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    Activity B5 L - Geocache Hunting 08-22-06

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    runneals
    This document provides instructions for leading learners in geocache hunting. It describes geocaching as an outdoor treasure hunting game where participants use GPS devices to find hidden containers. The summary explains that geocachers must take an item from the cache, leave an item behind, and log their visit. Learners are guided to select caches, map their locations, and search for caches using GPS. The document also provides background on geocaching rules and typical cache contents.

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    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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    Activity B5 L - Geocache Hunting 08-22-06

    Uploaded by

    runneals
    12 views3 pages
    This document provides instructions for leading learners in geocache hunting. It describes geocaching as an outdoor treasure hunting game where participants use GPS devices to find hidden containers. The summary explains that geocachers must take an item from the cache, leave an item behind, and log their visit. Learners are guided to select caches, map their locations, and search for caches using GPS. The document also provides background on geocaching rules and typical cache contents.

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    This document provides instructions for leading learners in geocache hunting. It describes geocaching as an outdoor treasure hunting game where participants use GPS devices to find hidden containers. The summary explains that geocachers must take an item from the cache, leave an item behind, and log their visit. Learners are guided to select caches, map their locations, and search for caches using GPS. The document also provides background on geocaching rules and typical cache contents.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    12 views3 pages

    Activity B5 L - Geocache Hunting 08-22-06

    Uploaded by

    runneals
    This document provides instructions for leading learners in geocache hunting. It describes geocaching as an outdoor treasure hunting game where participants use GPS devices to find hidden containers. The summary explains that geocachers must take an item from the cache, leave an item behind, and log their visit. Learners are guided to select caches, map their locations, and search for caches using GPS. The document also provides background on geocaching rules and typical cache contents.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as doc, pdf, or txt
    of 3

    Activity B5 Geocache Hunting

    Introduction:
    Searching for a Geocache is an exciting way for your learners to apply their GPS
    navigational skills. The basic principles are similar to the beginner level “GPS Treasure
    Hunt” activity, but everything is done on a larger scale. Many thousands of Geocaches
    are hidden around the world and it is likely that some are found in your area. Locations
    and information about these caches are found on the geocaching.com website. The rules
    are very simple: 1. Take something from the cache, 2. Leave something in the cache, and
    3. Write about it in the cache logbook.

    Time Involved: variable

    Materials Needed:
    • Internet access to find local Geocache sites.
    • GPS receivers and magnetic compasses.
    • Topographic and/or other maps covering the Geocache sites.
    • Cache trade items.

    Getting Started:

    Before introducing Geocaching to your learners, you should become familiar


    with the game, its variations, and the many resources available. Explore the
    http://www.geocaching.com/ website. Check out the Getting Started page. Be sure
    to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Finding your first Geocache
    information. This would be a good time to create your free account with
    geocaching.com. Next you should search the listings for caches in your area. The
    simplest way is to enter your zip code in the site’s search engine, but there are other
    options as well. Hopefully you will find a variety of interesting caches in your area.
    (If not, the website encourages you to hide a cache yourself, and provides instructions on
    how to do it. We will further explore this challenge in C2: Hosting a Geocache.)

    See “Preparing GPS Receivers for Group Activities”. Note that receiver default settings
    usually are hddd°mm.mmm (degrees and decimal minutes) and datum WGS 84. These
    are also the same settings used for Geocaching waypoints. Make sure that you are aware
    of the datum for any maps that you are using.

    Do the Activity
    Involve your learners in the selection of the cache(s) to be sought. If feasible, have them
    actually perform the “Seek a Cache” search on the geocaching.com website. Otherwise,
    print off a selection of nearby caches for your group to review. Have them study the
    descriptions and plot the general locations on a highway map. Once they have selected
    the cache(s) they want to visit, secure topographic maps and/or aerial photos of the cache
    sites. Under Resources below, you will find several helpful mapping sites. However, the
    Activity B5- Legend 1
    Mike Clifford
    08-22-06
    easiest way to is to use the “For online map ...” links that are provided on each specific
    cache page. The cache will automatically be located in the center of the map! For
    topographic maps, use TerraServer or TopoZone. Load the cache coordinates in your
    GPS receivers and check the position on your maps. Remember to carry an appropriate
    trade item for your group to leave in the cache. Mark your starting location (parking area
    or trail-head) before setting off on the hunt. Keep your group together until they reach
    the approximate location of the cache, then spread out to search the immediate area.
    Some caches are well hidden and your GPS units may only get you within 30 feet or so,
    depending on conditions. Once the cache is found, make an entry in its log book and
    exchange trade items. Seal the cache and place it back just as you found it. After you
    return home, remember to log your visit on the website and email the cache owner.

