Geocaching

DESCRIPTION: Contestants will use a hand held GPS device to follow a series of waypoints to a hidden caches of questions. A TEAM OF UP TO : 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 30 MINUTES EVENT PARAMETERS: Contestants must supply a hand held GPS unit, a non- programmable calculator and a clipboard. This event is held outside so appropriate dress will be important. THE COMPETITION: 1. The contestants will be given a sequence of waypoints to follow to a finishing location. 2. At each waypoint the contestants will get proof on their answer sheet that they visited the waypoint. 3. At each waypoint the contestants will also answer questions about a topic of earth science or GPS technology. SAMPLE QUESTIONS: 1. What is the minimum number of satellites needed for your GPS unit to work correctly? 2. What does hitchhiker mean in GPS slang. 3. 49 o 57” 30’ N would be entered as what decimal number into your GPS unit? 4. What does the color of a star signify? 5. Who is considered the “Father of Geology”? SCORING : Each correct waypoint in the proper sequence will be given an assigned value. Each question at the waypoints will also have an assigned value. High score wins, with the tiebreaker being proper sequence first and preselected questions second. Equipment: An entry level GPS unit will suffice for this event. Either a Garmin eTrax or a Magellan GPS315 will work fine. Reference: www.geocaching.com www.geocachingworldwide.com www.brillig.com/geocaching National Science Education Standards: Earth and Space Science, Content Standard D: Structure of the Earth System (Grades 5-8) Earth and Space Science, Content Standard E: Origin and evolution of Earth’s Systems (Grades 9-12); Content Standard G History and Natural Sciences, Nature of scientific Knowledge (Grades 9-12) Content