Have you heard of geocaching? My husband and I started a couple summers ago and have had a lot of fun with it. In case it’s new to you, here’s the definition from the official website, “Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using
GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS
coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at
that location.” They are hidden all over public places. Chances are you walk by one every day and don’t even know it! Geocaching has been a fun (and sometimes challenging!) activity that my husband and I can do together with our dogs. The drives through the country can be really pretty, and it’s led us to discover some new places too.
GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS
coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at
that location.” They are hidden all over public places. Chances are you walk by one every day and don’t even know it! Geocaching has been a fun (and sometimes challenging!) activity that my husband and I can do together with our dogs. The drives through the country can be really pretty, and it’s led us to discover some new places too.
Here’s where the educational part comes in. I decided to hide a travel bug in a cache near our school. Travel bugs are just what they sound like; little metal dog tags with serial numbers that people move around as they geocache. If you find a travel bug, you log it on the website before moving it to a new location. This keeps going and you’re able to watch the little bug move through the state, country, and even world. I bought a travel bug and gave it the goal to visit all 50 states. I also requested that people add a fact about the city/state where the bug was placed when the log its location. This reminded me of the popular post card/Great American Mail Race activities, but with a twist.
I’m releasing our bug this weekend so it can get a head start during the active summer months. When school resumes in August, we’ll track it as a class. I plan to map its path, calculate distances, plot coordinates, etc. in math while learning geography and state facts too. I’m hoping this will be a fun project that will continue for several years until the bug makes its way back home again. I’m also hoping it might encourage a few students to try geocaching with their families too. It’s a great way to get in some family time, physical activity, and learning too!
Here’s a video and link to the official website if you want to give it a try!
Very neat idea! Your class will have a great time doing that!!
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
Who knew?! How fun is this! I'm going to give it a look!
Nicole
Rowdy in Room 300
What a cool idea! I may "borrow" this idea for my classroom…..maybe it will help them learn the state names!!
So Coool! I love this idea! I may also 'borrow' this idea for my little ones 😉
✿Valerie
All Students Can SHINE
I've never heard of the travel bug. Our PE teacher uses GeoCaching with our students and they love it!
Elizabeth
Fun in Room 4B
I'm so glad I sparked some new ideas for you!
This is such a fun idea!! I can't wait to look more into it. Thanks so sharing.
April
http://www.wolfelicious.blogspot.com
What a great idea! My students have a leveled reader that talks about geo catching & most of them have never heard of it.
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My husband and I LOVE to go Geocaching!! We've been doing it since 2007:) Ya'll are going to have a great time!!
This sounds so fun! I have heard of it, but have not ever tried it yet. I like the idea of tracking it with your students in class.
Lori
Conversations in Literacy
What a great idea, I bet your kids are going to love seeing where it travels!
Lisa
Stories From Second
What an interesting idea!
I'm your newest follower :o).
Shelley at Rhymes With Purple
http://purplepolkladots.blogspot.com
Thanks for the information Christi! I am now following you too!
TIPS: Teach, Inspire, and Prepare Students
I love your blog and I'm your newest follower! I have chosen your blog to receive the One Lovely Blog award. I would be honored if you would visit my blog to check out the details! Thanks!
Penny
http://www.teachthemath.com
I definitely want to check this out. This seems really awesome.
April @ ideabackpack.blogspot.com