BY SARAH STEELE, CMMC LIBRARIAN CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY Why use GPS in the Classroom?

GPS Defined Global Positioning System (GPS)- a constellation of 27 earth-orbiting satellites (24 in operation and three extras in case one fails) “a GPS”- GPS receiver The U.S. military developed and implemented the network. It was opened to the public in 2000.

How GPS Works Mathematical principle called trilateration or triangulating. gps.htm (2 min. 55 sec.) Source: Assignment Discovery: Global Positioning System This clip from Discovery Channel's "Assignment Discovery" discusses GPS, the Global Positioning System, and how it relates to math. (October, 2008)

Who Uses GPS? Source: Garmin : GPS Beginner’s Guide

Source: Garmin : GPS Beginner’s Guide

What is Geocaching? Welcome to Geocaching: What is Geocaching? Video (1 min. 52 sec.) “Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices.” Search for caches by entering address or zipcode: ex. 1: 712 Cecil Street Durham, NC ex. 2: (NCCU) Source: Geocaching: The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site

Caches near NCCU Source: Geocaching

How is Geocaching useful for students? Facilitates inquiry-based learning Adaptable for any subject area Improves technological proficiency Fosters innovative instruction Increases student motivation

GPS use at Arizona State University Dr. Alice Christie Dr. Christie’s GPS and Geocaching Guide for Educators We’ll look at these links: Steps in Creating a GPS/Geocaching Lesson Middle School: National Parks Lesson High School: Categorizing and Graphing Lesson

Keeping Children Safe During Geocaching Keep children in sight at all times. Each child should have a whistle and ID on lanyard around the neck. Teach child about whistle use. Teach child that if they get lost, they should STAY PUT (in woods) or find ranger (in park). Dress children in bright colors so you can see them easier. Source: Welcome to Geocaching

Geocaching at Campbell University Social Studies Methods students experimented in class with a hunt called Revolutionary Puzzle Cache.Revolutionary Puzzle Cache Assignment: Create their own Geocaching lesson plan, aligned with the NC Standard Course of Study Post lesson plan on the “Integrating Technology SS Program Wikispace.” Solve two of their classmates mystery cache hunts. Source: Sample Lessons for the Classroom ons+for+the+Classroom

Source: NC DPI Geocaching

Online Games/Tools Help Teach Concepts GPS, Latitude, and Longitude GPS: The New Navigation Find Your Longitude GPS Visualizer

GPS Visualizer Source:

Can my library afford these? Source: May 12, 2010www.walmart.com

“Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand.” -Chinese Proverb

Buttons on Garmin eTrex Legend

Pages Satellite PageNavigation Page Trip PageMain PageMap Page

Finding a Waypoint 1. Choose Waypoints 2. Choose By Name Nearest 3. Choose from List When your group finds your cache, remove one Ziploc bag from the container. Hide the cache back exactly where you found it, so that other groups can find it. Bring the Ziploc bag inside and use the clues in the baggie to determine one of the central principles of constructivist learning. We’ll discuss these when the groups return. Ours will say: RED YELLOW BLUE GREEN

Oh the Places you will Go…