CHARICE L. THOMAS PROPEL HOMESTEAD

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 subjects Improves technical proficiency Increases student motivation Innovative teaching

Creating a Cache Complex – 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 Cache Out of plain sight Away 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: Elementary Grade: 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 Strine Purchased at retailer (i.e. Best Buy) Mobile Phone could be used Googleearth.com

Last Thing In 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: geocaching-use-classroom-final-education-ppt-powerpoint/ geocaching-use-classroom-final-education-ppt-powerpoint/