October 28, 2015 / Carly /

How Dr. Polley, edu-cacher extraordinaire, incorporates geocaching in his classroom

Educaching 4th — Hip hip hooray for geocaching in the classroom

For most of us, geocaching is a hobby—a way to get outside and explore the world around us. To Stanley Polley, a 4th and 7th grade science teacher at the Loveland Classical School, geocaching is much more than that. Two years ago, he began to teach geocaching—most notably Mystery caches—in his classroom as a way to engage and inspire his students. He soon discovered, that “Educaching” was not only a hit with the kids, but a great educational tool as well.

Dr. Polley let us pick his brain about how he brings geocaching into the classroom. This is what we learned.

What inspired you to start a geocaching program with your students?

The first time I used geocaching in the classroom was two years ago, teaching 6th graders about constellations and the life cycle of stars. Our class sent out 4 Travel Bugs, and as they moved, students used online resources to determine what constellation would be visible at night from the exact coordinates of the geocache each TB was in.

Travel Bugs B — The kids create their own trackables and watch them travel around the world

Can you walk us through the organization of your geocaching program?

I use geocaching in many ways, including an elaborate Classroom Competition and Academic Mystery Caching.

Classroom Competition: I split all of my classes into smaller science themed teams, and give students/teams opportunities to earn points. The team with the highest point value at the end of the year enjoys a decadent donut party. At the start of each year each team creates highly personalized team Geocache and team Travel Bugs. The number of cache finds, pictures logged, and TB miles traveled impact each teams point total. Students can also check-out GPS units to go find our class caches, as well as the 30+ Science/Math/Music Mystery Caches.

Academic Mystery Caches: Individual students can earn points for their team by solving scientific problems in the form of Mystery caches. There are currently 33 active Mystery Caches. The puzzle caches vary greatly in difficulty so that content can be differentiated for students at different ability levels. Physical copies of each puzzle are available in each classroom as well, so that students without consistent internet access have an opportunity to solve the puzzle and check-out a GPS to find the physical cache. By solving a Mystery Cache, students earn points for their teams regardless of whether they actually go to find the cache at the physical location.

These Mystery Cache puzzles are not homework, yet students ask me for new puzzles on a daily basis. In fact, a policy had to be established that they don’t have the physical copies of the puzzles out during other classes. That’s exactly what I want to see, ravenous learners.

I have expanded the Mystery Cache curriculum to include puzzles from multiple subjects, including Math, Music, and History. In collaboration with math teacher Lindsay Stahl, we have created dozens of supplemental academic opportunities for students of all different ability levels. Soon a series of caches will be published in collaboration with our Art, Latin, and English faculty. The types of Mystery caches will change through the year to align with the curriculum.

What were your biggest challenges when setting up the program?

The biggest challenge has been communicating the nuts-and-bolts of Mystery geocaches to parents and students. Early on I had a few student cachers searching diligently at the virtual coordinates. I’ve started placing virtual coordinates in a nearby lake to avoid confusion. I have no scuba diving stories yet. ☺

What values do you believe geocaching brings to students?

All of my complex science, math, and history puzzles are completely optional. The fact that students love to do these puzzles anyways shows tremendous character and loyalty to their teams. Our school’s motto is “Fallamur ut floreamus,” which means “Let us falter that we may flourish” in Latin. The academic puzzles my students solve require a lot of faltering, which make the flourishing all the sweeter.

mystery caches printout — Mystery puzzle galore!

Overall, how have your students reacted to geocaching in the classroom?

They seem to love it. It’s awesome to see how excited my students get when I show them new Travel Bug pictures or report a find of their team cache. A handful of students have become fanatics, as a group logging over 1500+ finds, 82 hidden caches, and 35+ new geocaching accounts.

“The Scarlet Beaver made science class a class to look forward to every day. The competition of the different teams and earning points through travel bugs and geocaches made it the best class in school. Now I Geocache on a daily bases. It is my favorite hobby and my biggest addiction.”

