Incorporating GPS Incorporating GPS Technology into Technology into

After-SchoolAfter-School

Jennifer Bowen Jennifer Bowen Extension Agent 4-H Youth, Prince EdwardExtension Agent 4-H Youth, Prince Edward

jebowen1@vt.edujebowen1@vt.edu

Ruth Wallace Ruth Wallace Extension Agent 4-H Youth, BuckinghamExtension Agent 4-H Youth, Buckingham

ruwallac@vt.eduruwallac@vt.edu

What is GPS?What is GPS?

Global Positioning SystemGlobal Positioning System Consists of Three PartsConsists of Three Parts

• Space segment (satellites)Space segment (satellites)• Control segment (send signals to Control segment (send signals to

satellites)satellites)• User segment (you and your GPS User segment (you and your GPS

receiver)receiver)

What do you do with it? What do you do with it?

Learn to set waypoints and navigate Learn to set waypoints and navigate among waypointsamong waypoints

Leave a “bread crumb trail”Leave a “bread crumb trail” Navigate to given coordinates Navigate to given coordinates

(geocaching!)(geocaching!) Much more!Much more!

Why GPS?Why GPS? Technology appeals to youth!Technology appeals to youth!

Pulls in an older audience (great for middle school Pulls in an older audience (great for middle school age)age)

Flexible formatFlexible format

Great for teambuilding/group activitiesGreat for teambuilding/group activities

With childhood obesity on the rise, geocaching With childhood obesity on the rise, geocaching promotes an appreciation of the outdoors and promotes an appreciation of the outdoors and encourages physical activity.encourages physical activity.

SettingsSettings

In-School ProgramsIn-School Programs After-SchoolAfter-School

ProgramsPrograms Camp ClassesCamp Classes Weekend ProgramWeekend Program Day CampDay Camp ClubsClubs

Program ContentProgram Content

How the GPS systems works (3 parts)How the GPS systems works (3 parts) Basic operationsBasic operations

• Setting waypointsSetting waypoints• ““go-to” functiongo-to” function• Entering coordinatesEntering coordinates

Map and Compass/OrienteeringMap and Compass/Orienteering Computer Software ApplicationsComputer Software Applications

After-School ProgramsAfter-School Programs

Three-day FormatThree-day Format

Day One:Day One: What is GPS? What is GPS? (Powerpoint (Powerpoint

presentation)presentation) Getting to Know Your GPS Getting to Know Your GPS

ReceiverReceiver Marking a WaypointMarking a Waypoint

Day Two:Day Two: Navigating with GPS – Navigating with GPS –

Routes and TracBackRoutes and TracBack

Day Three:Day Three: High Tech Treasure HuntHigh Tech Treasure Hunt

Introduction to GPS Day One – October 25, 2005

Getting to know your GPS receiver…

Your GPS receiver was made by what company? Did your GPS ask you any questions as it was determining your location? If so, what did it ask you? What are your coordinates? What is your elevation? From how many satellites are you receiving a signal? What is the current accuracy?

Marking a waypoint… Mark your current location as a waypoint in your receiver. Which symbol did you assign? What did you name your waypoint? Using the “go to” feature, approximately how close did you come to your waypoint?

Name:

Techno-Treasure Hunt Day CampTechno-Treasure Hunt Day Camp

Why Have a GPS Day Camp?Why Have a GPS Day Camp? FormatFormat ContentContent EvaluationEvaluation Risk Management ConsiderationsRisk Management Considerations Other ConsiderationsOther Considerations Continuing ActivitiesContinuing Activities ResourcesResources Group ActivitiesGroup Activities

Why Have a GPS Day Camp?Why Have a GPS Day Camp?

Youth are more Youth are more technologically savvytechnologically savvy

It captures their interestIt captures their interest

Youth need quality Youth need quality summer programming in a summer programming in a safe, supervised safe, supervised environmentenvironment

Allows youth an in-depth Allows youth an in-depth look at GPS technologylook at GPS technology

FormatFormat

Three daysThree days Six hours each daySix hours each day Youth ages 9–13Youth ages 9–13 Everything done in groups – requires Everything done in groups – requires

trained adult and teen leaders to trained adult and teen leaders to work with each groupwork with each group

FormatFormat

Combination of classroom learning, Combination of classroom learning, hands-on learning, and field hands-on learning, and field exercisesexercises

Teens and adult volunteers are Teens and adult volunteers are assigned to each group and are able assigned to each group and are able to offer individual assistanceto offer individual assistance

ContentContent

Day 1Day 1 Intro to GPSIntro to GPS Hands-on basics of using Hands-on basics of using

receiversreceivers How to read and use How to read and use

topographic mapstopographic maps Using GPS and Topo maps Using GPS and Topo maps

togethertogether Introduction to Geocaching Introduction to Geocaching

(website)(website)

ContentContent

Days 2 and 3Days 2 and 3 Assign caches to Assign caches to

groupsgroups Plug coordinates Plug coordinates

into GPS receiversinto GPS receivers Plot coordinates on Plot coordinates on

topo mapstopo maps Travel and Travel and

Geocaching Geocaching activitesactivites

Intro. to GeocachingIntro. to Geocaching

Geocaching is an adventure game for GPS users. Geocaching is an adventure game for GPS users. The basic idea is to have individuals and The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these caches on the and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find the caches. (from coordinates to find the caches. (from geocaching.com)geocaching.com)

There are various types of caches. All contain a There are various types of caches. All contain a log book and many contain items for trade.log book and many contain items for trade.

