Geocaching in the Classroom
Geocaching is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.
In order to start geocaching, the class must first go to the geocaching website (www.geocaching.com) to locate a cache near the school, or somewhere within walking distance. If there are no caches near the school, the teacher can plant one in a location for the children to find and register it online so it is an official cache. Once the class finds a cache or plants a cache, they need to print off the information page on the cache. On this page, it will have clues for what you are looking for, as well as the GPS coordinates of the cache. It is important to know that the cache can be located 10 or more feet from where the GPS location directs them.
Prior to going to explore for the cache, the children need to be given GPS location devices so they can either plug in the location of the cache or track their location and direct themselves in the direction they need to go in order to find the cache. Finding a cache usually works best when the children are in groups of 2-4 students so they can all gain the experience of using the GPS device.
Once the cache is found, the students get to open it and explore what is inside. Depending on the size, there will be more objects in one cache over another. What is inside a cache? Anything! There could be gift cards, pens, coins, rocks, or any type of object with meaning. The courtesy rule of geocaching is if you take something out of the cache, you must put something of equal or more value back in.
Once the cache is found, the individuals who found it will log back onto the website and record the date that the group of people found the cache. This lets the person who placed the cache know that it is still active and hasn't been lost. It's also a great way to see how many people have found the cache.
How can geocaching be relevant in the classroom? However you want it to be! Below is a list of ideas of how educators can use geocaching to enhance learning in the classroom:
Any other questions? Visit the geocaching website! Have any more suggestions for using geocaching in the classroom? Leave a comment on the guestbook!
In order to start geocaching, the class must first go to the geocaching website (www.geocaching.com) to locate a cache near the school, or somewhere within walking distance. If there are no caches near the school, the teacher can plant one in a location for the children to find and register it online so it is an official cache. Once the class finds a cache or plants a cache, they need to print off the information page on the cache. On this page, it will have clues for what you are looking for, as well as the GPS coordinates of the cache. It is important to know that the cache can be located 10 or more feet from where the GPS location directs them.
Prior to going to explore for the cache, the children need to be given GPS location devices so they can either plug in the location of the cache or track their location and direct themselves in the direction they need to go in order to find the cache. Finding a cache usually works best when the children are in groups of 2-4 students so they can all gain the experience of using the GPS device.
Once the cache is found, the students get to open it and explore what is inside. Depending on the size, there will be more objects in one cache over another. What is inside a cache? Anything! There could be gift cards, pens, coins, rocks, or any type of object with meaning. The courtesy rule of geocaching is if you take something out of the cache, you must put something of equal or more value back in.
Once the cache is found, the individuals who found it will log back onto the website and record the date that the group of people found the cache. This lets the person who placed the cache know that it is still active and hasn't been lost. It's also a great way to see how many people have found the cache.
How can geocaching be relevant in the classroom? However you want it to be! Below is a list of ideas of how educators can use geocaching to enhance learning in the classroom:
- have students hide a cache and draw a map of where the cache is hidden, equipped with directional terms, a legend, and all of the components of an accurate map
- tie it to the curriculum by using history or social studies themes. Have the children create geocaches that relate to the unit (for example, underground railroad, WWII, etc), and have them put objects in the cache that relates to the unit
- use the units to practice cardinal directions (N,S,E,W)
- send a Travel Bug to historical sites that are being studied in the classroom (Washington DC, Oregon Trail, etc)
- Hide flags inside the caches and have students discover them. Once they're discovered, have the students do research on the country whose flag they found
- Leave a time capsule of important items from people in your class for next years class to discover
Any other questions? Visit the geocaching website! Have any more suggestions for using geocaching in the classroom? Leave a comment on the guestbook!
References:
Geocaching website: http://www.geocaching.com
Geocaching website: http://www.geocaching.com