Benjamin Treat, 8th Grade
Butterf (719 Finds)

What advice can you give to teachers who’d like to set up a similar geocaching program in their classrooms?

I would say that it takes a lot of consistency. The reason the classroom competition works is because I start each class with a very brief update on the team scores and any activity for each team’s travel bug, geocaches, and students who solved an Academic Puzzle.

You also started a geocaching club at your school. Could you tell us more about it?

The geocaching club has been a blast. The club focuses on making and hiding creative caches. The only rule of geocaching club is that the caches they create have to be Mystery Caches, with a puzzle that uses what they are learning from one of their classes. Club members have made Chemistry, Music, and Latin puzzle caches, with many more to come. Soon we will be organizing CITO events to support our community.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Life is Good! Cache-On!

Dr. Polley geocaches under the usernames MrPolleyClass and The Scarlet Beaver. If you are an educator and have an interest in incorporating geocaching in your classroom, Dr. Polley is a fantastic resource. Feel free to reach out to him through Geocaching.com.

And on another note, if you’ve hidden a Mystery cache, know that your geocache description could be circulating around his classroom!

October 18, 2015 / Janelle /

Geocaching ROCKS!

Yes folks, it’s officially October. We’d like to keep the party going by referring to this month as ROCKtober. Here are 10 ways to make your geocaching world “rock”!

GC5G7A7 - G.P.S. I. NORTH COAST WALK - The Mushroom Rock — GC5G7A7 – G.P.S. I. NORTH COAST WALK – The Mushroom Rock

This idyllically placed geocache takes you to the North coast of Gozo, Malta with sheer high cliffs. The area shows rock strata and breathtaking views across the Mediterranean sea. If you’ve logged this geocache, you’re probably a really fun guy . :-\

GC5BMM0 - Moon Tower — GC5BMM0 – Moon Tower

Since your in Malta, swing on over to nearby Sardegna, Italy. This geocache is on the way to the top of a giant rock with panoramic views. GPS signals can be temperamental here, so check the photos if you need a hint (or even a spoiler).

GCA68D - Stonehenge — Tesco Wolf TB visits GCA68D – Stonehenge

Stonehenge has been around for over 7,000 years, and this location has been a Virtual Cache since October 2002. No need to purchase tickets, just post a photo with this amazing wonder from the Middle Ages in the background, and you’re good.

GC45DC3 - Can you eat rocks? — GC45DC3 – Can you eat rocks?

Gluten intolerant? No worries with this loaf of bread. This geocache is located in near at Bread Rock in Castle Peak, Hong Kong. This is a D1.5/T4 cache in a “maze-like-area”, so make sure to do this one with a few geo-buddies!

But why should geocaches get all the glory? Trackables can rock, too. This Geocoin’s page states, “GEOCACHING ROCKS geocoins were designed by FOX 661L‘s friend Adam – DIVINGDJ – who DJ’s Rock Karaoke evenings around Coventry and had the coins created to bring some heavy metal into the geocaching world!”

GC1C93A - Frog Rock — GC1C93A – Frog Rock

Oh, Signal the Frog would be so proud of this geocache in Washington state! The best way to explain this surprisingly romantic geocache is to quote the description:

The now famous Frog Rock has a romantic and heartwarming history. Located at the intersection of Phelps & Hidden Cove roads, Frog Rock was created by two Bainbridge High School sweethearts on “Paint Night”, back in about 1971.

Paint Night is an old tradition for graduating seniors, on Bainbridge Island. They go out and paint their first names and graduation year on the roads. Even back in 1971, the tradition was frowned upon, because motorists would drive over the wet paint, and the paint would slop up off their tires onto their cars.

So, creating Frog Rock was an extraordinarily creative way (and a responsible way) to participate in Paint Night, without painting the roads. Painting the roads was not just frowned upon; it was then, and is now, illegal.

The best part of this story is that, a few years later, the young couple got married and they’ve been together all these years.

