geocaching

=Geocaching= //**Common search terms (and or) tags:**//(#teachgps, #geocaching, #geocache, #gps, #geolocation, #educaching)

What do we, as a group, know about Geocaching?
Enter your thoughts to share on this shared Google Doc

What Is Geocaching?
You could describe Geocaching as a kind of orienteering, scavenger hunt or treasure hunt and you be almost right on all counts. This Youtube video sums it up rather nicely. media type="youtube" key="-4VFeYZTTYs" height="244" width="392"

You will find a lot more specific information about Geocaching at www.geocaching.com (and [|www.geocaching.com.au], but stay with ~.com)

The basic form of geocaching is to 1) find a hidden box or cache using a GPS enabled device, 2) sign a log book contained in the cache and then 3) report your find, usually in writing, usually online. However, these days there are many different variations of geocaching activities turning up online and being used particiularly in student learning. One such variation is Letterboxing. New ideas are popping up all the time such as [|this novel] which includes GPS locations to some of the places in the book.

[|This article] gives a nice overview of geocaching as a hobby/sport.

What do Schools Use Geocaching for?
> Thank you Sue Zipfinger from SCEGGS Darlinghurst for sharing. Nice one, Sue! media type="youtube" key="8jVS_vDLHec" height="273" width="448"
 * Geocaching.com Education site
 * 10 ideas for using geocaching at school from the Creative Education Blog
 * GPS and Geocaching in Education by Lovinfifth.com
 * Geocaching with kids from Eduscapes.com
 * GIS and GPS activities from Sciencespot.net (some of these activities are not specially geocaching activities but could be easily adpated)
 * A GPS Art lesson. Navigate to particular waypoints and sketch something you see there.
 * A Maths, History, Science, Geography, PDPHE or English lesson.
 * Teach-in Geocaching an article for Today's Cacher.
 * Geocaching for Educators from teachinghacks.com

**Kinds of Geocaching**
There are many kinds of Geocaching and variations of the idea as well. Some commons types are...
 * Using a GPS device (Traditional, Multi-Cache, Puzzle Cache, Event Cache)
 * QR code driven
 * Virtual Cache
 * Reverse Cache
 * Podcache (particularly good for the final leg of a geocaching activity if it moves inside a building).
 * Movable Cache (an example of which you can find [|here])

Getting Started with your students step-by-step
Install reflection on your computer [] Open reflection on your PC In the little notifications area near the time and volume is Reflection R Click and make setting adjustments as you want
 * If you want to show the students your iPad or iPhone etc, I used Reflection **

Now, on iPhone or iPad, Double click home button and slide all way to the left and choose the little arrow up icon

Before you go and get busy making your first Geocache, there a few things you need to do first. 1. Register for free on [|www.geocaching.com] 2. Go and find a few geocaches in your local area (either close to your home or school) 3. Take particular notice of the location and method of the way these caches have been hidden. 4. If you intend to take students geocaching to a location listed on the geocahing website. make sure YOU HAVE FOUND THE CACHE FIRST!!. This is important as you do not want students to be placed in a location which could be unsafe. This is of particular concern if students are busy reading their GPS and not looking where they are going (a good reason to work in pairs or groups as well).

What do Geocaches look like?
They can look like anything as [|this blogpost] shows, however, standard Geocaches are usually clearly labelled and come in containers like these... (the smallest size is known as a micro or nano cache)
 * [[image:http://shop.geocaching.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/l/o/log-cache-1_500.gif width="259" height="259"]] || [[image:http://shop.geocaching.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/e/decon-container_500_1.gif width="222" height="222"]] || [[image:http://blog.geocaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Sneaky-Geocache-4.jpg width="320" height="240"]] ||
 * [[image:http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3511362515_c030a4e35c.jpg width="338" height="240" link="http://www.flickr.com/photos/roderickparks/3511362515/sizes/l/in/photostream/"]] || [[image:http://roxannnys.pbworks.com/f/1249573746/tupperware%20geocache.jpg width="320" height="240"]] || [[image:http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3512172458_1301a8c935.jpg width="338" height="240"]] ||

Making your own Cache
So you want to do some geocaching with your students? Here's how you can get started.... //[|Read Getting started with Geocaching - Hiding your first cache]// 1. Start with syllabus outcomes (remember Geocaching has connections to all manner of curriculum areas). You could put subject specific research questions in your cache(s) as well. 2. Decide on a type of geocaching activity... GPS, QR Code or Virtual cache? This will be largely determined by what if any devices you have for students to use. 3. Document what the students will do in the activity and the information they will uncover. 4. Prepare and hide your cache if you are creating a physical cache. Think about using QR codes or some other way of students check in to the Internet for information. 5. Plan an assessment. Perhaps this will incorporate a student reflection in the form of a blogpost, podcast or Voicethread. 6. Before you allow students to try the activity show them the basic terrain using Google maps or equivalent. 7. Make sure that each student has a kit (GPS device, pen to record name on log, gloves or torches or other necessary equipment).

