Requirements:
GPS receivers

teams of 2 or 3 can share

extra batteries
Pen or pencil and clipboard
Handout (event planner creates)

A list of coordinates for 4 or 5 waypoints:
places or things - see attachments

Waypoints - close and safely accessible
Handouts on GPS receiver use (download available)
 “Enter a Waypoint”
 “Mark a Waypoint”
Volunteer helpers familiar with GPS receivers
Tips for Getting Started:
It is very important for waypoint coordinates to be accurate! It is easy to be “off” by one number, causing huge problems. Double check and average the coordinates. Make sure WAAS is enabled on the receivers if available for greater accuracy.
This event must be planned and organized ahead of time. It is important to have GPS receivers and extra batteries. The event organizer will create a list of scavenger-hunt type questions, with waypoint coordinates. Questions on the list may ask you to identify a word on a sign, or a tree, or to find a temporary “geocache”. The cache should contain a paper log for the team to sign, to prepare you for the real sport of geocaching. A cache may have a secret word written inside for recording on the list page, or a certificate redeemable for a can of pop after completion of the activity, or other creative ideas!
Assign teams to begin searching for different waypoints , so everyone doesn’t seek the same location at once. Spread your waypoints around if possible, so no team sees what other teams find.
Set a return time! If your coordinates are close by, such as on school grounds or a park, 40 minutes should be plenty of time to find 3 to 5 locations. Make it clear that they will regroup whether or not they have found all waypoints.
Have fun and plan for safety. Once you have completed this activity as a participant, as part of a team you will be able to plan a GPS event for others.
This is a good way to introduce people to geospatial concepts using a GPS navigational tool.

ASK
Are you ready to find waypoints by using a GPS receiver?
INVESTIGATE
If you are part of a team, how will you share equipment or divide tasks? Who will record data? Who will enter waypoint data into the units? Do you have enough information to find waypoints and to gather data if you find those points?
CREATE
1. Divide into teams of 2 or 3
2. Pass out the list of waypoints to find; one list per team.
3. Pass out GPS receivers and step-by-step handouts to enter or mark waypoints.
4. While indoors, enter the coordinates on the list and name them so you can find them again. a. Helpers will assist you with entry instructions; after the first one, it is easy. b. Be sure you have entered coordinate data absolutely accurately! c. You may use simulator mode for indoor entry to save batteries; when you go outside, be sure to use regular mode.
5. Remember you must be moving for the receiver to gather signals.
6.
Beware of “building bounce” and other issues!
7. Be respectful of time limit set.
8. GO!!!
DISCUSS
Were you able to find waypoints on the list?
What challenges did you encounter?
Was this a fun way to learn geospatial concepts?
What new things did you learn?
REFLECT
How can you apply this activity to your future?
Do you want to try geocaching utilizing www.geocaching.com
?
Author: Barb Roberts, youth development educator, University of Illinois
Extension, Lawrence/Richland Unit
Date: March 23, 2009
University of Illinois

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Local Extension Councils Cooperating participate in this program, please contact the county Extension office.

Example
Event list of waypoints to seek
1. Fill in the 5 letters of the first large word on the sign (on the building) at this position: a. N 38º44.037 W088 º04.348 b. ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ c. How far did your GPS unit say you were away from the position? _______________________ d. What things may be affecting your accuracy?
________________________________________________
2. What is written on the sign (on the building) closest to this position? a. N 38 º44.087 W088 º04.375 b. ________________________________________________
3. Geocache #1 a. N 38 º44.182 W088 º04.363 b. Explain - why the plastic bag?
_________________________________________________ c. Sign the log
4. Go to the street lamp at this position. a.
N38 º44.016 W088 º04.351 b. Record data: list wattage & pole type (wood or metal?)
5. Go directly east to the next street lamp. a. What are the coordinates of this street lamp? (to find coordinates go to the lamp and press “ENTER” for a second.
An information screen will appear. The “Location” box gives you the coordinates.
_________________________________________________ b. Record data: list wattage & pole type (wood or metal?)
6. List two things you learned today a. _________________________________________________ b. ________________________________________________
University of Illinois

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the county Extension office.
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Example
Once you are experienced in GPS receiver use, this sheet can be handed out to group members to gather and trade waypoints!
Divide the group into teams, each with at least one GPS unit. Spread out, and as a group select a specific “waypoint”. It could be a sign, or a tree, or any object.
Have youth carefully record waypoint longitude and latitude data under #1a and
#1b below.
Then trade this page with another team’s page, and see if you can find their waypoint! To prove that you found the waypoint, you will enter a description under #2.
1. EXACT COORDINATES ARE: a. N ____________________________________ b. W____________________________________
2. Did you find the waypoint? Describe what you see, to prove that you actually found the waypoint!!
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
University of Illinois

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the county Extension office.
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