Our Project

Seek and you shall find, maybe? 

Subject:	Technology
Grade span:	7 to 12
Duration:	2-3 sessions of 60-90 minutes each

Description:
In this lesson, students locate objects hidden in our library using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. This geography-based approach to problem-solving, called geocaching, is a fun and engaging way to evaluate students' understanding of longitude and latitude, global navigation, and the Global Positioning System. It also tests their ability to manipulate technology. 

Learning Goals:

• Enhance and extend students' understanding of global geography
• Increase visual acuity
• Develop technology skills using handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers
• Develop the ability to use our GloForge engraving tool to make the items that will be hidden and geolocated. 

Materials:

• Computers with Internet access
• Digital projector 
• Handheld Cell with camera access 
• Paper and pencil for field notes and journal entries
• Objects to hide in caches (for example, Mr. Potato Head parts, other trinkets)
• GloForge etching system. 

Preparation:

I will determine students' understanding of longitude and latitude and their technology skill. I will teach the students the ideas behind longitude and latitude. In addition we will briefly look at the mathematics used before we had GPS systems.

• Become familiar with your GPS in your phone. 
• Create caches and either report them to the Geocaching Web site registry, or record coordinates manually

Introduce students to geocaching

• Using a computer with Internet access and projector, students will access the Geocaching Web site (www.geocaching.com) and be provide an overview of this worldwide recreational activity.
• Generate and build on student interest by entering your location to see what caches might be nearby.
• If possible, arrange to take students to look for one of the caches registered on the Web 

To do:

• Before the session begins, students create several caches in the library. Record the coordinates from the GPS. 
• Divide students into groups of three, with one GPS receiver per group. In order to involve each student, assign roles, such as GPS handler, logbook keeper, and photographer (if you use cameras). Change roles so that everyone has a chance to use the GPS receiver and enter coordinates.
• Give each group coordinates to a cache and have them find it. Document the search using notes and photos (optional).

Coming back together 

• Discuss the geocaching activity.
• Have students write a description of the experience on a computer, including search coordinates they used, and any photos of their find. In addition how this project has helped them come together after the pandemic and make new friends. 
• If this was a registered cache, have students make an entry in the Geocaching Web site.

Evaluate (Outcomes to look for):

• Understanding of plotting techniques and geographical terminology, including latitude and longitude
• Comfort using technology tools, including the Internet and handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to enhance learning

Last

Students will write about how they felt during the pandemic and how the creations they made with the GloForge match with the feeling that they felt when they were isolated at home. They will then discuss how finding the creations they made and found using the GPS system has reconnected them. In addition they will talk about how they feel now that they are doing something fun with others, but also represents isolation as they find the plotted items they made.