akfx5
Copper Cacher
Posts: 6
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Post by akfx5 on Mar 27, 2014 7:43:24 GMT -9
Hello all-
I teach at an alternative school in Anchorage and I am teaching a 2 1/2 week geocaching class for grades 6-12 in early May. I'm looking for suggestions regarding the content of the class. I don't want to just toss them a GPS and head for the woods, but make the class a cross-curricular experience.
Has anyone done anything like this before? Has anyone used geocaching in an academic setting? How? I teach social studies, this class will be a PE credit, but I'd like to make it include some writing and art.
What areas of geocaching should be emphasized? I'm definitely going to discuss and stress CITO.
Any suggestions of locations that are heavy with geocaches and could handle a few groups of people? I'm thinking Kincaid, Mirror Lake, the bike trail around Westchester, and Eagle River Valley.
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Post by akgh519 on Mar 27, 2014 21:42:57 GMT -9
Most densely cached area I know of is crevasse moraine area at the Glenn hwy and the parks hwy wye. May be to far out for your class but worth knowing about. Check out and around GC44PHP. There are 'eduvents' that can be found on the geocache Alaska website with a great introductory one done by NeverSummer back in march of 13. I think there is geocaching curriculum in the ASD system. Others will chime in too Good luck with your class. Sounds like fun. If I find I have available time I will let you know.
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Post by ladybugkids on Mar 28, 2014 6:31:14 GMT -9
I recommend contacting Michael Warren/aka WarrenPeace for guidance. He coordinated the Central Landmark Program at Central Middle School for several years and placed Anchorage - Big Wild Life and several other caches.
The GeocacheAlaska! training materials akgh519 mentioned may be found at the GeocacheAlaska! website here.
Additional locations that could be good for the students to seek geocaches in are the APU campus and Far North Bicentennial Park.
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Post by akgh519 on Mar 28, 2014 7:22:17 GMT -9
Thanks for adding the info I knew was out there LBK!
Another area you might consider is around the Campbell Creek Science Center
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Post by ladybugkids on Mar 28, 2014 8:45:36 GMT -9
Another area you might consider is around the Campbell Creek Science Center Nice thing about the Science Center is BLM offers a classroom with restroom facilities and I believe they have GPSs for loan. There is a nice mix of ammo cans and other size containers within easy walking distance.
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Post by NeverSummer on Mar 28, 2014 13:09:03 GMT -9
I have a lesson plan for an intro-GPS class that can be adapted for geocaching on day 1.
Be sure to spend plenty of time teaching how to use the GPS units--that will pay big dividends for how much else you can accomplish with finding caches, etc.
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akfx5
Copper Cacher
Posts: 6
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Post by akfx5 on Mar 28, 2014 13:25:27 GMT -9
Thanks for the feedback and advice everyone! I have the first few days of classroom/GPS stuff planned, I just have to find the time to get the rest of the "fieldwork" planned out.
I've pulled some of the powerpoints off of the website to use, but I'm open to any and all advice!
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Post by NeverSummer on Mar 28, 2014 13:55:28 GMT -9
I've taught outdoor education in combination with writing activities, especially with GPS/Geocaching and orienteering.
Shoot me an line at NeverSumm3r at gmail dot com and I can help pass along the things I've done, and the pdf file of the GPS/Geocaching class. Easily adapted for all kinds of lessons.
And, if you're spending 2+ weeks on this, you'll want to loop in some other fun activities.
I'm happy to help.
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Post by akgh519 on Mar 29, 2014 15:53:51 GMT -9
Mike...you always explain my thought so much better than I do! RE the Campbell creek science center! Thank you!
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Post by SSO JOAT on Mar 29, 2014 18:28:59 GMT -9
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Post by ladybugkids on Mar 29, 2014 22:55:40 GMT -9
There are also geocaching.com Education and Geocaching Forums here.
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Post by fuzzybelly on Mar 30, 2014 4:59:50 GMT -9
Ya know akfx,
Geocachealaska! has extra Gps units for educational purposes. If you need to borrow a few, I'll bet that could be arranged.
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akfx5
Copper Cacher
Posts: 6
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Post by akfx5 on Apr 9, 2014 13:35:04 GMT -9
WHo do I contact to borrow some GPS units? I'm getting a few from teh district, but who knows how many or what shape they'll be in
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Post by SSO JOAT on Apr 9, 2014 13:48:02 GMT -9
There are two gps kits in anchorage. Wes and Mike each have one. There are about ten units per kit. They are GPS 76Cx model.
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Post by fuzzybelly on Apr 9, 2014 18:53:10 GMT -9
I can help you get your hands on those units through Wes(northwes) and Mike(ladybugkids/greatlandreviewer) if you need akfx5. I don't mind doing a pick up and drop off. If you need my help just ask When would you need them and for how long?
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Post by ladybugkids on Apr 9, 2014 19:42:12 GMT -9
Yes, I have a eleven GPSs with manuals and cables ready to loan out.
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akfx5
Copper Cacher
Posts: 6
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Post by akfx5 on Apr 10, 2014 13:44:44 GMT -9
The Intensive class runs May 5-21. I currently have 32 (mostly middle school) and am getting some GPS units from ASD, but I'm not sure what type they are and what shape they're in. I'll email you folks and try to work out a drop off/pick up.
I gotta say, I really appreciate the feedback and assistance!
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Post by ftl-ak on May 7, 2014 17:11:27 GMT -9
I am so so so sorry you went for one of mine and had a DNF! Arg! I am checking on it tonight. It might have to be pulled I have had a few of mine get snagged this week. I highly recommend GC5353X (filler up) it's an amazing new cache that I know is there I got it last week. Nice walk. Also bring some water.
So sorry you went for mine and it was not there. What's your classes name maybe I will make a make up cache for them!
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Post by NorthWes on May 15, 2014 4:25:46 GMT -9
Based on the logs from my caches visited by your class, you've done well at getting afield and visiting some neat locations with your students. Would you be open to letting us 'interview' you about this class and its outcomes? We're always looking for success stories for our member newsletter.
Best regards,
NorthWes Wes Skinner - President, GeocacheAlaska! Inc.
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akfx5
Copper Cacher
Posts: 6
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Post by akfx5 on May 19, 2014 5:23:05 GMT -9
Northwes-Thanks! I have been trying to expose the students to a wide variety of locations/cache types/experiences. I even have hooked one of the dads who has been with us pretty much everyday! I would love to be "interviewed" on the experience-I can even try to have a student or two available, if we can set something up soon. Can you message/email me to set something up?
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Post by NorthWes on May 19, 2014 11:50:33 GMT -9
Northwes-Thanks! I have been trying to expose the students to a wide variety of locations/cache types/experiences. I even have hooked one of the dads who has been with us pretty much everyday! I would love to be "interviewed" on the experience-I can even try to have a student or two available, if we can set something up soon. Can you message/email me to set something up? We'd be happy to interview anyone involved. Let me chat with our newsletter editor on a couple of ideas, then get this done before the school year is out. Exciting! Wes
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