Geocaching: Let’s go on a Treasure Hunt The sport where YOU are the search engine! Mary Beth Hengelbrok

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 Magellan are the most popular Can download cache info into the receiver if it is 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 – Search by city, zip code, state, driving route, etc. (I usually search by zip code ) 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 Resource for lesson plans, how-to CD $32.00 Also includes ideas for grant writing

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Other Information Discovery Education Geocaching Day May 30 th Podcachers Geocaching List Serv (For teachers)Geocaching List Serv

Want to find out more? : For all your geocaching needs A site for beginners: m m