GC1G5BY - Tensegrity on Liberty — GC1G5BY – Tensegrity on Liberty

Maybe it’s the influence of Grunge music, but here’s a second geocache from Washington state that rocks. Until very recently, this was the oldest unfound geocache in the state. But why wasn’t it found for seven years? It’s a D5/T5 geocache with a challenging hike, and 400 feet of intense rock climbing. Geocaching HQ’s own video team attempted this geocache in July of 2015. Watch the breathtaking video here.

GC2FFRV - The Secret of Rolling Stones (USA) — GC2FFRV – The Secret of Rolling Stones (USA)

A rolling stone gathers no moss, especially when it’s located in the middle of Death Valley, California. Here you’ll find this Earthcache based on a recently “solved” mystery: self-moving rocks. This phenomenon has been studied for over half a century. Can you figure out how they move?

GCQEVF - Patriotic Rock — GCQEVF – Patriotic Rock

This somewhat famous rock in Iowa was originally painted by artist Ray Bubba Sorenson, and is close to (what else?) an ammo can geocache. “For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. Now, it stays painted with something worth seeing. Each year around Memorial Day, Ray uses white paint to cover over his previous year’s work, then spends one to three weeks creating new scenes on his blank canvas.”

GCHFT2 - Earthcache I - a simple geology tour of Wasp Head — GCHFT2 – Earthcache I – a simple geology tour of Wasp Head

Lastly, the very first EarthCache ever created went live on January 10th, 2004 and is located in New South Wales, Australia. Explore this beautiful area and learn about worm burrows, split joints, dikes, drop stones, and fossils (including a Bryozoan colony).

Tell us how geocaching rocks your world in the comments below!

October 12, 2015 / Carly

International EarthCache Day: Instagram Photo Recap

MailerSuite_IntlEarthCacheDay_vFINAL_blog

This past weekend, more than 36,300 people earned their International EarthCache Day souvenir by finding an EarthCache. Many of them decided to photograph their adventures and share them on Instagram. Here are some of the amazing pictures from the International EarthCache Day celebration.

@l0verlada “Another dinosaur footprint.”

@galleytrotter “Happy International Earthcache day! Here’s me and Kiwi checking out some ice age remains.”

@geominionmom “The sunshine made this cave/tunnel a truly magnificent sight.”

@kaja2105 “#naturelovers #earthcache #familytime.”

@strawberryberry16 “#internationalearthcacheday.”

1538433_880045155405972_1293950501_n — @kacnampr “Fall colors and cloud reflections at Potter’s Marsh Boardwalk on International Earthcache Day! A bit of cache maintenance done while there too!”

@christinamdlt “Love the view on my little adventures. #geocaching #earthcache”

Just because International EarthCache Day is over, doesn’t mean the educational fun stops. You can find EC’s all year-round!

Which EarthCache did you find yesterday? Share your pics!

September 23, 2015 / Alex /

Behind the scenes with a geocaching reviewer: Antheia

f6f02062-ae13-4d0f-8851-b522ee479c5f — Yvonne standing at the Prime Meridian virtual cache at the Royal Observatory Greenwich – GCK7HH

Three years into playing the game, UK geocacher Yvonne Mundy (aka mundy family) was asked to become a geocaching Community Volunteer.

Community Volunteers are a group of over 400 dedicated geocachers who give their time and talent to support the worldwide geocaching community. Did joining the UK Reviewer team change the way she played the game? We chatted with Yvonne—Reviewer alias Antheia—about why she loves geocaching, what it’s like to be a Reviewer, and playing squash.

Tell us about how you first started geocaching, and what you like about it.

“I read a small article about Geocaching in October 2005 in a local magazine. Being an adventurous, outdoor person, that weekend as a family we decided to give it a go using our car sat nav. We were triumphant in finding our first cache, and were hooked. I love that it takes me to new places, and find out about them, its sociable (I’ve made some very good friends through geocaching) and its an excellent excuse to go out for a walk.”

What do you enjoy about being a reviewer?

