The Amazing Geocaching Race with Core Content

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The Amazing Geocaching Race with Core Content
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High Tech Treasure Hunt Using GPS Geocaching
as Instructional Tools

• Paul Weaver Science Teacher
• Lexington Traditional Magnet School
• http//www.staff.fcps.net/pweaver
• E-mail pweaver_at_fayette.k12.ky.us
• Ideas from Lynn M. Lary, Lane ESD, Eugene, Oregon

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Today

• Learn about Geocaching
• Learn how to use a GPS
• Participate in a Geocache
• Prepare ideas to use in your Geocache lesson for
  school

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Geocaching Overview http//rockyweb.cr.usgs.gov/ou
treach/gps.html
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Geocaching Overviewhttp//t4.jordan.k12.ut.us/tea
cher_resources/Science/gps.html

• GPS Resources for Teachers and Students

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Geocaching Overviewhttp//www.geocaching.com
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Geocaching Defined

• Geocaching is essentially a high tech treasure
  hunt that relies upon the use of GPS technology.
• You can use Geocaching as an instructional tool
  to hook kids into learning about essentially any
  subject by creating community-based caches.

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Going Geocaching
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Whats in a Cache?

• Caches come in many forms but are usually in a
  waterproof container such as Tupperware or ammo
  boxes
• Inside youll usually find a log book, pen and
  official Geocache information
• Plastic bag to keep materials dry
• Prize or collectable, often with a theme
  designated by the person who created the cache
• Travel Bugs (more on this later!)

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Types of Caches

• Traditional
• Multi
• Letterbox Hybrid
• Event
• Mystery or puzzle

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Traditional

• This is the original cache type consisting, at a
  bare minimum, of a container and a log book.
  Coordinates listed are the exact location of the
  cache. If you take an item, leave an item, and
  write in the logbook. Some caches are themed, so
  make sure that you read the description before
  going geocaching.

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Multi

• This cache involves two or more locations with
  the final location being the physical container.
  There are hints at each cache location. An offset
  cache is a location where you go to get hints for
  the actual cache.

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Letterbox Hybrid

• This is a form of treasure hunting using clues
  instead of coordinates. Sometimes coordinates are
  used. Read more about letterboxing at
  http//www.letterboxing.org/ web site.

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Event

• Occasionally, local geocachers and geocaching
  organizations designate a time and location to
  meet and discuss geocaching. After the event the
  caches are archived.

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Mystery or puzzle

• This is the catch-all of cache types. This may
  involve complicated puzzles you will first need
  to solve to determine the coordinates. The
  coordinates listed are not the actual cache
  location but a general reference point. This
  leads to new and unique geocaching challenges.

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Micro Stairway to Heaven
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Grandfathered Cache Types

• Virtual
• Webcam
• Locationless (reverse)
• Earthcache
• http//www.waymarking.com/

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Virtual

• Look and learn about something.
• Skinner Cabin Replica And Applegate Trail Signs,
  Skinner Park, Eugene, Oregon

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Webcam

• Existing web cameras are used to monitor various
  areas (road conditions and parks) and the idea is
  to get yourself in front of the camera to log
  your visit. Webcam caches are now in the
  http//www.waymarking.com/ web site.

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Locationless (Reverse)
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Earthcache

• This is a special place that people can visit to
  learn about a unique geoscience feature or aspect
  of our Earth. Educational notes and details about
  the location (lat and long) are given. More
  information can be found at http//www.earthcache.
  org/.

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Sample Cache Containers
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Unusual Cache Containers
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Dont have a GPS?

• "Locationless" caches are a great way for
  teachers to bring the world into their classroom
  as people from all over assist in the creation of
  a "virtual exhibit."

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What is a GPS Receiver?

• A GPS receiver is a tool for determining your
  exact location on the planet (within a few
  meters)
• Coverage is worldwide
• Problem areas trees, canyons, buildings
• Coordinates are normally given in Longitude and
  Latitude
• You can use the receiver to navigate from your
  current location or to another location
• Easy to use!

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How Does It Work?

• Requires minimum of 3 satellites
• 12 can be received at one time
• Transmitter power- 50 Watts
• Signal travels 186,000 miles per second
• One satellite for time correction
• Improves accuracy

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Who Provides the Information?

• Developed by the Department of Defense
• 24 Satellites
• Altitude of 11,000 miles
• Orbits the Earth every 12 hours
• Transmits signals used to determine exact
• Position
• Velocity
• Time
• Removing SA
• GPS signal degradation (Select Availability) was
  removed by the Clinton Administration May 1st,
  2000. This allowed civilian users of GPS to
  pinpoint locations up to ten times more
  accurately than before.

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Using a Geko 101

• Buttons
• Changing Screens
• Checking Satellite Status
• Navigating to a Location

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Garmin Geko 101 Screen Shots
Compass PageThis screen shows the distance and
direction to your destination while displaying
actual speed and distance traveled beneath the
graphic compass
Mark WayPoint FeatureMark an area along your
journey as a waypoint to easily track and find
important locations.
Map PageSee a breadcrumb trail of where you've
been with waypoints that have been marked along
the path.
PanTrack Page Pan along your track and "go back
in time" to select a location to 'Mark', or
perform a 'TracBack' or 'Direct Go To'.
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Finding your way

• Press the red button on the right.
• Please wait Tracking satellites
• When the satellites are located and being
  tracked, then proceed.
• Press page button (immediately to the right of
  the OK button)
• Press page button until the Compass page appears.
• Press the up or down button until the Location
  (longitude and latitude) is shown.
• Keep the screen on this page for easy use and
  follow the numbers.

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Possible Activities

• Science
• Math
• Language Arts
• Social Studies
• Any topic that you are able to teach

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Which way is it? Its this way. No, its this way.
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Traditional /Letterbox Hybrid Geocache

• N44 05.928 W123 04.489 Shall we have a picnic
  here?
• N44 05.944 W123 04.513 Should we climb it or
  decorate it?

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More locations with hints.

• N44 05.937 W123 04.464
• Look for a structure that could cross over water.
  Over, under, or around?
• N44 05.987 W123 04.460
• Walk along a concrete path until you find three
  metal boxes.

• N44 05.952 W123 04.455
• Whats blue with red springs and makes tipsy
  fun for everyone?
• N44 06.006 W123 04.522
• This place can hold lots of things in the sea
  and on the land.

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Travel Bugs

• Serial Number
• Travel Goals
• Trip Tracking

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Service Learning Ideas

• Trail Mapping
• Wetlands Mapping
• Plant Inventory
• Community Boardwalk Interpretive Signs
• Cemetery Mapping Projects
• River Exploration
• American Red Cross Disaster Plan
• Park Information for Maps
• Geocaching and CITO (Cache In, Trash Out)
• Collecting Data for the State
• Teach each other something

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Your Ideas

• When you have a few moments blog your ideas on
  geocaching!
• http//forums.groundspeak.com/GC/index.php?s7dd6c
  7986e5cb6b76b2e3ccec0127239showtopic86820

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