Project 4: Exploring Topic

1. Exploring Topic: Geocaching in Education

For Project 4, Exploring Multimedia, I have chosen Geocaching in Education. Not only do students experience fun and adventure, but also gain learning experiences related to geography and geology for teachers with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based teaching curriculum.

What is Geocaching? 

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunt using GPS-enabled devices to locate trackable game pieces with tasks. (Geocaching, 2016)

There are various forms of geocache experiences, ranging from adventures in nature to night cache experiences with surprises. To begin, start by creating an account on the Geocache website. A free account can be set up at www.geocaching.com. A premium plan can be purchased for $29.99 per year. For the purpose of this assignment, the free account was used (Shop Geocaching, 2016).

Begin by using the navigation bar located at the top of the page. Using the "Learn" link, a dropdown tool will open select "Geocaching 101". A new page will open that contains valuable information. Questions provide links to answers that explain further details about Geocaching what it is and how it works.

Also under the "Learn" link, a dropdown tool will provide links to "Videos". This will direct the viewer to an informative page of resourceful videos that describe a variety of information on geocaching. Including a motivational video of students actually taking a geocaching road trip. The videos are quite inspiring and full of detailed information of the various types of geocaching available (YouTube, 2016).

Basically, there are two ways to engage in the geocaching game. You can either engage by creating a trackable game piece known as "Trackables" and monitor it's progress, or you can engage by searching for game pieces that are hidden during your travels while logging activity with that trackable through a website.

1. If you choose to create a Trackable,  you can purchase one from the online shop for a nominal fee.  Begin by choosing what type of trackable you would like to use.

There are three forms of trackable game pieces:

1. Trave Bugs
2. Other (various forms) - travel Tags, stickers, patches, key rings, etc...
3. Geocoins

Travel Bug

Travel Tag

Geocoin

Next, you can utilize the official containers already in place or purchase a container or starter kit(s) found in the store on the geocaching website. Containers come in variety of forms from a simple black box to a faux brick to a metal time capsule to a fake piece of gum with a secret panel. Pricing of each object varies. If you are unable to locate a container that is appealing, one could create their own as shown in the video below.

2. If you choose to search for objects, begin by uploading an app to your smart phone. There are apps available for both Android and iPhone brands of smart phones. For the purpose of this assignment, an  iPhone will be used. The app used for this assignment was found in iTunes free of charge.

A variety of apps were available to choose from, each varying in price and functions. Most contained an internal compass to help guide the user to specific geocache locations. (Groundspeak, 2016). After downloading the app, the user is able to us a map contained internally that is marked with icons revealing numerous geocache locations nearby. Each geocache location is indicated by icons or dots. By clicking the icon, the application reveals detailed information on the geocache items ratings on the difficulty to locate and type of terrain where the item can be found. Upgraded applications provide more details, free apps provide less specifics.  

As containers are found, the first thing is to determine the trackables current goal and description. Most trackables require you to enter a tracking code to log found in the container.

These trackables are most often required to remain at their current location and not retained by the finder; however, some trackables have tasks to achieve that may require you to move them to another location. For Example: A trackable can start in one location yet have a final destination in another many miles away. 

One interesting bit of information that I discovered was the unique way that the Geocache are placed and the reasoning behind them.

The excitement ensued as my husband and I set off for my first Geocache find. We began this morning in Jackson, Ga. We visited four geocache locations finding three of the hidden treasures. 

  

One of the Geocache informed me, these two buildings were originally the first and second jails in Jackson, Ga.

Among the hidden treasures, we were also able to learn some interesting historical facts through the information provided on the geocache tracking. It was quite fun and educational. I learned a great deal about some of the history in the little town that I live.