“I was very stunned to have been asked to be a reviewer and its great to give something back to the game that I am so passionate about. I get a real buzz when a newbie gets it right first time – it doesn’t happen often – when a cache comes together through positive communications between owner and reviewer, and the support I get from the UK review team. They are like extended family and we ‘speak’ most days on line.”

46fef7e8-ab29-416d-af44-d6cbff329ba3 — Shades of blue in front of the Taj Mahal…and at the site of the now archived GC1A91Y

How can someone best set up their cache listing in order to have it published quickly?

“After reading the guidelines and taking accurate coords the cache listing needs to make sure it fits within those guidelines, with any extra information added as a note to the reviewer, such as where the hide is, any permission details, how to solve a puzzle etc. The more information you can give us the better. On publication the note to the reviewer is archived so you won’t be giving anything away.”

What’s one thing you wish all geocachers knew or did before submitting a cache for review?

“Obviously read the guidelines , and also for the UK cachers the UK wiki which gives details of local guidelines.”

What’s your favorite type of cache to search for?

“One I can find is a very good start! But give me a wow what a great place, a circular walk in the country side with good sized boxes, something imaginative and well maintained caches and I’ll be happy.”

Aside from geocaching, what other hobbies do you have?

“My other 2 passions are Girlguiding and playing squash. I’ve been involved in Guiding since I was a brownie and I have now been Brown Owl and a Rainbow leader for over 20 years. I have also held Island positions as outdoor activities adviser, Special needs adviser and am currenlty PR and Media adviser. I’m also becoming a trainer for Girlguiding UK and the first training I was asked to do was on geocaching!

Yvonne and kids finding the geocache GC4D10.

I played squash as a teenager but stopped playing in my early 20’s due to a shoulder injury, then 3 years ago I saw an advert for a Sunday morning ladies only squash and decided to get back on court. Enjoying it again, I now have 2 training sessions a week, play in an individual mixed league (going up 3 divisions in the last year), a mixed team league (we came second last cycle) and have also taken to playing racketball. In 2013 I was Jersey ladies over 40’s champion, and I competed in my first double tournament last year which was great fun. I am currently setting up a new squash club at Fort Regent where I play.”

How would you describe geocaching in the UK (as compared to other places in the world)?

“In the UK there is a vast diversity of caches, with something to suit everyone. We have large landowners across the UK that fully support caches on their land as long as they comply with the guidelines so as reviewers we do try to ensure that those guidelines are adhered to. There is also land in the UK that has legal protection so again the guidelines must be followed.

Throughout the UK is a big series called Church Micro Series – though they don’t have to be micros! This leads you to find caches at some very interesting and pretty churches that are often steeped in history with amazing architecture detail. Currently there are 7732 published. http://www.15ddv.me.uk/geo/cm/ In the UK caches cannot be placed on church property/grounds without specific permission.

In case you didn't know where to look for this cache (we're not saying which it is). — Yvonne helps out in case you didn’t know where to look for this cache (we’re not saying which one it is!)

Another series that has taken off in the UK and now growing in other countries is the Sidetracked Series. This takes you to caches placed near railways, which again has a great history and interesting facts about them. Many are placed where railway stations or tracks used to be which if it wasn’t for caching you maybe wouldn’t have known existed. There are currently 2219 published with 1986 in the UK. Other countries that it has expanded to are Ireland, Germany, Russia, USA and Lithuania. In the UK a cache cannot be placed on Railway property without specific permission.” http://sidetrackedseries.info

Finally, if you could go geocaching anywhere in the world (or find any geocache in the world), where would you go?

“It would have to be USA as I would love to go to HQ and find the cache there, and to see the hub of geocaching. Also to find “HG-35 Antheia (Reviewer UK)” GC479T5 in the Mojarve Desert, California, which makes up a piece of geo-art.”

Yvonne/Antheia/mundy family lives in Jersey, one of the Channel Islands off the coast of France. Don’t be surprised if you see her username on geocache logbooks in the area!

