FieldTrip: Geocaching
Arm child with a hand-held GPS system and the coordinates for a hidden treasure, care of Geocaching.com.Orienteering and map reading skills.
Follow GPS coordinates to within 50ft- give or take a few- of the treasure location. Decode the scrambled letters to the extra hint, if necessary. Search high and low. Think outside the box. Get a little dirty, perhaps.Creative thinking, problem solving, nature walks.
Taste the thrill of victory when you finally find it!Improve self-esteem.
Open the weather proof container and choose a trinket treasure.Decision making skills.
Leave a trinket in exchange in the spirit of geocaching comeraderie.Generosity.
Sign the log book to prove you found the treasure cache.Penmanship.
Return geocache to its location for other treasure hunters to find. Pick up any trash you might see lying around.Responsibility, stewardship.
Go home happy.Refreshment, family bonding.
Bring your friends and relations geocaching with you next time.Goodwill.
Labels: we have a ton of fun doing this and I betcha there's one near you
paper lantern of the day Thursday, October 09, 2008
5 Comments:
Oohh! I've looked into this a few times and think it sounds sooo fun! Do you think our kids are too young?
Not sure if my comment posted already. If so, feel free to delete this one.
Saw your post on Kelli's from the Land of Boys. We have been geocaching in our area for a little while. The kids LOVE it.
I liked how you applied the skills they learn to schooling.
Check ya later!
Paula,
I think Emma would happily organize your family for this outing. My Type-A child is usually in charge of reading the GPS, decoding the hints, and signing the log book. The rest of us like tromping through field and forest.
Ethan would like tromping through field and forest. :)
All the kids love finding the hidden treasure cache. Your family would enjoy this.
rthling,
Isn't it fun? Many of the geocaches we've hunted for take us to places we never knew existed (even in our own town) and require us to search for clues regarding the history or natural surroundings of the area.
More learning opportunities!
Great photos of your geocaching! I love it. Obviously a great learning experience. These beautiful days were just meant for this fun activity! Love you guys!
Have you tried geohashing?
http://xkcd.com/426/
hint: click on the sample implementation. Very geeky.
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