GEOCACHING: HUNTING FOR KNOWLEDGE

CHARICE L. THOMASPROPEL 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 subjectsImproves technical proficiencyIncreases student motivationInnovative teaching

Creating a CacheComplex – 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 CacheOut of plain sightAway 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: ElementaryGrade: 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 StrinePurchased at retailer (i.e. Best Buy)Mobile Phone could be used

Googleearth.com

Last ThingIn addition to its benefits as an instructional tool,

GeoCaching provides 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.comhttp://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