If you’re lucky enough to meet her in person, thank her for the work she does to keep the game we all love going.

September 16, 2015 / Alex /

6 Tips for Hosting a GIFF Weekend Event

MailerSuite_09212015_GIFFWeekend_vFINAL_blog

GIFF Weekend is on it’s way! From November 5-8, the reel of 16 finalist films from this year’s Geocaching International Film Festival will be played in living rooms, community halls, and even movie theaters around the world.

How to host your own GIFF Event

Find a GIFF Event near You

If your GIFF Weekend event has been published on Geocaching.com and you’ve submitted this form, it will be listed in this bookmark list if it’s been approved to receive the GIFF film reel. Once that’s done, check out these 6 tips on hosting a great GIFF movie night!

1. Test Your Equipment!
The Official 2015 GIFF Reel will become available on Monday, Nov. 2nd. If possible, test out the file on the equipment you will be using at your event. Nobody has fun at parties where there are technical difficulties.

2. Engage Your Attendees!
Geocachers go to events to meet other geocachers, share stories, and learn about the game. The GIFF films will certainly achieve these goals, but what is going to make your event special to those in attendance? Here are a few ideas:

Host a raffle with geocaching prizes
If a GIFF filmmaker is in attendance, invite them to do a Q&A after the screening about their creative process
Organize a vote and send the the winning filmmaker something special from your event
Wear a banana suit

3. To Announce (Or Not To Announce)?
“Welcome to this GIFF Weekend event! We’ve got 16 great films to watch today, but first, a joke: An ammo can, a bison tube, and a lock-n-lock walk into a bar…” Announcers or emcees can make or break an event. Know someone with the right voice, charisma, and quick-footed-thinking to pull it off? If so, send them a care package and a nicely-written note asking them to be a part of your event. If not, no worries. The GIFF reel includes slides with the title of each upcoming film, as well as a quick intro and outro animation.

4. Make Yourselves Comfortable
You could be hosting your GIFF Weekend event in the Colosseum (seriously, tell us if you are), but the guests who end up watching the show standing in the back for a whole hour aren’t going to care too much about the view. Make sure you provide adequate seating at your event or ask your guests to bring their own. Don’t be afraid to get creative. Bean bags, yoga mats, and mattresses are all good options. Large, fluffy, amiable dogs make for good backrests.

5. Let There Be Snacks
Research indicates that eating popcorn stimulates the part of the body that makes you want to eat more popcorn. As every completely objective third-party outsider would agree, popcorn is basically the best way a person can consume corn. It’s fairly healthy (sans globules of butter) and lends itself to being coated with herbs and spices. Want to make things interesting? Try sprinkling nutritional yeast on your popcorn for a cheesy yet surprisingly dairy-free flavor.

6. Know The Films
Here is the list of finalist films, geocacher names and countries they’re from, and order they screen in:

Saturday
HurricaneJuan
Florida, United States

Travel Bug Story
Chiliconsushi
Québec, Canada

GeocahINg Xisto
Natty_Zé
Aveiro, Portugal

THE BEST GEOCACHING FILM OF ALL TIME EVER!
CarboKnightLuke
Cornwall, United Kingdom

12 Tips on Geocaching
G.I.C.
Hanoi, Vietnam

Why We Geocache
Zaise
California, United States

Geocaching Infomercial
gasgoose
Wyoming, United States

GCTransAlps – Aint No Mountain High Enough
MudMen_GER
Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Geo-Caching Freak
Team Motherfarmer
British Columbia, Canada

Geocaching Adventure in Hakodate
moramora1
Osaka, Japan

The Future of Geocaching
Chrishutchy
Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom

Adventure
TheNinjaTJ
Northampton, United Kingdom

Signal
iepu09
Bucharest, Romania

Geoman
Lat&Long Junkie and PigWig2
Queensland, Australia

Geolove
Hoochie Coochie Man
Maltepe, Turkey

How to Geocache like a Ballerina
stingrayabbray
California, United States

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