GeocachingGeocachingBeaver Cache by PreacherScott with AngelBaby & Boo_ Boo_ Kitty [profile]

N 37° 25.120 W 079° 10.683 UTM: 17S E 661223 N 4142875

W 43.7mi from your home coordinates. or convert to NAD27 at J eeep.com

(ratings out of 5 stars. 1 is easiest, 5 is hardest) Difficulty: Terrain:

This cache is pretty easy to find and shouldn't take too long. Located on Blackwater Creek Trail at Thompson Drive Entrance near Lynchburg General Hospital.

This is a well travelled area so make sure you cover the cache well after you find it.

God Bless!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Svaq zr va n ubyybj ybt evtug arkg gb gur Ornire Genvy va orgjrra gjb oevqtrf.

Logged Visits (78 total. Visit the Gallery (9 images)) Warning. Spoilers may be included in the descriptions or links. Cache find counts are based on the last time the page generated.

J anuary 3 by jdmurphy (4 found) nice hide, had a time finding a place to cross the lake since the bridge was washed out, the hike was cool tho. [view this log on a separate page]

December 4, 2005 by Grinch & Gremlin (23 found) We took in this one and Ruskin Hideaway today. It was a warm day for winter --in the high 50's-- and so a great day for walking. Everything has changed for approaching this one with the bridge being gone, so you'll want to enter from the entrance behind the Greek Orthodox church just as for Ruskin Hideaway (GC2F8D). Once on the correct side of the river, it's a great walk along the water. Along the way, you'll see where they're building the new bridge. SL using Crimsonleaf and Autumnleaf before changing our names. TNLN.

[This entry was edited by Grinch & Gremlin on Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 9:38:16 PM.] [view this log on a separate page]

November 23, 2005 by Bandits Nana (4 found) Found this one on a nice hike with Buster's Mom and YBIndoors. Chilly start, but turned out OK. TNLNSL. [view this log on a separate page]

Decryption Key A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M ------------------------- N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z (letter above equals below, and vice versa)

Geocaching EtiquetteGeocaching Etiquette

1.1. Cache In, Trash Out Cache In, Trash Out (CITO)(CITO)

2.2. Take something only if Take something only if you leave something you leave something (never leave food or (never leave food or other smellables).other smellables).

3.3. Sign log.Sign log.

4.4. Put cache back exactly Put cache back exactly as you found it.as you found it.

5.5. Never move a cache!Never move a cache!

GeocachingGeocaching

Geocaching SafelyGeocaching Safely Use the buddy Use the buddy

system.system. Beware of terrain/Beware of terrain/

• Look out for wildlifeLook out for wildlife• Look out for poison ivy, Look out for poison ivy,

briars, etc.briars, etc. Mark your starting Mark your starting

point as a waypoint (in point as a waypoint (in case you get lost).case you get lost).

Drink water (but not Drink water (but not from a stream).from a stream).

EvaluationEvaluation

Daily wrap up and Daily wrap up and reviewreview

ObservationObservation Daily JournalDaily Journal

Risk Management IssuesRisk Management Issues

Scout locations!!!!Scout locations!!!! InsuranceInsurance Bus Use Agreement Bus Use Agreement Plans in place forPlans in place for

• HeatHeat• InjuryInjury• CommunicationCommunication

Prepare youth forPrepare youth for• Poison IvyPoison Ivy• Wildlife EncountersWildlife Encounters• TerrainTerrain

Other ConsiderationsOther Considerations

Obtain MaterialsObtain Materials• GPS receiversGPS receivers• MapsMaps• RadiosRadios

Build in “Fun Times”Build in “Fun Times” Sign-up, Promotion, Fees, FormsSign-up, Promotion, Fees, Forms

Continuing ActivitiesContinuing Activities

GPS ClubGPS Club Hiding CachesHiding Caches

Got Your Walking Shoes? by 4-H Extreme Adventurers [profile]

N 37° 37.467 W 078° 47.923 UTM: 17S E 694260 N 4166427

NW 31.6mi from your home coordinates. or convert to NAD27 at J eeep.com

Please note: To use the services of geocaching.com, you must agree to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

(ratings out of 5 stars. 1 is easiest, 5 is hardest) Difficulty: Terrain:

Plan an afternoon of hiking on well-marked trails. Bring water and snacks. There are three links in small rubbermade containers containing clues and then the final cache which is an ammo box. They are all located within James River State Park, a beautiful place to visit with lots of trails, canoeing/kayaking, picnic areas, fishing, and more. While in the park, ask a park ranger for a geocaching brochure. There are at least 4 other caches in the park, three of which are in the brochure. There is a parking fee of $2 on a weekday and $3 on the weekend.

