[Hardware and Software for Geocaching & Nature Trails]

If anyone has advice on compass and/or geocache software that runs on gps enabled PDA's that run Windows mobile 5, please let me know. Please read the descriptions below for the intent of our programs. If you have other recommendations for harware or software, please let me know.

 

I need to determine what equipment will best serve our purposes and what software programs are available to meet our demand (hopefully they are free or low cost). Here is a quick breakdown of my intentions with this program:

 

Phase 1:

Students will be mapping the flora and fauna found on our campus to compile a biotic inventory of data. We are working with an intern from West Chester University to create GIS (Arcview) databases and maps of our data. We intend to collect the data with a program called Nature Tracker (http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/naturetracker/ , http://depts.washington.edu/natmap/ ) that uses a base program called Cybertracker ( http://www.cybertracker.org/ ). I plan on purchasing a classroom set (6 - 3 kids to a group) of Pharos 535v GPS enabled PDA's that run Windows Mobile 5.

 

Phase 2:

The data that we collect will be used to create waypoints for our new Nature Trail. We intend to create geocache and orienteering scavenger hunts and interactive interpretive stations that incorporate technology and the data we collected. These applications will vary.

 

Orienteering - using compasses, or the PDAs* with a compass feature, the students will navigate a series of waypoints to collect clues or observations to arrive at a final destination/answer.

 

Geocache scavenger hunts - These tracks will also vary with content, but would likely direct students to a gps location where they have to "find" the required objects/answers. These may be items or more likely pictures or observations - take a picture of a deciduous tree (name the tree for bonus points), take a picture of evidence from wildlife, find an invasive species, etc.

 

Interactive Interpretive Nature Trail:

In this application I am looking to create an interactive gps based program whereby students would walk the nature trail and look for waypoints. When the GPS registers being in the right location a pop-up would come up with questions, information, photos, or videos that highlight the key interpretive features. Examples:

Find the tree with this kind of bark <insert photo>, enter the tree id number here - When students find the right tree and enter the correct number they would get more information or more questions.

Find an example of an invasive species/evidence from an animal/an animal that lives in the habitat seen at this location, etc.

 

Because we are using the Pharos PDAs, I am trying to find compatible software that can best be used for geocaching.

 

Compass: I have tested GPS Pilot's Compass program which will work for orienteering, but only shows direction when you are moving. I would like to find a program that mimics a real compass (or I will purchase real compasses...).

 

For Geocaching, I have recently tested Basic GPS. I was not able to locate a Cache with it yet. When I downloaded one in Stone Harbor it switched my Longitude to 1 degree and it told me the cache was 5,000 miles to the west??

 

So, I know this is ambitious, and yet I know that much of this is attainable. Our goal is to use technology to teach our students and our families about geography and the value of playing/learning/exploring OUTSIDE. Ideally, this is the hook that gets them to appreciate and form an attachment to Nature, and creates the basis for wanting to care more about our Natural Resources.

 

If anyone has advice on compass and/or geocache software that runs on gps enabled PDA's that run Windows mobile 5, please let me know.

 

Thank you

David

 

I use a windows mobile phone and this freeware http://www.nicque.com/PQz/GCz.htm. Wonderful program! I have only used it a couple of weeks, but keep finding more features I love each time I use it.

[Homeschoolers?!?]

Any other homeschoolers out there?<BR><BR>How are you using geocaching?<BR><BR>We are very loose here- child-directed unit study/project type approach- but geocaching has been very educational here!<BR><BR>It takes care of phys ed, geography, local history (and American History as we run out of local caches soon!), Science, art (making cache items <!--graemlin:-->), hmm what *doesn't* it cover?<BR><BR>Geocaching seems to be a great past time for homeschooler-s except for the GPS part- were usually on limited budgets ya know...<BR><BR>Tara P<BR><BR>Tara P

 

I homeschool my 4 kids, ages 13, twins 10 and 8. They have never set foot in public school. I use child led learning, and a lesson in Genesis "God created" started a huge nature interest! I have one child who wants to be a vet, one who wants to study and help herps (reptiles and amphibians), and one who wants to photograph nature. So, our studies take us to lots of nature centers, zoos, etc.

Geo-caching has helped us to look even closer, seeing things we hadn't seen before. While caching, we will herp and photograph and identify all of our nature finds. We do carry a snake hook, not to catch them, but to turn logs and push back dangerous snakes.

We sometimes meet up with a fellow geocacher and hit areas of interest. One was an old one-room school, where the docent gave us the full tour and then some. The afternoon of fun turned into extremely educational event! This was our first historical cache - we plan to do more.

We also signed up for the summer Texas Nature Challenge (google TAMU nature challenge) We plan to do geocaches and earthcaches in the area. The challenge is free and at parks, museums, zoos. I plan to print each mission, to use repeatedly.

I'm also looking into other types of caching, and some of the curriculum posted. I did find that edhelper just added a geocaching reading comp. Woo-hoo!

[which caches have swags]

Yup, search out larger caches. Your 5 of 6 are micros. Hard to hold swag if it isn't big enough, what?

Generally easier if you search out other than urban caches.

 

OOOOOOOOHHHHH!!! See, we're still very new! The little dot is the size of the cache! We were strapped for cash this last week - enexpected trip - and just searching close to home. NOW we know to look at the dots! I can't find the Is My Face Red icon... LOL.

My next question will be how to find the more hiker-y ones. (yep, george-bushed that word)

[which caches have swags]

My children are compiling a SWAG trade box. So far, it's trinkets. We spent 3 hours caching the other day and none had trades. My kids really want to swap, so how can I find which caches have swaps?

[New,on a budget - GPS ?]

I have been geocaching for less than a week, and already have friends hooked, as well. Both our families are on serious budgets (sign of the times) and can't afford premium or new systems at the moment.

I use the AT&T tilt and basic gps to cache. It is all I have for now.

It seems that certain times, the satellite updates are really much slower! Are there peak times we should avoid caching? At times, the GPS gets me exactly to the spot. Others, no so much. I have read gps will get you within 20 feet, then use your head and eyes. (wish I had read that yesterday!!!)

So far, we are only doing urban caches. They are close to us, one was walking distance! I hope to be up to speed in less than 3 weeks. Have a herp camping trip, and thought we could cache and hike the park. Have a nature class in 2 weeks, to practice.

How do I find caches on trails? OR a cache requiring hiking? I need to learn to add a waypoint to my program. I would love to go with an experienced cacher in my area, to see and learn hands on. How do I find someone near me who does trails? BTW - left mints in my first find, not knowing any better. So sorry!