenda Welcome Geo What? Talk the Talk Latitude and Longitude Getting Started Additional Resources
Geo What? High- tech treasure hunt Find the treasure using latitude and longitude GPS device needed
Founder of the First Geocache Dave Ulmer Dave with original stash tribute plaque http://www.pdxgeocaching.com/dave/dave.htm video clip of first geocache, or click on picture to watch (Need DivX codex to watch video) Image from: www.groundspeak.com
How does GPS Work? • The (GPS) is actually a constellation of 27 Earth-orbiting satellites (24 in operation and three extras in case one fails). The U.S. military developed this satellite network as a military navigation system, but soon opened it up to everybody else. • Each of these 3,000- to 4,000-pound solar-powered satellites circles the globe at about 12,000 miles (19,300 km), making two complete rotations every day. The orbits are arranged so that at any time, anywhere on Earth, there are at least four satellites "visible" in the sky.
(click on image to watch video) Video found at Discovery Education NASA and Discovery Education. (2008).NASA at 50: 1994: GPS Satellite Constellation Completed [Full Video]. Available from http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
Talk the Talk • Geocache- Hidden container • GPS= Global Positioning System • Waypoint – Reference point for a physical location • Muggle – a Non-geocacher • CITO – Cache In Trash Out • TFYC – Thanks For The Cache • DNF – Did Not Find • http://www.geocaching.com/about/glossary/ • aspx#geocache
What is a Geocache? Hidden container – owner recorded the GPS location Smallest – Contains a logbook Larger – Logbook plus trade items What am I Looking for?
Dr. Alice Christie's Podcast http://www.alicechristie.org/geocaching/ podcast/index.html
Found the Treasure….Now What? Sign the Logbook Trade items If you take something, you leave something. Look for travel bugs and geocoins Put the cache back Log the find (or DNF)
Let’s Get Started Create an account at http://www.geocaching.com Search Try searching by your zip code first Record latitude and longitude. Review the hints! Follow the compass until you get to 0 -15 feet. Use your “geosense” to find the treasure. What am I looking for?
Five Steps to Get Your Classroom Geocaching Create a Standard Geocaching Kit Create Classroom Experts Get a Bird’s Eye View You Don’t Need to Stay on the Published Path 5. Geocaching is a Team Activity
Determine What Your Students Should Learn • Guide Student Learning About the Larger World • Make Abstract Concepts Real • Help Students Improve Logic and Problem Solving Skills • Practice Community Etiquette and Promote Small Group • Work Online • Provide a Focus for Writing and Art Assignments
Educate Your Fellow Educators • Math Teachers : make abstract concepts real and relevant • Science Teachers: give shape to inquiries into the natural world • Language Arts Teachers: use geocache logbooks and online posts to give focus to student writing • Social Studies Teachers: use trackable items to help students explore other cultures • Physical Education Teachers: promote outdoor adventure • Art Teachers: guide student projects via the creation and release of travel bugs and signature items
Latitude and Longitude Map Interactive Activity Latitude and Longitude Finder Student Resources
Tech Coach Resources Finding a Geocache http://wasdtechcoach.wikispaces.com/ file/view/Geocaching.pdf Garmin eTrex http://wasdtechcoach.wikispaces.com/ file/view/GPSGarminTips.pdf
Need More Info? Geocaching’s Official Web Site – http://www.geocaching.com Beginner’s Guide – http://www.factsfacts.com/geocacher.htm Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching