KATE

Geocaching in the Classroom

Instructional Illuminations

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Searching for treasure, reading a map, finding coordinates, and figuring out clues along the way...sound like fun?  It's geocaching, a high-tech, worldwide treasure hunt where a person hides a cache or treasure for others to find using a Global Positioning System(GPS). 

Generally, the cache is some type of waterproof container that contains a log book and some type of inexpensive object.  The log book contains information from the founder of the cache and notes from people who have found the cache.  Once the container is hidden, longitude and latitude coordinates are posted on-line as well as a description of the cache, a hint, and any other pertinent information.  Once a cache has been posted on-line, it is ready to be discovered.  

One website that contains thousands of geocaches and gives very valuable information pertaining to geocaching is www.geocaching.com .  This web site has a database searchable by zipcode to locate caches in local or specific areas.   After a cache is selected, the longitude and latitude coordinates are simply entered into the GPS to find the cache. 

There are some general rules to follow when a cache is found.  Always remember to write in the log book.  This information is very important to the person who hid the cache.  Another rule is if something is taken from a cache, always replace it with something of equal or greater value. Lastly, always leave the cache and the area around the cache better than it was found.

Geocaching is a very beneficial activity for students.  This activity takes students out of the classroom and lets them experience learning first hand.  It also promotes technology literacy skills.  Students have to know how to use a GPS and must be able to document their experiences on-line.  With a little creativity, geocaching can be used with any subject.

Here are some ways to use geocaching in the classroom.  Go to the geocaching website and search for caches already created.  Another way to incorporate geocaching is to have students create their own caches in significant places in the community.  To create a classroom cache, students need a small waterproof container, a log book, a pen or pencil, and other items related to the theme or content area being studied.   Geocaching is a great way to use technology and for students to have fun learning content within the context of their community.

Related Links

• The Geocaching Website - Geocaches searchable by zipcode
• Geocaching with Kids! - Geocaching basic terminology and ideas on how to use geocaching in the classroom
• Caching Classroom Ideas - Content-specific ideas on how to use geocaching in the classroom
• Global Positioning System - Serving the World - U.S. Government GPS website developed by the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Coordination Office