Geocaching

=**Geocaching in the Classroom**=
 * S. Brooks and S. Wise,**
 * Technology Integration Specialists, Lexington School District One**

What is Geocaching?
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What Do You Need to Geocache?
Communicates with global positioning system Utilizes Coordinates: longitude and latitude Geocaching requires a GPS unit to find the hidden caches.
 * Containers and a GPS unit
 * A GPS unit:**

Why Geocaching?
Adventure Movement in the classroom Mapping Geography History Math-distances, grids, estimating Problem solving Higher level thinking Integrates with any subject area

Travel Bugs
A trackable item that moves from place to place and you can track its progress online. Purchase tracking number/dog tags and attach to your item. Travel Bugs in the Classroom
 * Decide on a class goal of where you want the travel bug to end up or accomplish:
 * Track Favorite children's books of whoever moves it.
 * Visit all 50 states
 * Visit Civil War/Revolutionary War sites
 * Global or cross country journey - class researches where it travels
 * World Release - Email several travel bugs to participating geocachers overseas - which one gets home the fastest traveled the farthest (start - finish vs total).
 * School mascot - meet other school mascots

Geocaching in the Classroom:
Cache in Trash Out - Connect to Recycling Find caches near field trip sites. Map out "unofficial" caches on your school property: - Review Questions - Jigsaw information found - combine your info with other caches found to match information - Each cache provides a question or challenge that leads to the next cache Scavenger Hunt for SC Symbols on campus Architecture/history hunt in town Drawing shapes using coordinates in a field Time Capsule to hide for end of year/next year advice. Hide cache on school grounds and register with geocaching.com for others to find. Hide and then Jigsaw questions and answers for any topic Golf Ball Math (source: Educaching.com) Working as a team/cooperation Puzzle/multi-stage caches- answer questions hidden at coordinates to determine next coordinates to visit Story elements in order (5-6 caches) Three Little Pigs - what happens next, go to the coordinates that are next to their answer. Fairy Tale - Cache 1 -find together, inside is name of a fairy tale. Each group selects one slip of paper with coordinates (teacher prepared 5 different locations each with a different character's name). Student writes the fairy tale from that character's point of view. Types of Rocks Scavenger Hunt Write own "treasure hunt" story.

Get more ideas:
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Making Your Own Cache

 * Waterproof container
 * Logbook (if permanent cache)
 * Pen/pencil
 * Item about your class (or instructions/questions for your students if local cache)
 * No food, perishables, weapons, etc...

Hiding Your Own Cache

 * Get permission (if permanent cache)
 * Hide in a low traffic area
 * Using GPS, determine/mark your location.