North Fondy Physical Education

GPS stands for: –Global Positioning System Satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit around the Earth by the U.S. Department of Defense –Satellites are 12,000 miles from earth’s surface The GPS receivers connect with the satellites to give us our position on Earth’s surface –Position based on latitude and longitude –Latitude = the angular distance, in degrees, minutes, and seconds of a point north or south of the Equator. (Horizontal lines) –Longitude = the angular distance, in degrees, minutes, and seconds, of a point east or west of the Prime Meridian. (Vertical lines) GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. What is GPS?

ACCURACY Today’s GPS receivers we can get as close as three meters (9 feet) of accuracy. The GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. With distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the user's position and display it on the unit's electronic map. SIGNAL ERROR You want to have a clear view for your GPS to receive and transmit signal Buildings, rock formations, trees, etc can all have an effect on the accuracy of your GPS reading How accurate is a GPS receiver?

GPS was originally intended for military applications, but later became available for civilian use Ways in which GPS is used? –Military –Airplanes –Boaters / Fishing –Vehicle navigation –Tracking stolen vehicles –Locating cell phones in lost/injured person –Surveying land –Agriculture –Hunting, fishing, canoeing, biking, camping –GEOCACHING How is GPS used?

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching –An outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a GPS receiver to hide-and-seek containers called caches Cache –A typical cache is a small waterproof container (usually a tupperware or ammo box) containing a logbook and/or “treasure” Microcache –A small container (film canister) containing only a logbook Geocaching.com –Website devoted to geocaching, providing information on all the caches around the world Waypoint –Locations where a cache is hidden, identified by latitude and longitude –Waypoints can be saved, stored, and found utilizing your GPS unit What is Geocaching?

Geocaching: From the Web to the Woods

Geocaching & Physical Activity go Hand-in-Hand –An outdoor adventure-based activity that can involve various forms of physical movement, including: Walking Running Biking Canoeing Kayaking Hiking Rock climbing Geocaching & Physical Activity

Safety First! During searches around Horace Mann, microcaches have been placed in areas that should be easy to access. Keep your eyes open for trees, puddles, uneven ground and other hazards. PLAY FAIR! Teams are not allowed to sabotage other teams by moving caches, stealing clues, etc. Good sportsmanship is required! ALL MICROCACHES AND CLUES MUST BE PUT BACK IN THE EXACT SPOT IN WHICH THEY WERE FOUND! Teams are not allowed to ask other teams or previous classes for help or hints. Make sure you have found the correct CACHE. The waypoint # on your GPS should match the cache # written on the top of the lid of the cache. When you are done with all of your quests, turn in the appropriate worksheets to Mr. Kolbe. Geocaching Rules & Guidelines

There are Nine Geocache locations right here in North Fond du lac! –Link to Map: Geocache of North Fond du LacGeocache of North Fond du Lac We will be attempting to find 3-4 Geocaches locations in town! –It is important that when we search and find these geocaches, that you do not give away and hints or tips to students in other classes! There are Hundreds more just in the Fond du Lac area and thousands more across the state of Wisconsin! Geocaching in North Fond du Lac

How can I get further involved in Geocaching? –Geocaching.comGeocaching.com Buying a GPS –Garmin (E-Trex) –Magellan –Lowrance Where to Buy a GPS –Cabelas –Gander Mountain –Scheels –Craigs List How much will it cost? –Handheld GPS systems can cost anywhere from about $85 to $500 depending upon the model, functions and capabilities of the unit Interested further in Geocaching?