Additional Hints (Encrypt)

Stand of Pines -- Don't get stumped by the old trail.

Logged Visits (6 total. ) Warning. Spoilers may be included in the descriptions or links. Cache find counts are based on the last time the page generated.

J anuary 1 by triffid (419 found) My first cache of 2006... Nice hide!... Lots of hiking!... TN... Signed log and left 2 travel bugs... Thanks.......Triffid [view this log on a separate page]

December 31, 2005 by Grinch & Gremlin (23 found) FTF! Wow, 56 degrees and beautiful clear skies on New Year's eve! I can't think of a better way to have spent the day than walking around these great trails searching for the caches. Not knowing the trails, we bushwhacked our way between most of the clue containers, which was possible this time of year, but probably not advisable in the summer. For those who don't want to head cross country, each clue is most easily reached by some trail or another... it just may not be the one you're currently on when you get the new coordinates. Also, it's helpful to pick up the brochure with the park map when you pay your parking fee. Most of these trails are too new to be on any standard topo map. A fun day of hiking and highly recommended. Nicely done, guys! SL. T: journal, Clover the travel bug and a lost and half-starved hound dog we found along the trail. L: a polished tiger's eye stone. TFTC!!! [view this log on a separate page]

December 18, 2005 by MadMatter4 (3 found) Wasn't able to find this one. Went with kropduster and failed to locate container. Will try this one again soon when some more snow melts. [view this log on a separate page]

Community MappingCommunity Mapping

Integration of GPS and GIS Integration of GPS and GIS technologiestechnologies

Youth mark waypoints of community Youth mark waypoints of community featuresfeatures

Plot coordinates on maps Plot coordinates on maps

using ArcView software using ArcView software

State Park PartnershipsState Park Partnerships

Partnered with staff at James Partnered with staff at James River State Park, Holliday Lake River State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, and Twin Lakes State Park, and Twin Lakes State Park to set up geocaches.State Park to set up geocaches.

Geocaches established to Geocaches established to

highlight areas of natural or highlight areas of natural or

historical significance and to historical significance and to

promote recreational trail use.promote recreational trail use.

Comments from GeocachersComments from Geocachers December 30, 2005 by December 30, 2005 by Grinch & Gremlin (39 found)

We didn't know this state park existed, so it was nice to discover it and to take a pleasant walk at the end of the day. SL. T: pedometer L: a geode from Brazil. We also took the killer bee travel bug. TFTC!

July 21 by July 21 by 5K-HILLS (3 found)Also, found this one while learning about geocaching from Ranger Dawn in the park.

October 14 by October 14 by Troop249Nelson (1 found)This was the very first geocache found by Girl Scout Cadette Troop 249. Finding this cache (and learning how GPS works) helped us earn our Orienteering badge. WE HAD SO MUCH FUN!! We can't wait to go on our next hike or camping trip to find more!! T: Army Men L:Angel SL.

Addressing Park ConcernsAddressing Park Concerns

Geocaches are never buried – no Geocaches are never buried – no digging requireddigging required

Park sets parameters for cache Park sets parameters for cache placement (ex: distance from trail)placement (ex: distance from trail)

Caches are reviewed to insure Caches are reviewed to insure appropriate contentappropriate content

Parks/Rec staff consider risk vs. Parks/Rec staff consider risk vs. increased usage and recreational increased usage and recreational opportunitiesopportunities

RewardsRewards Can draw new youth and adults into your Can draw new youth and adults into your

program (those with a specific interest in program (those with a specific interest in technology)technology)

Program participants learn about the Program participants learn about the global positioning system and how to use global positioning system and how to use a handheld GPS unita handheld GPS unit

Participants get outside and get moving Participants get outside and get moving while participating in a fun recreational while participating in a fun recreational activityactivity

ResourcesResources 4-H GPS Websites4-H GPS Websites

http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/environment/gpsgis.html

http://4h.unl.edu/kids/gpsgeocaching.htm

http://www.umext.maine.edu/Waldo/4H/4HGPS.htm

http://nys4h.cce.cornell.edu/research/GeospatialScienceand4-H.php

Garmin.comGarmin.com

Geocaching.comGeocaching.com

Groundspeak.comGroundspeak.com

Earthcache.orgEarthcache.org