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Geocaching

Introduction Geocaching is the real-world treasure hunt that's happening right now, all around you. There are 2,242,774 active geocaches and over 6 million geocachers worldwide.”

Definition of Geocaching Geocaching uses GPS-enabled devices to create an outdoor treasure hunt. Geocachers use GPS coordinates to locate a specific location. Once at the location, they must find the geocache (container) hidden in that area.

What is GPS?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense.

To start geocaching, follow these 8 steps:

 * 1) Register for a free [|Basic Membership].
 * 2) Visit the "[|Hide & Seek a Cache]" page.
 * 3) Enter your postal code and click "search."
 * 4) Choose any geocache from the list and click on its name.
 * 5) Enter the coordinates of the geocache into your GPS Device.
 * 6) Use your GPS device to assist you in finding the hidden geocache.
 * 7) Sign the logbook and return the geocache to its original location.
 * 8) Share your geocaching stories and photos online.

Rules of Geocaching:

 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">If you take something from the geocache (or “cache”), leave something of equal or greater value.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Write about you find in the cache logbook.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Log your experience at [|www.geochaing.com]

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">History of Geocaching <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Caching, from the word cache, has two different meanings, which makes it very appropriate for the activity. A French word invented in 1797, the original definition referred to a hiding place someone would use to temporarily store items. The word cache stirs up visions of pioneers, gold miners, and even pirates. Today the word is still even used in the news to describe hidden weapons locations.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The second use of cache has more recently been used in technology. Memory cache is computer storage that is used to quickly retrieve frequently used information. Your web browser, for example, stores images on disk so you don't have to retrieve the same image every time you visit similar pages.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The combination of Earth, hiding, and technology made geocaching an excellent term for the activity. However the "GPS Stash Hunt" was the original and most widely used term until Mike Teague passed the torch to Jeremy Irish in September 2000 (geocaching.com).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Geocaching

Advantages/Benefits:

 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Physical- Geocaching gets people outside and moving around. Depending on how intense you get will vary your activity level. You can make the activity appropriate for the individuals who are participating. In doing that, you can vary the location or area you are searching to increase or decrease how much activity each person is doing. Geocaching can also be done on your own outside of a formal format. It is a great hobby in which peopl [[image:edl325f2013/reviewer-group-pic.jpg width="400" height="300" align="right"]]<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">e can participate on their own or with a group of people.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Social- Although Geocaching can be done on your own, there is a sense of accomplishment you feel when you find the cache. It is a great way to build self-esteem, especially in children who are not as successful in regular sports; it does not require a lot of physical skill. In a group setting, it is a great way to improve communication and cooperation. Geocaching offers a way for a group to problem solve together.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Educational- Geocaching gives people the opportunity to learn about the location in which they are searching. They may get a chance to explore an area they have never been before. Geocaching also offers the students an opportunity to learn about other topics. They can learn about a specific topic through Geocaching. Students would be gathering information about a topic, in a history class for example, while benefiting from the use of GPS at the same time.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Disadvantages:

 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Relies too much on technology. It may be difficult to teach to some students and may not be a reliable tool to teach. It would also affect the amount of student and teacher interaction.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">May destroy the environment from frequent visitors trying to locate the cache.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Some GPS devises could be too expensive to provide an entire class with equipment. It may not be possible to give everyone the chance to work with the equipment on his or her own.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Future of Geocaching <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">In 2000, twenty-four satellites around the globe were activated, and instantly the accuracy of the GPS technology improved tremendously. Nearly all the GPS receivers around the world had an instant upgrade. In the future, we can expect additional satellites and improvement to current satellite technology to further increase the accuracy of a hand held GPS.

Conclusion The use of Geocaching may be new but it is not uncommon among people. It is quickly growing in popularity all the time. It is fairly easy to get started and allows you to get more used to a GPS. Geocaching is a unique activity that combines adventure with physical activity and you do not have to be an athlete to participate in Geocaching. Geocaching provides many physical, social and educational benefits that you would not see in most typical activities. It is something that can be very fun and the benefits depend on what you put into it. There are some minor draw backs to using such technology but nothing offers such a fun experience, while being outdoors like Geocaching offers.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; line-height: 1.5;">References > http://www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/learn-about-the-benefits-of-geocaching >
 * 1) http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/
 * 2) http://www.geocaching.com/
 * 3) Taylor, K. J., Kremer, D., Pebworth, K., Werner, P.(2010) Learn About the Benefits of Geocaching (Excerpt from Geocaching for Schools and Communities). Retrieved from