If you haven't yet discovered the wild world of geocaching, then allow me to introduce you. Basically, there are these treasure chests - referred to as "caches" (usually a camouflaged plastic container of some sort) hidden all over the world. You look for these caches at web sites like Geocaching.com. You can then plug the coordinates into your GPS, and head off for the hunt!
Of course, my first thought was that this would be like everything else in rural Oklahoma - NONEXISTENT! Boy Howdy, was I wrong. There are caches all over this area! And there I was, with no GPS.
So, instead, the kids and I print maps from Google Earth, and go looking. It gets us within about 20-30 feet of the location, and then we just rely on our investigative skills. We've already found several. The kids bring a collection of little trinkets (McDonald's toys, plastic jewels, etc.). If the cache has some trade items in them, the kids swap one of their items.
It's fun, fun, FUN! And, yes, I am already scouting Ebay for a used handheld GPS that I can get for what I have in my mad money stash.
It involves so many wonderful aspects. The kids are reading maps. They're using critical thinking. They are having to focus and concentrate when digging through bushes. They must consider "fair trades" for the things in the caches.
Did I mention that we're addicted to this?
Check out this week's Carnival of Homeschooling for more ways to learn at home.
7 comments:
check out www.woot.com. they put them up from time to time for reasonable. you have to check every day. talk about addiction!
We used to love geocaching but haven't gone in a while. It's so fun, getting those junky treasures! We are going to start letterboxing. Same idea as geocaching but you don't need a GPS, you find the box based on clues. Also, you don't swap trinkets, you stamp books. I don't know if it will be as fun for the kids but we'll see. You can collect some really neat, unique, handmade stamps.
You get the smart tip of the day award! I didn't know you could go geocaching without the GPS??!! I had been waiting till I could afford one, and now I don't have to. Ooohhh, this family is gonna have some serious homeschool fun now! Thanks!!!
What a great "bonding" idea! They don't even realize they have to work together...Fun and a fabulous idea! Thanks....I like Radalicious!
Great idea!
I have no idea what the hey you are talking about?!?!?
But I totally appreciate your enthusiasm.
I was going to mention letterboxing. You don't need GPS for it, just a compass sometimes. We've found 2 of these and it's fun.
www.letterboxing.org
How cool! I had heard about that but it never occurred to me to try it without a GPS. We may just have to check it out.
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