On the Hunt:
Geocaching and Digital Scavenger Hunts
Workshop Description:
What is GPS?
GPS is funded by and controlled by the US Department of Defense (DOD). While there are many thousands of civil users of GPS world-wide, the system was designed for and is operated by the U. S. military.
GPS provides specially coded satellite signals that can be processed in a GPS receiver, enabling the receiver to compute position, velocity, and time.
Four GPS satellite signals are used to compute positions in three dimensions and the time offset in the receiver clock.
Besides being used by the military, GPS is used in forestry, biology, fishing, hunting, boating, racing, nursing, and many other fields.
GPS technology can be effectively used in your classroom as well.
A GPS device receives signals from satellites orbiting the earth to triangulate your location, which will be given as a global address.
Or, the GPS device can lead you to a previously marked location, much like a compass.
What is Geocaching?
One of the fastest growing “new” sports.
Has participants in many countries outside of the US and Canada.
Is a modern day active treasure hunting activity that allows you to use GPS – and therefore a “global address” – to locate a cache.
Yes, there are:
1. Take something from the cache
2. Leave something in the cache
3. Write about it in the logbook
4. Do not move the cache
2. What type of device is used when geocaching?
3. What do you need to plug into your unit in order to find a cache?
4. Can you hunt indoors?
5. What do you sign when you find a cache?
6. Name the website you can visit to find out more information about geocaching.
How Can It Be Used in the Classroom?
Geocaching in the Classroom
Scavenger Hunt –
students take a sealed clue from each cache and bring back to a predetermined location to open and solve a riddle or mystery.
Content Specific Caches –
each cache has an activity that deals with one particular subject area (ex. – each cache has a math problem that students must solve).
Interdisciplinary Cache –
each cache has information or an activity from a different subject area.
Science/Social Studies Cache –
each “cache” is actually a tree, plant species (or something similar), or landmark that students must identify.
Hiding Your First Geocache
Step 1 - Research a Cache Location
Geocaching is just like real estate - location, location, location! It is common for geocachers to hide caches in locations that are important to them, reflecting a special interest or skill of the cache owner. These unique locations on the planet can be quite diverse. A prime camping spot, great viewpoint, unusual location, etc. are all good places to hide a cache.
When thinking about where to place a cache, keep these things in mind:
· Does it meet all requirements and geocaching guidelines to be listed on the site? Make sure to review these during your research. Issues of concern include cache saturation, commerciality, solicitation and long-term cache maintenance.
· Did you consider accessibility? If it is too visible or too close to busy roads and trails, there is a good chance someone may stumble upon it by accident. It is best to place a cache just off trail to preserve the environment but keep it out of sight of people casually passing by.
· Did you seek permission from the land owner or manager? If you place a cache on private land, you must ask permission before hiding your cache. If you place it on public lands, contact the land manager to find out about any rules or restrictions.
· Will the location placement cause unnecessary concern? Please use common sense when choosing a location for your cache. Do not design your cache such that it might be confused with something more dangerous.
You are ultimately responsible for the cache so make sure you know the rules for the area where your cache is being placed. Respect the area around your chosen location. Keep in mind that others will be walking in these areas.
· If it's the location of a wild animal nest, or if it is off-trail with delicate ground cover, too much activity may damage the very nature of why this area is cool.
· Do not place caches on archaeological or historical sites. In most cases these areas are highly sensitive to the extra traffic that would be caused by vehicles and humans.
· A cache hidden in full view of office or apartment building windows exposes a geocacher to being seen by someone who may think the cache search looks suspicious.
Step 2 - Preparing Your Cache
Cache Containers
Start by choosing a container that will withstand the weather all year round. Geocachers have had good success with clear, watertight plastic containers, ammunition boxes, and waterproof boxes often used on boats. You will also want to invest in zippered plastic bags to further protect the cache contents, in case your container does leak. View sample Groundspeak Cache Containers.
Whatever the container, make sure to clearly identify your cache as a geocache. Most geocachers mark the cache container with the words "Official Geocache," the name of the cache, and appropriate contact information. The more information you can provide the better.
Cache Contents
Next, you will need a logbook. Make sure to place a writing utensil in the cache as well. If you are in an area where the temperature drops below freezing, make sure to provide a soft lead pencil. Pens tend to freeze and are rendered useless.
Include a note to welcome the cache finder. The note, available on the geocaching website, has been translated into several languages and explains the activity in case someone accidentally finds your cache.
Lastly, you can put items for trading into the cache. It is highly recommended, but not necessary. What you place into your cache is up to you, budget permitting. Some ideas of items to give as goodies:
· Disposable camera. Put one in and ask everyone to take a picture and put it back in the cache. Later you can develop the photos and place them online.
· Toys for children. Include action figures, games, playing cards, and more.
People of all ages hide and seek caches, so think carefully before placing an item into a cache. Explosives, ammunition, knives, drugs and alcohol should not be placed in a cache. Respect the local laws.
Food items are always a bad idea. Animals have better noses than humans, and in some cases caches have been chewed through and destroyed because of food items in a cache. Please do not put food in a cache.
Step 3 - Placing Your Cache
Once you arrive at the location of your hide, it is critical to obtain accurate GPS coordinates. This is the very heart of the activity, after all. Be aware that during bad weather, the accuracy of the GPS unit may be poor.
Some GPS units have the ability to take an average set of coordinates. If your device cannot, it is best to mark a waypoint, walk away from the location, then return and mark another waypoint. Continue marking waypoints at the location, around 7 - 10 times, and then select the best waypoint. Learn How to Average a Waypoint.
Once you have your waypoint, write it in permanent marker on the container and in the logbook. Make sure you have a copy to bring back with you. Write a few notes in the logbook if you like, place it in a zippered plastic bag for extra protection, and place it in the cache container.
Step 4 - Submitting Your Cache
Take time to review the Geocaching Listing Guidelines again. After placing your cache, does it still meet all requirements for placement? If so, fill out the online form, paying careful attention to the helpful notes provided. Write a description that attracts geocachers to your location, including images of interest.
Add descriptive attributes so that others can make a quick assessment of your cache. For example, is this area dog-friendly? Is the hike over an hour long? Is the area accessible in a wheelchair? Is a boat required?
Double-check the accuracy and the format of your work and make any needed edits. After a review, your cache will be published for the general public.
Step 5 - Maintaining Your Cache
Once you place the cache, it is your responsibility to maintain the cache and the area around it. You will need to return as often as you can to ensure that your cache is not impacting the area negatively, and to check that the container is in good shape.
Does the area look disturbed? Are visitors disrupting the landscape in any way? If you eventually have concerns about the location, remove the container and make appropriate changes to your online listing.
Happy Geocaching!
Amber Smith
Email: amber.smith@tcboe.org
Website: www.smore.com/d6x0z
Location: 170 W W Averitte Dr, Sylacauga, AL, United States
Phone: 256-510-6635
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amber.k.smith.82
Twitter: @amberksmith82