Sandy Kimbrough - Physical Education, Geography, and Science

*Physical Education, Geography, and Science….a
Winning Combination!!!!
*
Dr. Sandy Kimbrough
Sandy.kimbrough@tamuc.edu
Twitter: @DrKimbro
YouTube: iluvgur
Texas A&M University Commerce
* One creative activity can address multiple learning outcomes
related to PE, geography, science, reading, and teamwork:
Geocaching!
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YTqitVK-Ts
* Geocache Types
* Traditional Geocache
* This is the original type of geocache and the most straightforward. These
geocaches will be a container at the given coordinates. The size may vary,
but at minimum, all of these geocaches will have a logbook. Larger
containers may contain items for trade and trackables.
* Mystery or Puzzle Caches
* The "catch-all" of geocache types, this type may involve complicated
puzzles that you will first need to solve to determine the correct
coordinates. Mystery/Puzzle Caches often become the staging ground for
new and unique geocaches that do not fit in another category.
* Multi-Cache
* These geocaches involve two or more locations, with the final location being
a physical container with a logbook inside. There are many variations, but
typically once you’re at the first stage, you will receive a clue to the
whereabouts of the second stage. The second stage will have a clue for the
third, and so on.
* EarthCache
* An EarthCache is a special geological location people can visit to learn about
a unique feature of the Earth. EarthCache pages include a set of educational
notes along with coordinates. Visitors to EarthCaches can see how our
planet has been shaped by geological processes, how we manage its
resources and how scientists gather evidence.
Types of containers
* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW9bi5_b-Wc
Micro - Less than 100ml. Examples: a 35 mm film canister or a tiny
storage box typically containing only a logbook or a logsheet. A
nano cache is a common sub-type of a micro cache that is less than
10ml and can only hold a small logsheet.
Small - 100ml or larger, but less than 1L. Example: A sandwichsized plastic container or similar.
Regular - 1L or larger, but less than 20L. Examples: a plastic
container or ammo can about the size of a shoebox.
Large - 20L or larger. Example: A large bucket.
Global Positioning System
* Each GPS device receives signals broadcast from GPS
satellites. A device needs to read signals from at least three
satellites at a time to calculate its general location by a
process called trilateration.
* With signals from four satellites, a GPS receiver can get a
more accurate fix that includes altitude and the exact time,
as well as latitude and longitude. The more satellite signals
the receiver reads, the more accurate the position it reports
to you.
* Works outside, clear weather, away from tall metal buildings
* Provides latitude/longitude (VERY accurate….within a few feet in
good conditions)
How to start
* Go to geocaching.com
* Create a FREE (very safe) account.
* Search by zip code, town, etc.
https://www.geocaching.com/play/search
Find the cache you want.
Make notes (logs, hints, size, difficulty, terrain).
Enter coordinates into device.
Go find, sign log book, trade items.
Log at geocaching.com.
Using GPS device instead of
phone
*Sturdy
*Battery life
*Problem solving
*OPTIONS for level of students
RESOURCES
*Teachers Pay Teachers:
search
“geocaching”
*Geocaching website
*Groundspeak forum
*Search: “geocaching lesson plans”
Alignment with curriculum
standards
*TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills) met:
Chapter 111. Mathematics Chapter 112. Science Chapter 113. Social Studies Chapter 116. Physical Education Chapter 117. Fine Arts Chapter 126. Technology
Applications * LET’S GO CACHING!!!!
*POWER up and CONNECT!
*READ THE DESCRIPTION!
*Go to waypoint!
*SEARCH!
*Safety: eyes on surroundings,
obey traffic laws.
*Be back here by
________: ________
*How to incorporate in
your school:
*Sharing time!
* One cool idea:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ZBPEzGvkqMQ&index=12&list=PLSWp4ZbYDbmT0viDbnXi667_33fJ4kKm
Could you get your STEM teachers involved????
*
THANK YOU!!!!
Want to go caching?