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Introduction to GPS & Geocaching
Jim Clark
Instructional Technology Department
Wichita Public Schools
Navigating in the Past
What is GPS?
• It is a system of 24 satellites that are used in conjunction with a receiver unit and a control station to allow for very accurate determination of location
Space Segment
Satellite Constellation GPS Satellite
Ground Segment
Basic GPS Unit
Garmin eTrex GPS Receiver
• Very inexpensive
• Very durable
• Great for basic instruction in use of GPS
• Stores waypoints and routes
The front of the eTrex
The Back of the eTrex
Important Pages
Skyview PageMenu PageWaypoints PageWaypoint Review PageCompass Page
What is Geocaching?
• High tech treasure hunt that uses global positioning system (GPS) receiver to hide and seek containers (caches) anywhere in the world
Geocaching
• Go to http://www.geocaching.com
• Create account
• Under Search for caches… enter the latitude and longitude for location
Geocaches near Us
Geocaches near Us
Geocaches near us
Downloading Geocaches
• Check in check box
• Click on Download Waypoints
To Manage the Geocaches
• Download and install EasyGPS (www.easygps.com)
• Launch EasyGPS and select file you downloaded
• You may then upload or download geocache waypoints from your receiver
EasyGPS
GPS Visualizer
Geocaches
• Waterproof container
• Contains “swag”, stash note, pencil/pen, and log book
• You should add to the swag if you take swag
Congratulations, you found it! If you found this cache by accident please don’t remove it, this is a Geocaching treasure box!Join us in the fun of using GPS to find hidden treasures worldwide at www.geocaching.com.Please let us know if you would like us to remove this geocache.Name:Date:Waypoint:Owner:
Example Classroom Standards
• Third Grade
– Math• Numeracy• Geometry and Measurement• Data Analysis and Probability
– Science
– Geography
– Technology
Uses in Education
• Use Travel Bugs to track an items movement from place to place, including any stories that are picked up along the way
• Create a multi-cache that includes information about the local history of an area.
• Create a multi-cache that explores cultural connections of the local area.
• Create a cache that explores issues in environmental education. (The Evil Green Menace!)
• Create a cache that explores health issues. (Heart to Heart)
Uses in Education
• Create caches that explore numeracy. • Participate in projects that help students collaborate
with others around the world. • Participate in a "Cache In, Trash Out" environmental
education day. • Create a geocaching club at school. • Use virtual caches to avoid planting too many caches
for your students. (Get students to keep a log book and answer questions about locations they have visited.)
• Survey school grounds with GPS units• Create caches exploring sculptures• Create historical geocaches• Create foreign language geocaches
Future
• iPhone location (indoors and out)– Cell: 500 meters– Wi-Fi (Skyhook wireless):
30 meters– GPS: 10 meters
Jim ClarkInstructional Technology DepartmentWichita Public [email protected]://technology.usd259.org/resources/