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

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:

Travel Bugs

• “dog tag” registered at Geocaching.com

• You may track the path of the bug

• Have goals and descriptions

Example Classroom Standards

• Third Grade

– Math• Numeracy• Geometry and Measurement• Data Analysis and Probability

– Science

– Geography

– Technology

Uses in EducationModified from http://www.teachinghacks.com/wiki/index.php?

title=Geocaching_for_Educators

• 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.

• Create a cache and story locating the missing school mascot.

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. • Survey school grounds with GPS units• Create caches exploring sculptures• Create historical caches• Scale off the solar system

Future

• iPhone location (indoors and out)– Cell: 500 meters– Wi-Fi (Skyhook wireless):

30 meters– GPS: 10 meters

Jim ClarkInstructional Technology DepartmentWichita Public Schoolsjclark@usd259.nethttp://technology.usd259.org/resources/