Are We There Yet?

Funded Dec 7, 2009

Thank you so much for giving my students the opportunity to learn about GPS technology and the wonderful world of geocaching. I work with small groups of gifted kids who often get bored with the typical classroom curriculum so using the handheld Garmin GPS units that you helped us purchase was a great way to get them excited about learning.

Before we actually went out to use the GPS units we learned about the mathematics involved with satellite triangulation. This applied the algebraic concepts they were learning in math class and integrated the Cartesian coordinate system with the real-life application found in the latitude and longitude coordinates as well. The kids gave me their rapt attention in anticipation of our first experiences searching for hidden geocaches located on our school grounds. When we went out on our mission they could not have been more excited. It was a perfect day of discovery and they are all ready now to plant their own caches and log them online. Next we will be creating a GPS-based Math scavenger hunt for their fellow 7th graders. There is also talk about starting an after school club next year.

One of the bet thing that happened, though, is that they came back the following week with stories about some great conversations they had with their parents about their learning experiences. (A far cry from the usual parent-teen conversation... "What did you learn today?.... Nothing!") In fact, two of the students actually had parents who were involved in the sport but hadn't yet brought them along in their adventures. Needless to say, they could no longer be considered "muggles" so now their parents are including them in the after school fun.

Thank you so much for helping to keep these kids excited about their education. ”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Law