den geocaching 09

Geocaching:

The sport where YOUare the search engine

Bridget Belardibridgetbelardi@gmail.com

What is Geocaching?

• A high-tech treasure hunt

• Need a GPS

• Seek a cache based on latitude and longitude coordinates

• This is not just a teaching tool, it’s a lifetime activity.

GPS

• Global Positioning System• Approx: $100-$500 • Garmin and Magellanare the most popular• Can download cacheinfo into the receiver if itis properly equipped• iPhones• Groundspeak App $10

How Does It Work?

• Using three satellites, you should be able to determine your exact position.

• Some variables include:– Trees– Buildings– Atmospheric Interference, etc.

*A typical hand held receiver gets within 5-15 feet.

What am I looking for?

How do I find a cache?

• Build an account on – www.geocaching.com

Search by city, zip code, state, driving route, etc.

(I usually search by zip code--15017)

Record the latitude and longitude coordinates and read the hints!

Then what?

• Get as close to the location as you can.

• Insert the coordinates into the GPS.

• Follow the compass until it gets to 0-10 feet.

• Use your “geosense” to find the cache.

When you find the cache…

• Sign the log book

• Trade items—Take something, leave something

• Look for travel bugs and geocoins

• Be sure to put the cache back in the same place you found it with the appropriate amount of camouflage.

Extras

• Travel Bugs

Geocoins

• Collectable and tradable items

Some “lingo”

• Muggles: Those who are not geocachers. You must be careful to be stealthy around them!

• TFTC: Thanks for the Cache

• TFTF: Thanks for the Find

• TNLN: Took Nothing Left Nothing

“Survival” Guide

• Take a bag that includes– GPS– First Aid kit/bug spray– Pen/Pencil– Swag/Tradable items– Compass

Educational Benefits

• Reading latitude and longitude

• Map skills

• Using a compass

• Can add a research component

• Cross-curricular connections

• Letterboxing Hybrid

Educaching

• http://www.educaching.com/

• Resource for lesson plans, how-to CD

• $32.00

• Also includes ideas for

grant writing

Other Books For Your Library

Other Information

• Discovery Education Geocaching Day May 30th

• Podcachers

• Geocaching List Serv (For teachers)

Want to find out more?

www.geocaching.com : For all your geocaching needs

A site for beginners: http://www.factsfacts.com/geocacher.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching