ECI-511

GPS and Geocaching

GPS and Geocaching

Description:

Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system.  This particular tool was original used for military usage but recently it has become an educational resource tool.  Teachers especially used the tool in an activity called Geocaching.  Geocaching is basically a high tech treasure hunt for anyone who is interested in participating in the activity. 

Key findings: 

Lynn Lary provided several examples of the usefulness of GPS and Geocaching in the classroom.  Lary was able to use GPS in her math class---the students had to think about what a degree is in relation to miles.  The GPS tool enabled them to interact with each coordinate and find the correct answers.  The students no longer needed to use a boring atlas or textbook but instead participated actively in finding their answers.  I also liked her usage of GPS in the lesson on longitude and latitude.  I remember using a store bought world globe but now the students were able to learn the activity through completing a treasure hunt. 

The author reminded us that GPS is only a tool not the lesson itself.  The students still have to think to find the correct answers.  This is especially necessary in geocaching- a high tech treasure hunt.  In order for the students to locate the next coordinates, they must answer each question correctly.  GPS and geocaching really makes learning fun for the students?especially the competitive students.

Integrating GPS and Geocaching:

GPS and Geocaching can be very useful in social studies.  I currently teach Civics and Economics and African American history.  I found many times that students can not locate simple things on the map.  Students in my Civics and Economics class can not name and locate all thirteen colonies.  However, even after I taught thirteen colonies?the students still have trouble memorizing the states.  I think the usage of GPS and geocaching could help solve this problem. I would give my students notes and the thirteen colonies and allow them to watch the movie National Treasure (this help set up my geocaching activity).  Once we are finish with the movie, I will make a geocache activity about the thirteen colonies and the locations of each state.  The first group that solves the mystery will be rewarded with extra credit on their quiz. 

I could also do a similar activity in my African American class (I also teach about the thirteen colonies in this class).  I usually take my students on a field trip to Stagville Plantation.  I could plan a treasure hunt on the actually plantation for the students.  The students would broken down in groups of five and given a GPS device.  At each stop the students will be required to answer the clue in order to obtain the next set of coordinates. The clues will contain exam questions, therefore preparing each group for the Unit test.

I think both of these lessons will engage all of my students and make learning fun for them.  They can actually see how useful technology is and at the same time learn about the subject matter.  Studies have shown that students obtain more information if they actually enjoy or relate to what they are learning.

Posted at 06:43PM Jun 19, 2006 by BERRY, LATOYA in General  |  Comments[0]