Geocaching
Geocaching
(pronounced: geo • cashing) is a game invented by pirates.
Well, not exactly. But they were definitely on to something! As
legend goes, swashbucklers hid their treasure and marked the spot
so that they could find it again. Geocaching works the same way
– only advances in technology have taken things to a whole
new level. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure
hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to
a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the
geocache (container) hidden at that location.
Geocaching, first coined by Matt Stum on May 30, 2000, was the joining of two familiar words. The prefix geo, for Earth, was used to describe the global nature of the activity, but also for its use in familiar topics in gps such as geography. Caching, from the word cache, has two different meanings. A French word first used in 1797, the original definition of cache referred to a hiding place someone would use to temporarily store items.
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.
The combination of Earth, hiding, and technology made geocaching an excellent term for the activity.
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching Terms & Basics
Types of Geocaches
Tips and Guidelines for Geocaching
OpenCaching - Guidelines
GPS & Geocaching Guide for Educators Selecting a Location for Your Geocache
Geocaching with Kids Build It - Build a GeoCache
Making a Geocache
Lesson Ideas
GPS and Geocaching in Classroom
7 Mystery and Puzzle Ideas
GPS Activities & Lesson Plans
Jamestown Geocache Activity
The Science Spot: Lesson Plan& Links
GPS Resources GPS Coordinate Converter
Award Site
