Geocaching

Geocaching in the Classroom Geotagging and GIS no need for a GPS

GPSr- a device that listens to the satellites

You can use a car GPS for geocaching (Garmin) less accurate car 20 feet average handheld - 10 feet iPhone app - new has magnetometer, not as useful because it needs a data connection (~10.00) Garmin GPS

How it works
 * 24 satellites (Airforce)
 * tied to atomic clock
 * compare the time received
 * 4 satellites best

Resources on wikispaces http://pageocaching.wikispaces.com/

degree of confluence- flickr project, plot picture on map with geocaching

Great way to improve understanding of latitude and longitude

Geocache
 * small container with a logbook
 * trade
 * 100 caches hidden in the area
 * ammo- boxes work best
 * any type of durable plastic container
 * can not list a public geocache on school property, courthouses, federal buildings
 * usually right off of the trail

car GPS- plug in coordinates -

curriculum theme
 * Brownstone ghost train car no 3
 * Ant's cache

maps on geocaching.com
 * description tells you difficulty, terrain, cache size

mark your starting point so you know how to get back

Hiding a cache
 * do not have to be official
 * container and log
 * make sure you tell grounds crew and principal
 * permission
 * geocaching label- use business card template (please do not disturb)
 * templates for congratulations
 * sterilite- not quite as good
 * lock in lock - about $6.00- best to use
 * Label your geocache, put an address

good maps cost extra

Educational benefits-
 * Lat and long
 * map skills
 * compass- hold flat, GPS compass will only work once you start walking
 * research
 * cross-curricular
 * math
 * science
 * physical
 * literature- definitions or terms

Resources already there: Alice Christie Educaching- standards based lesson plans Londonderry School - the londonderryschool.org (use this as a great example to present) GroundSpeak Forums - GPS in Education sneakers over powerline/arrest records
 * sneakers over powerline/arrest records
 * soil and water samples pollutants in the watershed

Curriculum theme caches- create more interest for the collections rock hardness

More on Caches
 * Trash in, trash out -
 * to hide a cache on state park property you need to fill out and application
 * some concern of environmental damage
 * Lancaster county conservancy
 * Take a trash bag and gloves along

Travelbugs
 * Travelbug- log it on geocaching.com
 * Germania- to drink beer in germany
 * Travelbug hotel-

geocachers of central PA gotcha- yahoo user groups (can't find this)

Caching kit
 * water
 * GPS
 * cellphone
 * notebook
 * flashlight
 * extra batteries
 * extra log book
 * pen, pencil, marker (take a few)
 * extra ziplock bags
 * forceps from soldiering kit

GPS- Garmin Venture eTrex HC used in the workshop- recommended for schools

Getting started