Activity Scavenger Hunt
Activity Name(s): Geocaching With a Map Type: Team Building
Source(s): www.geocaching.com
Age Range/Fit: 12 +
Facilitated Objective(s): 1. Students will work as a team to copy a map of geocache locations from a pre-marked map or set of GPS coordinates overlaid onto a map. 2. Students will work as a team to navigate their way to several geocache locations.
Equipment Needs: 1 master map with pre-marked geocache locations. 1 large piece of paper for each team to copy their own map. Several “prizes” to be set at each geocache location. Several markers or crayons will be needed so students can make maps with color coded areas.
Space Needs: This activity will require a large outdoor space where students can walk safely from one location to another.
Time Needs: This activity will need at least 30 minutes for students to actively copy maps and walk to geocache locations.
Group Size(s): 15-25
Prep/Set-Up Needs: The instructor will need a map of the local area and mark the locations of geocaches on it. The instructor will also need to go to each geocache and ensure that “prizes” (such as power-bars, free pencils, etc..) are in place. Each geocache will need a prize for each individual team to be able to pick-up when they arrive.
Gender and/or Cultural Considerations: This activity should be applicable to any gender or culture. Upon request, it should not disrupt the activity to separate teams into male or female, or into teams that share the same language. However, it may be an extension of the activity to deliberately create teams of individuals who speak different languages.
Other Considerations: This activity should be done away from safety hazards to people walking outdoors, such as traffic or dangerous animals and insects. This activity should also be done in reasonably safe weather, but can be done in any season with proper dress.
Possible Discussion Topics: Students can be engaged in supplemental discussions such as: How did it feel to have to make a detailed map to navigate the area? What roles did you create in your team? How did it feel to work with a diverse group and with people who spoke a different language?
Activity Description/Script:
This activity is a modification of GPS geocaching in that it utilizes a map instead of active GPS. This makes the activity easier in that geocaches and routes to them are already clearly marked, but more difficult in that students must focus on details when they create their own maps and must use their own senses to orient themselves on a paper map that will not offer directions or orient itself to them.
The instructor will start with a map in a central location that is easy to see. The map will be pre-marked and accurate to the surrounding area. Students will copy the map and then set about finding the geocaches. Students will work in teams to find geocaches and will receive prizes depending on how many they can find.
Script
“Hey everyone! Today, we will play a game called ‘Geocaching With a Map.’ Everyone get into a team of 4-6 people, and take a piece of paper and markers. The map that I have is like a ‘Treasure Map’ because it has the locations of geocaches, which are places where prizes are hidden. You must use your ability to pay attention to detail to make an accurate map of your own and to find the hidden prizes at the locations. For safety reasons, you will not be able to leave the area of the map, and I will be walking around the area to make sure everything is going well. You can take as long as you want to make your own map, but keep in mind the longer you spend on it means less time to search. However, if you don’t make a good map, you won’t find the prizes; so balance your time wisely. You can set out whenever you’re done, and everyone will need to meet back here in 40 minutes from right now. Go!”
Activity Name(s): Geocaching With a Map Type: Team Building
Source(s): www.geocaching.com
Age Range/Fit: 12 +
Facilitated Objective(s): 1. Students will work as a team to copy a map of geocache locations from a pre-marked map or set of GPS coordinates overlaid onto a map. 2. Students will work as a team to navigate their way to several geocache locations.
Equipment Needs: 1 master map with pre-marked geocache locations. 1 large piece of paper for each team to copy their own map. Several “prizes” to be set at each geocache location. Several markers or crayons will be needed so students can make maps with color coded areas.
Space Needs: This activity will require a large outdoor space where students can walk safely from one location to another.
Time Needs: This activity will need at least 30 minutes for students to actively copy maps and walk to geocache locations.
Group Size(s): 15-25
Prep/Set-Up Needs: The instructor will need a map of the local area and mark the locations of geocaches on it. The instructor will also need to go to each geocache and ensure that “prizes” (such as power-bars, free pencils, etc..) are in place. Each geocache will need a prize for each individual team to be able to pick-up when they arrive.
Gender and/or Cultural Considerations: This activity should be applicable to any gender or culture. Upon request, it should not disrupt the activity to separate teams into male or female, or into teams that share the same language. However, it may be an extension of the activity to deliberately create teams of individuals who speak different languages.
Other Considerations: This activity should be done away from safety hazards to people walking outdoors, such as traffic or dangerous animals and insects. This activity should also be done in reasonably safe weather, but can be done in any season with proper dress.
Possible Discussion Topics: Students can be engaged in supplemental discussions such as: How did it feel to have to make a detailed map to navigate the area? What roles did you create in your team? How did it feel to work with a diverse group and with people who spoke a different language?
Activity Description/Script:
This activity is a modification of GPS geocaching in that it utilizes a map instead of active GPS. This makes the activity easier in that geocaches and routes to them are already clearly marked, but more difficult in that students must focus on details when they create their own maps and must use their own senses to orient themselves on a paper map that will not offer directions or orient itself to them.
The instructor will start with a map in a central location that is easy to see. The map will be pre-marked and accurate to the surrounding area. Students will copy the map and then set about finding the geocaches. Students will work in teams to find geocaches and will receive prizes depending on how many they can find.
Script
“Hey everyone! Today, we will play a game called ‘Geocaching With a Map.’ Everyone get into a team of 4-6 people, and take a piece of paper and markers. The map that I have is like a ‘Treasure Map’ because it has the locations of geocaches, which are places where prizes are hidden. You must use your ability to pay attention to detail to make an accurate map of your own and to find the hidden prizes at the locations. For safety reasons, you will not be able to leave the area of the map, and I will be walking around the area to make sure everything is going well. You can take as long as you want to make your own map, but keep in mind the longer you spend on it means less time to search. However, if you don’t make a good map, you won’t find the prizes; so balance your time wisely. You can set out whenever you’re done, and everyone will need to meet back here in 40 minutes from right now. Go!”