In this weeks adventure in Geocaching, the DeUnger clan, trounced around the Chihuahua Desert, outside of El Paso Texas. I used a simple tech tool this week to find a cache to search for. I just googled "Geocaching El Paso" and picked a location to explore. Along the 4 mile trek, up and down rolling hills that turned into mountains, I would stop every half mile and select a quiz question for my 7 year old son. I prepared several questions for him from his various subjects. If he got it correct we would continue on or search for treasure. However, if he got it wrong, would do push-ups or lunges. after missing a couple questions, he started to try harder. We used a simple tech (a google search) to get us started this week and I used my sons 2nd grade Schoology app for some study questions to review and learn while we walked. I added physical exercise for "fun"
In the future I will find a geocaching App in my apple store for a new tech to try out. I had not even thought about looking into them until one of you mentioned the Pokémon Go app. That got me think. An app for virtual geocaching would be fun. I imagine it would be similar to Pokémon Go in that the treasure is not physically at the location, however, the app would use a map and have virtual treasures under the "X". I that would be fun. I have not found an app like that, have any of you?
Until next time, Geocaching pirates, Get Up and Go Find it!
Andy
Andy,
ReplyDeleteGeocaching is a new topic to me. It seems like mobile application is available. Geocaching with your son is a great way to do outdoor activities, especially, during this pandemic era. I hope your son can answer your questions. However, it seems push-ups or lunges is still a good way to be healthy and become stronger :) I am looking forward to reading more postings with your Geocaching.
Andy,
ReplyDeleteYou have definitely peaked my interest in geocaching, I like to be outdoors with my family as much as possible. Being in Virginia, in the fall is a great time to get out since it is getting cooler. As I did some quick research on geocaching I found www.geocaching.com it looks like they may have some fun stuff for families to do, it reminds me of something out of the Amazing Race.
Thanks for providing options for family outings.
Walt
Andy,
ReplyDeleteGreat stuff here brother. It is so important to get the kids outside, blending that with learning is an awesome idea. Have you explored AR platforms that are used in conjunction with geocaching? Similar to the Pokemon Go craze a few years back, AR basically places images over the actual reality one sees through the camera screen of their smartphone. I think Pokemon Go got more miles out of these legs than the Army has, but I got to walk them with my kid, and had fun doing it. Perhaps you could look into putting AR treasure chests along the route with "surprises" in them (20 burpees perhaps!). Just an idea, great post here, I look forward to seeing where your adventures take you all in the coming weeks.
-Donny
Andy,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog this week. I think you had an interesting and unique spin on how to incorporate Geocaching with learning. Thinking outside the box to ask questions along the route is exciting. I am sure your son was having fun learning with this technique of finding treasure. What little boy does not like this kind of activity? I am sure in the end he is going to be a lot stronger with the push ups and lunges for wrong answers. The incorporation of his lesson content via his Schoology app is a great way to capitalize on today’s technology. This post has sparked my interest in finding a geocaching App like the Pokemon Go app. I will keep you updated it I find something. Thanks again for the blog. Have a great day!
-Kevin
Andy, this post has given me ideas for fun outside activities to do with my children. I had heard about geocaching in the past but I did not realize it could be similar to a scavenger hunt. Thank you for the ideas :) the push-ups are icing on the cake. Thank you again. I look forward to your next adventure.
ReplyDelete-Mandy
Andy,
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting topic. I think you're on to something that could be a creative and fun way to incorporate geocaching technology into education. I always enjoyed trying to come up with creative ways to incorporate training into a treasure hunt adventure with paralegal paralegal competitions I would create. Having an app to assist in this endeavor that functions in the same way as pokemon go would definitely lessen the amount of logistics I'd have to put into planning an event like that. When I would plan adventures with trivia and questions relating to the legal profession that Soldiers would perform as a team competition the Soldiers always greatly enjoyed it but it was a lot to plan. I have not heard of an app but now you have sparked my interest. Great post and interesting topic.
Anthony
Andy,
ReplyDeleteThis is the other Andy…your blog has definitely turned something not very common into an adventure for your entire family. The fact you are taking your son out for physical activities while learning is awesome! I find your methods creative and encourages a healthy lifestyle for not only your son but also all who read your blog. I am looking forward in reading your next family adventure.
v/r
Andy E.
Andy
ReplyDeleteWow great post. Now I want to get out there to look for treasure lol. I did go on my iphone app to look for geocaching apps there are so many. I will have to do some research to find the best one. I liked how you incorporated it into a fun family activity. Look forward to more posts in your blog.
Tammy
Andy,
ReplyDeleteGeocaching is new to me and seems rather interesting. I am intrigued by the idea that it is a real-life treasure hunt that allows participants to conduct outdoor activities while making it fun. I like the idea of incorporating technology like the use of GPS to make things more interesting. I also think this a great way to stay active and get family involved in going outdoors and explore the world around us. I will give this a try as it seems as a great way to break out of the “norm” and get the family to start enjoying the great outdoors. Thank you for introducing me to a new way to enjoy the outdoors.
Alex
Andy,
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to see some behaviorism make it into this week’s blog. I do similar outings with my daughter. She is only four years old so we learn about the environment we are exploring, particularly the wildlife. She finds animals fascinating so we plan a trip, and pre-select the wildlife. Next we travel to the location and go hiking, looking for the animals along the hike. We try to capture as many of the animals as we can with a photo. She also loves taking photographs. She gets “reinforced” every time she answers a question right about the animal we photographed. Just another form of geocaching and learning. Great post and I look forward to reading your next one.
Mike W.