    A detailed step-by-step “Guide to Finding a Cache” can be found at:


    http://www.geocaching.com/about/finding.aspx .

    Background Information

    Adapted from Groundspeak, Inc.’s geocaching.com website:

    Cache is pronounced "cash". In geocaching, it is a hidden container filled with a log


    book and pencil/pen, and possibly prizes. Caches were often used by explorers, miners,
    etc. to hide foodstuffs and other items for emergency purposes. People still hide caches of
    supplies today for similar reasons.

    Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. Participating in a cache


    hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and capability of a GPS
    unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and organizations set up caches all over the
    world and share the locations of these caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the
    location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with
    a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they
    should try to leave something for the cache.

    Geocaching is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, the rules are very simple:
    1. Take something from the cache
    2. Leave something in the cache
    3. Write about it in the logbook

    GPS Stash Hunt is an earlier name, but Geocaching has become the standard term for the
    game. The word Geocaching broken out is GEO for geography, and CACHING for the
    process of hiding a cache. A cache in computer terms is information usually stored in
    memory to make it faster to retrieve, but the term is also used in hiking/camping as a
    hiding place for concealing and preserving provisions.

    What is usually in a cache?


    A cache can come in many forms but the first item should always be the logbook. In its
    simplest form a cache can be just a logbook and nothing else. The logbook contains
    Activity B5- Legend 2
    Mike Clifford
    08-22-06
    information from the founder of the cache and notes from the cache's visitors. The
    logbook can contain much valuable, rewarding, and entertaining information. A logbook
    might contain information about nearby attractions, coordinates to other unpublished
    caches, and even jokes written by visitors. If you get some information from a logbook
    you should give some back. At the very least you can leave the date and time you visited
    the cache.
    Larger caches may consist of a waterproof plastic bucket placed tastefully within the
    local terrain. The bucket will contain the logbook and any number of more or less
    valuable items. These items turn the cache into a true treasure hunt. You never know
    what the founder or other visitors of the cache may have left there for you to enjoy.
    Remember, if you take something, its only fair for you to leave something in return.
    Items in a bucket cache could be: Maps, books, software, hardware, CD's, videos,
    pictures, money, jewelry, tickets, antiques, tools, games, etc. It is recommended that
    items in a bucket cache be individually packaged in a clear zipped plastic bag to protect
    them.

    Additional Resources
    • Groundspeak Inc. http://geocaching.com
    • TerraServer – USA http://terraserver.microsoft.com/
     TopoZone http://topozone.com/
     MapServer http://mapserver.maptech.com/
     MapQuest http://www.mapquest.com/
     MapPoint http://mappoint.msn.com/
     Yahoo Maps http://maps.yahoo.com/maps
     Rand McNally http://www.randmcnally.com/
     Tiger Census Maps http://tiger.census.gov/
     USAPhotoMaps http://www.jdmcox.com/
     Easy GPS http://easygps.com/
     Garmin http://www.garmin.com/cartography/
     Magellan http://www.magellangps.com/en/products/software.asp
     MapTech http://www.maptech.com/
     Delorme http://www.delorme.com/

    Note: Comments and suggestions regarding this activity and other components of the Virginia
    4-H GPS curriculum are appreciated. Please contact Mike Clifford at:
    [email protected] / 804-561-5411 / 11131 Amelia Springs Rd., Jetersville, VA 23083

    Activity B5- Legend 3


    Mike Clifford
    08-22-06

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