PDA

View Full Version : Geocaching and Mathbits.com


cwallace
24-07-2008, 02:58 PM
Bridget Belardi presented a session and field trip at the DEN National Institute about Geocaching, a treasure hunt for all to enjoy! We used a GPS and coordinates to locate caches hidden around Silver Spring, MD. While finding the prize was a thrill, we enjoyed seeing parts of the city we would not have otherwise have visited which was equally nice. Bridget maintains a website, http://belardi.wikispaces.com/geocaching (http://belardi.wikispaces.com/geocaching), full of info.

I am definitely going to try this with my trig class when we study degrees, mintes, and seconds. Geocaching uses latitude and longitude info to find the cache which is one of the first lessons in the class. I think they will love it because it is extremely fun AND educational.

Not sure you are ready for a live geocache adventure, try a virtual cache. Students work appropriate level math problems to find treasure boxes hidden on the web. Virtual math adventures can be found at www.mathbits.com (http://www.mathbits.com/) Some virtual adventures are multiple choice (activotes). Some ask for input (activexpressions). You could always modify it to meet your needs.

Just another fun way to study math. I'll post an example flipchart when I get it made.:)


Cindy

htemske
24-07-2008, 05:10 PM
I have done several personal geocaching adventures but not with my class. It's amazing how many are nearby that people don't even know are there. People might want to check out the site http://www.geocaching.com/. Thanks for sharing the math site. I was total unaware of it. I played around with the basic and it is still probably too hard for mine but I thought it was a really neat idea.