Geocaching: Let's go on a Treasure Hunt!

Geocaching: Let’s go on aTreasure Hunt! Mary Beth Hengelbrok http://mhengelbrok.wikispaces.com/geocaching The sport where YOU are the search engine

A high-tech treasure hunt
Need a GPS
Seek a cache based on latitude and longitude coordinates
This is not just a teaching tool, it’s a lifetime activity.
What is Geocaching?

Global Positioning System
Approx: $100-$500
Garmin and Magellan are the most popular
Can download cache
Info into the receiver if it is properly equipped
iPhones
Groundspeak App $10
GPS

Using three satellites, you should be able to determine your exact position through trilateration.
Some variables include:
Trees
Buildings
Atmospheric Interference, etc.
*A typical hand held receiver gets within 5-15 feet.
How Does It Work?

Build an account on
www.geocaching.com
Search by city, zip code, state, driving route, etc.
(I usually search by zip code--16506)
Record the latitude and longitude coordinates and read the hints!
How do I find a cache?

Sign the log book
Trade items—Take something, leave something
Look for travel bugs and geocoins
Be sure to put the cache back in the same place you found it with the appropriate amount of camouflage.
When you find the cache…

Get as close to the location as you can.
Insert the coordinates into the GPS.
Follow the compass until it gets to 0-10 feet.
Use your “geosense” to find the cache.
Then what?

What am I looking for?

Travel Bugs

Geocoins Collectable and Tradable Items

Take a bag that includes:
GPS
First Aid kit/bug spray
Pen/Pencil
Swag/Tradable items
Compass
‘ Survival Guide’

Muggles: Those who are not geocachers. You must be careful to be stealthy around them! TFTC: Thanks for the Cache TFTF: Thanks for the Find TNLN: Took Nothing Left Nothing Some ‘Lingo’

Reading latitude and longitude
Map skills
Using a compass
Can add a research component
Cross-curricular connections
Letterboxing Hybrid
Educational Benefits

http://www.educaching.com/
Resource for lesson plans, how-to CD
$32.00
Also includes ideas for
grant writing
Educaching

www.geocaching.com : For all your geocaching needs A site for beginners: http://www.factsfacts.com/geocacher.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocaching Want to find out more?

Other Books For Your Library

PAECT list of resources - including GIS software
Caching Teacher Blog
Podcachers
Geocaching List Serv (for teachers)
Dr. Christie’s Guide for Educators
Other Information

Google Earth & GPS
Elementary and Secondary Versions
$34.95
Lesson Plans and blackline masters
Science U.S. History/ Geography

Thank You to Bridget Belardi [email_address] [email_address]

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Geocaching: Let's go on a Treasure Hunt!

by mbhengelbrok on Aug 01, 2009

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Geocaching: Let’s go on a Treasure Hunt! — Presentation Transcript