Making your own Cache with Augmented Reality
Aurasma was the app we used to marry video to an image Look at Aurasma on YouTube Download Aurasma from app store or Google Play. It's free. Visit []

Creating a Geocaching experience in powerpoint
1. Create the powerpoint 2. Create a dropbox account (dropbox.com) 3. Save the PowerPoint to the Public folder of dropbox 4. Right click > DropBox > Copy public link 5. Now, this link can be emailed to students, or 6. Use tiny URL [] to convert it to something easy //**Now, students, on their device**// 7. Open a browser 8. Go to the address from step 6 above 9. PowerPoint will open for them on their device
 * First, do this on your computer**

Mobile Phone, iPod and iPad Apps for Geocaching Activities
media type="youtube" key="4Ytv0S2WbT8" height="235" width="347"
 * Seek Cache by JMHammond (free)
 * [|5 apps for geocaching] (some free, some $)
 * [|Garmin Open Caching (for iPhone)] (free) and for [|Android phone]
 * [|Aris] (free) - a tool for making location based games, stories and art
 * [|11 Geoacaching iPhone Apps worth finding] by Gigaom (some free, some $)
 * [|Best Android Geocaching Apps]
 * [|GPS Lite] (free)
 * [|GPS Locator]
 * GPS Location Free is a good App, but difficult to find. Search fopr an App using the term "acceleroto GPS to locate and install GPS Location Free
 * Windows apps that assist with Geocaching include can be found here.
 * I have tried ReliRescue and GPS Sport Tracker and Basic GPSwith success. Others are available from the XDA Developers site.

Handy Tools

 * QR Code Treasure Hunt Generator
 * You might need to install a QR code reader on your phone. There are many of these available free.
 * this generator is good for making a personal details QR Code (for an email signature)

Creating virtual trips in Google Earth

 * Visit the Google Site I made at []

Glossary
See also Glossary of Terms on Geocaching.com and Glossary on the Wikipedia entry on Geocaching
 * //Geocaching// - the sport of navigating to a hidden cache using a GPS device
 * //Cache// - hidden endpoint of a geocaching expedition
 * //Locationless or Reverse cache// - find a named location and then log the co-ordinates when you arrive. Often photographic evidence is also required of the geocachers successful arrival at the cache.
 * //Virtual cache// - geocachers find an object via clues and co-ordinates, there is no physical cache. Photographic proof of the object such as a monument, plaque etc is required as evidence of a find.
 * //Micro cache// - a very small cache of approximately 85gms/ 100ml usually of a size too small to hold anything other than a log or tiny objects such as charms. Film canisters are often used as micro caches.
 * //Webcam cache// - Similar to a virtual cache. the idea of the webcam cache is to get your image recorded by the webcam (this may require a friend to take a picture for you when you arrive).
 * //Waymark/ waypoint -// a stopping point or endpoint on a geocaching journey.
 * //Multi-Cache -// A multi cache usually involves two or more locations. Hints at the first location help lead the seeker to the final physical chance.

Geocaching web sites for reference:

 * GeoCaching.com
 * TerraCaching.com
 * Navicache.com
 * [|Podcacher.com]
 * if you want to include audio recording, you will need to use a program to create an mp3 recording.
 * Audacity is free, widely used, easy to use and well supported.
 * This YouTube tutorial covers the salient points well.

Useful links
[|Geocaching Scoopit page] created and curated by Mike Stevens [|Geocaching with a Garmin Oregon] by Wahroonga Farm [|Groundspeak Geocaching in Education Forums] [|Geotalk] the Podcast for Geocachers 'Down Under' [|Maccaching] This software connects your Garmin or Magallen based GPS receiver to OS X. Think of MacCaching like iTunes, but for Geocaches [|How to read GPS coordinates] [] recommended by Emilio [|Alice Leung's Blog]has a particular focus on game-based learning and she has used Aris with her students. [|Jonesytheteacher (Brendan Jones) Blog] Geo-caching treasure hunt using QR codes blogpost [|Mr P Keirnan (pkk) Blog] Year 11 Girls PE Class Blog [|Jordan McFarlane's PE Blog] Fitness caching blogpost Google Maps images tend to be older. NearMaphas more current pictures Sue mentioned this ISTE site that looks at GPS and Geocaching in Education this morning