Examples: maps, books, software, hardware, CDs, videos

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What is GPS and how doI use it in my classroom?
Based on a PresentationBy Sheryl Crain,
Washington Parish
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What is GPS?

• GPS is funded by and controlled by the US
  Department of Defense (DOD).
• The system was designed for and is operated by
  the U. S. military.
• GPS provides specially coded satellite signals
  that can be processed in a GPS receiver, enabling
  the receiver to compute position, velocity, and
  time.
• Four GPS satellite signals are used to compute
  positions in three dimensions and the time offset
  in the receiver clock.

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How is GPS used?

• Besides being used by the military, GPS is used
  in forestry, biology, fishing, hunting, boating,
  racing, nursing, and many other fields.
• GPS technology can be effectively used in your
  classroom as well.

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How does GPS work?

• A GPS device receives signals from satellites
  orbiting the earth to triangulate your location,
  which will be given as a global address.
• Or, the GPS device can lead you to a previously
  marked location, much like a compass.

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How do I get a GPS receiver?

• They range in price from about 100 to well over
  1,000.
• The West Baton Rouge Parish Technology Department
  has three sets of GPS units containing. Each set
  contains 10 GPS units. WBR Teachers may check
  these out for free!

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What is Geocaching?

• One of the fastest growing new sports.
• Has participants in many countries outside of the
  US and Canada.
• Is a modern day active treasure hunting activity
  that allows you to use GPS and therefore a
  global address to locate a cache.

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What is a cache?
Usually a weather-resistant container such
as Tupperware, Rubbermaid, or surplus ammo box
containing a treasure or clue.
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Are there rules for Geocaching?

• Yes, there are
• 1. Take something from the cache
• 2. Leave something in the cache
• 3. Sign the logbook
• 4. Do not move the cache

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Whats in a cache?

• Logbook
• Trinkets to trade
• Examples maps, books, software, hardware, CDs,
  videos, pictures, coins, tools, games, etc.
• Information sheet that explains the container and
  geocaching, as well as contact information.
• For teachers Clues to a problem or mystery.

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What are the rules?

• Cache contents
• No food
• No weapons (knives, ammunition, explosives)
• No drugs or alcohol
• No adult materials
• No solicitations (business, religious, political)

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Who enforces the rules?

• Geocaching.com
• Controls listing of geocaches worldwide on its
  website.
• Caches are approved by volunteer reviewers.
• Reviewers do not visit the geocache in person as
  part of the approval process.
• Reviewers view the online description,
  coordinates, topo maps, proximity to other
  caches, compliance with known park rules.

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http//www.geocaching.com/
Membership is Free!
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Variations on the game

• Traditional caches
• Multi-caches / Offset caches
• Virtual caches
• Event caches
• Travel bugs

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What do I need to start a Geocache?

• Container(s) with a lid usually plastic and
  waterproof
• At least one GPS device
• Something to put in the cache

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Versions of Geocaching to use in the Classroom

• Scavenger Hunt students take a sealed clue from
  each cache and bring back to a predetermined
  location to open and solve a riddle or mystery
• Content Specific Caches each cache has an
  activity that deals with one particular subject
  area (ex. each cache has a math problem that
  students must solve)

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Classroom, cont.

• Interdisciplinary Cache each cache has
  information or an activity from a different
  subject subject area
• Holiday Themed Cache find Easter Eggs or
  Halloween candy!
• Science/Social Studies Cache each cache is
  actually a tree, plant species (or something
  similar), or landmark that students must identify

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Just Remember

• Take Something (may be physical or a fact)
• Leave Something (usually)
• Do not move the cache