I've recently started geocaching and I'm sure some of you are sitting there saying "what is geocaching?". It's basically a treasure hunt, but keep in mind you aren't really finding valuable treasures, you're finding knickknacks (or swag) left by other cachers and then leaving some in the container for others to find. What do you need to start? GPS coordinates to a cache and a way to map yourself to it - like a smartphone. I started caching with my smartphone and the Geocache App. Over the last few months I have increased my caching supplies to include a hydration pack (when I hike), handheld GPS, hiking shoes, headlamp for night caches, pepper spray, pens, and my own swag to leave behind. There are a ton of caches hidden where you don't need the hiking supplies but I have decided to mix in some exercise with caching.
So what does this have to do with education? Let's think outside the box for a bit. Education isn't what it used to be. Students don't just sit there and listen to lectures. They like to multitask and geocaching allows students to use critical thinking skills. They read maps, perhaps even calculate how far they've walked, and maybe there could be another puzzle to solve to find another cache that is hidden. Teachers are now teaching in an era where cross-curriculum is an important part of education. Geocaching is one of those topics that is definitely considered to be cross-curricular. Geography - the topography of the land. Math - change in altitude, distance traveled. English - write about your experience. Physical Education - the hike or walk. History - create caches around your school that contain information about the topic you are studying. The possibilities are endless!
And what if you don't teach? Education is still important to children AND adults. This summer I did some geocaching that turned out to be not only fun, but also educational. I spent a couple hours at Prince Gallitzin State Park in Pennsylvania and completed 8 caches that were all educational - I learned about animals. These caches were part of Ranger Rick's Trails who has caches set up all over the county - perhaps there is a set of caches near you.
Want more information about Geocaching and Education? Check out the link on Geocaching.com! Happy Caching!
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