Geo Teams Scavenger Hunt

GeoTeams is an adventure, based on the sport geo-caching, which blends nature and technology. Your students will experience the novelty of learning to use GPS devices and the excitement of locating the caches. Read newspaper article

Overview:

Our caches contain clues to the next cache or instructions for team challenges. Teams of 4 to 6 are given maps or charts, then taught to use GPS (global positioning system) units to determine the approximate location of a secret cache, within 6-20 feet, then fan out for a search.

Lesson:

It takes deductive reasoning to determine exactly where the cache may be. Once found, the team uses the unit to navigate from their current location to another location.

If it is a timed event, they’ll have to strategize the best way to spend their precious minutes: do they continue searching for a cache, or risk losing points using a clue? Together the teams will make decisions on the fly and adjust their strategy moment-to-moment.

Students will reconvene to discuss what they learned from their experiences during the GeoTeams program. How well did team members learn then teach each other new skills? How did they deal with frustration? What types of leadership surfaced during the day? How did they handle their roles and responsibilities?

Agenda:

We begin by giving instruction on how to enter coordinates into their GPS unit, how to navigate, and then familiarize them with the charts, street maps or trail maps provided.

Participants break into small groups to practice using a GPS, and then set goals about how they will work together throughout the treasure hunt.