I came across a website titled "Geocaching with Kids: Activate the Learning Environment". Essentially, it discusses how geocaching can be an activity for kids to participate in as well as adults. The focus of this site explains the significance of finding activities that excite and motivate children.
Again, think of this activity as comparable to a treasure hunt - the treasure is the "cache". As you explore the page, you will come across a list of tools that are needed and/or recommended to find a cache - the most important item is a GPS system - as discussed in my initial post on this topic. However, there are other items worth mentioning as well: notebook/sketchbook, camera, audio/video recorder, etc.
A GPS can look like this:
Geocaching can also be used by teachers as well. Special geocaches can be set up for a class or a small group of students. Implications to think about when planning for this activity can be read on the website.
In addition, scroll through the menu at the top of the webpage to find more information on this topic. I found the FAQs section to be of particular interest.
Finally, if you are interested in searching for a cache in a particular area, please click here and in the top right corner, search by zip code, state, or country.
Enjoy!
-Kate
4 comments:
I wonder about the versatility of technology and the transferability of the skills used to master it -- didn't GPS technology start as a defense system component? Now it's a game. In some ways it reminds me of RFID which is a way to keep track of something. Imagine the theme park opportunities, the surprise party possibilities, imaginative wedding proposals? !!!!!!
I think this is an exciting and motivating activity for students to participate in. It really utilizes so many skills that children need to develop and enhance-with critical thinking and problem solving at the top of the list. I can't wait to read more about this, Kate. Thanks!!
**Beatrice**
Hi Kate,
This was a great site. Thanks again for the info. I love the idea of combining the cache with other activities such as discovering nature, or historical and culural sites. I also liked the idea of connecting these preliminary or post cache activities with school assignments such as using a digital photograph to inspire a writing piece done at the latter time at school. As I was reading the site several questions about the actual cache crossed my mind. Thankfully, this great site addressed some them at the end of the page. It discussed the etiquette to be followed when taking and leaving items in the cache. From the site it seems that if you wanted to do a geocache with students for educational purposes, it would be the teacher who would set up several caches for the class as opposed to the way it is described on the first website you gave us. Is this correct? Is there an alternative site to virtually log cache visits like on the other site but for students?
Thea-
Good questions, I thought about that as well. It still doesn't seem as easy to do if done in an educational setting.
I'll investigate this further and hopefully will post you some answers!
-Kate
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