Geocaching . . . .

Conni MulliganNC DEN

connimulligan@gmail.comhttp://conni-workshops.wikispaces.com/

DENSI2012

MakingCurriculum

Connections

Background

GPS (Global Positioning System)

“Space-based radio navigation system consisting of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth that

transmit a signal to users, allowing them to determine their precise location on the surface

of the Earth.”–USAF, Lt. Col. Roger Hunter

• The Global Positioning System (GPS): A Technology of Extensive Use. Discovery Channel School (2001). Retrieved May 25, 2009, from Discovery Education: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/

• GPS: Global Positioning System. Discovery Channel School (2002). Retrieved May 25, 2009, from Discovery Education: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/

BackgroundGPS in the Classroom

BackgroundSite-Based Receivers

Auto

HandheldMarine

www.consumersmarine.comhttp://www.gulf-coast-avionics.com http://office.microsoft.com/

Aircraft

• Many Uses of Satellites. Discovery Channel School (2003). Retrieved May 25, 2009, from Discovery Education: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/

Background-Site-Based Receivers in the Classroom

• Geocaching – an outdoor scavenger/treasure hunting game where you use GPS technology to pinpoint the location of an item(s)

– Traditional Cache– Multi-Cache– Mystery/Puzzle Cache– Letterbox– Virtual

Background

http://www.geocaching.com/about/cache_types.aspx

Stash Your CacheCamo, Camo and More Camo

BackgroundGeocaching in the Classroom

Google Earth & GPS Classroom Activities, Visions TechnologyIntermediate U.S. History/Geography: Grades 5-8

Intermediate Science: Grades 5-8

Introductory Activity for Teachers Using Big6

Classroom Activities

1. A form was created to record coordinates outside for the locations of 6 stations based on the Big6 Skills.

Introductory Activity for Teachers Using Big6

Classroom Activities

2. A booklet template was created that would be used by groups.

3. The template was used to input coordinates into the book – no two booklets were identical.

Introductory Activity for Teachers Using Big6

Classroom Activities

4. Labels were created for each Big6 step.

5. The labels were placed into film canisters – six of #1 in one film canister – six of #2 in one film canister and so on.

6. Teachers used GPS devices to go to each location where they would find the film canisters.

7. Teachers would place the stickers into the booklet according to the BIG 6 Step used in the scenario.

Introductory Activity for Teachers Using Big6

Classroom Activities

Deciding who to follow

was the tricky part!

Directionally Challenged?

10 Apples Up On Top!-Dr. Seuss, Theo LeSieg

Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration

Classroom Activities

Media/PE Integration

•The teacher created stations based on the events from the book.•Teacher found coordinates outside for each station and created cards.•Students used GPS devices to go to preset

stations where they performed the tasks.

History MysteriesUsing Primary Source Information

Classroom Activities

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/index.html

Media/History

•Teacher recorded coordinates outside for multiple stations.•Teacher created cards for groups of students.•Students used GPS devices to go to preset coordinates where they found picture cards or newspaper articles of some event in history.•Students gathered all of the items and then tried to discover what the items had in common.

Classroom Activities

QR VoiceText QR Code

Integrated Classroom Activities

http://www.catawbaschools.net/Teacher_Resources/Lists/Lesson%20Plans%20and%20Resources/AllItems.aspx

Rockingham County NC

http://rcsinstructionaltechnology.pbworks.com/NCaect+Conference+2008

More Classroom Activities

Educaching.com

More Classroom Activities

Even More Classroom ActivitiesIntermediate Science:

•Human Body•Cell Biology•Ecology•Geology, Landforms and Earth Structure

Grades 5-8

•Plate Tectonics•Energy and Motion•Chemistry•Weather and Erosion

Intermediate U.S. History/Geography: Grades 5-8

•Early Exploration•Road to Revolution•Forming a Constitution•A New Republic•National Growth (1800-1844)•Manifest Destiny & Spirit of Change (1810-1860)•A Nation Divided (1846-1856)•Reconstruction (1865-1877)

Online Resources

Geocaching University – Let’s Go Geocaching! http://www.geocacher-u.com/

Geocaching University – Let’s Go Geocaching! http://www.geocacher-u.com/

– BINGO Cards

– Placemats

– Coloring & Activity Book

– ID Cards

Geocaching University – Let’s Go Geocaching! http://www.geocacher-u.com/

– Vehicle Placard– Certificates– Cache Logs– Stash Notes– Trackable Items

• GeoCoin Buddy Book• Travel Bug Travel Guide

– Cache Labels– CITO Labels– Log Books

Online Educational Resources

• Educaching - A GPS Based Curriculum for Teachers - http://educaching.com/

• Geocacher University - http://www.geocacher-u.com/• Geocaching – The official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site -

http://www.geocaching.com/• geocoder.us / geocoder.net - find the latitude & longitude

of any US address - for free - http://geocoder.us/• GPS Adventures - http://gpsmaze.com/teachers.html• Juicy Geography -

http://www.juicygeography.co.uk/gpsschool.htm

http://www.podcacher.com/

http://www.easygps.com/

http://freegeographytools.com/2007/importing-gps-data-into-google-earth-i-proprietary-software-and-easygps

iPads and iPods

• Geocaching in the Classroom

• Dr. Christie’s GPS and Geocaching Guide for Educators

• GPS Activities & Lesson Plans

• GPS and Geocaching in Education

Even More Activities