See how a teacher in Texas is using geocaching to take her lesson plan out of the classroom and into the real world. Students learn navigation, directions, math and that's just the beginning. Subscribe to this YouTube channel to be one of the first to see new videos!
These directions are for use with the Garmin eTrex H GPS Unit (the yellow GPS unit).
1. Use the page button to access the "Mark" field and press enter. For the etrex 30x (the black GPS unit) Use the toggle button to navigate to "Waypoint Manager" Then press down the toggle button.
2. Use the arrow keys to scroll down to the coordinates and press enter. For etrex 30x: Press down the toggle to enter coordinates. You will be able to change the coordinate (It may be "001" You can leave it or give it a different number/name). Toggle down to location to enter coordinates.)
3. Use the arrow keys to move from number to number and then press enter to select the number(s) for your coordinate. For etrex 30x: After you have entered your coordinates, toggle down to "Go" and press down the button. Now you are ready to locate your cache.
4. Once you have entered the coordinates press the page key to go back to the "Mark" field homepage. If the coordinates are correct, press enter.
5. Use the page button to access the "Waypoints" field and press enter.
6. Use the arrow key to select the waypoint of the cache you want to hunt and press enter.
7. Now scroll down to "Go to" to begin the hunt.
To Mark a Cache (This is how you get the coordinates):
1. Hide your cache in a location that is not too difficult or to easy for your students.
2. Turn on your GPS unit, For the etrex 30x: Toggle down until you see "Mark Waypoint." Press down the toggle button. Hold still where you are hiding the cache, Note the number of the cache (004, or 005, etc.). You will also see the coordinates under location. Toggle down to done and place enter. You have now marked this cache. You will be able to find and "hunt" for this cache by selecting the Waypoint in the "Waypoints" menu on the GPS unit.
Updated versions of the handheld GPS units have been added to the collection: The Garmin eTrex 30x. There are five eTrex 30x's available for checkout.
Visit the itunes or Google play store and type geocaching in the search bar to view more available apps.
Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game (hobby) using GPS-enabled devices. Geocaching is short for:
GEO: geography for coordinate locations
CACHE: Items stored in a hidden place
Participants navigate and find items (caches) at specific locations based on the coordinates(container) hidden at that location.
Intro to Geocaching Quiz for students (can be used as a warm-up or early morning work exercise before actual instruction begins).
This quiz should be completed after you view the video below.
1. Define geocaching.
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?
Which three of the five themes of geography were featured in the description in postcard 4?
Below is the lesson plan and additional resources for a geocaching lesson titled, Around CU in 80 Minutes, that was inspired by the tale of Around the World in 80 Days. Each cache represents one of the destinations represented in the novel. This lesson reaches across content areas to include geography and literature as well as 21st Century Skills.
