GeoCaching Project Based Learning ProjectEdit

By:

Geocaching project based learning

Purpose: to teach cardinal directions, directional words( over, under, beside, near, far, left, right etc) latitude, longitude
map reading and creating, Problem solving skills, teamwork, and cooperation skills

Process:
Teacher will explain or ask what students may already know about geocaching

Teacher will explain that traditionally geocaching uses coordinates based on the cardinal directions north, south, east, west(k-2level)/ GPS coordinates that connect to a location using latitude and longitude(3-6 level)

Teacher will give background that geocaching started several years ago as a modern day hunt where people use an airtight container to hide a logbook where people can write the date and their names when they find it. ( www.geocaching.com for more background information under geocache 101 if further explanation is desired) for example abbreviations often used in log books like f.t.f.-first to find,b.y.o.p.-bring your own pen. ....

They will also explained that sometimes geocaching involves trading swag or small items. The general rule is you take one thing, you leave one thing. For example if there is a piece of origami you may take it, but you would want to leave something of equal or more value like another piece of work on me, a sticker, etc.

Teacher will show Lightning Starfish example with the map for" the steep hill"( taking path o to W) (k-1)/
coordinates(3-6) that they will search for on a hike

The teacher will demonstrate how they can enter the coordinates:
n 30degrees 16.031
w 097degrees 38.164

on their GPS and turn on navigation to help them locate the geocache as they hike.

Classes can pause a couple of times on their journey to discuss which direction they are headed or facing referring to cardinal directions and direction words with reference to landmark or locations.
If students are having difficulty locating the geocache, the teacher can provide the clue or hint to help them.

Clue:To the right of the path,before you'd sit....
under branches and a rock....
you'll find it!!!

*****(simpler version encoded using traditional geocache code on student maps)

a volunteer can sign the logbook and teacher can pass box around one at a time for students to take one item from the geocache and leave an item in the geocache.

***Note: If a class does not have origami to trade there are directions and extra paper provided in the geocache to “make their own” to trade. :)

A photograph of the class with a geocache could be taken and then later email to the hrutherford@austindiscoveryschool.org to be posted on Geocache Rallyhood site. The geocache would be returned to its spot, so other classes could find it.

Extension

Students could be asked to complete geocache over the weekend or over a break with their family and take pictures of what they found and/or them signing the log book, a scrapbook or digital collage could be created throughout the year of what the class has found together or with their family.

The project:
Students will review what they know now about geo caching and that they will be creating a simple map with coordinates for latitude and longitude for their own class geocache.

Rubric creation: They can brainstorm important requirements to include for the Geocache
Including but not limited to :
_ nature may not be disturbed other than rocks or sticks that are close to the path for camouflage purposes
_ the geocache must be hidden from plain sight either hanging in a tree , or camouflaged close 2 a hiking path on the map
_ an airtight container  must be used
_Coordinates 4 latitude and longitude must be provided along with a simple map including at least five major landmarks, cardinal directions, and a clue or hint
_ a logbook must be enclosed
_ swag or inexpensive, objects should be enclosed with enough for 36 students to trade
# note, best to enclose logbook and any items in zip locks due to rain

# could leave feedback card and brainstorm as a class what they would like feedback on about their geocache as other classes at Austin discovery school find it

# could brainstorm theme ideas for their geocache ( for example the Lightning starfish geocache is an origami theme where students are encouraged to make their own origami and trade for a new piece of origami)

Assessment:
Students will use rubric that the class created to assess their own class geocache
Students will practice map skills and knowledge of geographical vocabulary as they find other class geocaches and use other classes maps
Students will reflect on what went well and what could be improved based on feedback from other classes