Geocaching Lets Go On A Treasure Hunt

Geocaching: Let’s go on aTreasure

Hunt!

Mary Beth Hengelbrokhttp://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:TreesBuildingsAtmospheric 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 CacheTFTF: Thanks for the FindTNLN: 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

ScienceU.S. History/Geography

Thank You to Bridget Belardi

marybeth.hengelbrok@wattsburg.orgmhengelbrok@gmail.com