Using Geocaching to Teach and Learn Social Studies

 

 

Treasure hunts may bring to mind pirates, scavenger hunts, and hidden caches of jewels, but in the early 2000s, the phrase Geocaching became a popular term and took on a whole new meaning as educators began to incorporate it into their classrooms. Geocaching is a global treasure hunt with millions of seekers. Participants use GPS-enabled devices to track down hidden containers and log their finds and experiences online.

Geocaching provides a wealth of opportunities to explore and celebrate geography, history, political science, etc. while connecting them to content areas. Here are some examples of incorporating geocaching-inspired activities in your classroom. 

 

 

              

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The geocaching lessons found on this page are shared as resources that can be used to teach and engage students of all ages. These lessons are the product of a collaboration between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Dr. Lorae Roukema's Social Studies methods classes at Campbell University.

Campbell University School of Education and NCDPI Collaboration

The Geocaching Lesson Plan Activities Listed In This Chart Were Developed Using the 2021 NC Social Studies Standards. 

 

Uploaded Spring 2023 

Elementary Grades        Level

Kindergarten - Locations and Shapes Download Kindergarten - Locations and Shapes

1st Grade - Community Helpers Download 1st Grade - Community Helpers

2nd Grade - Branches of Government Download 2nd Grade - Branches of Government

2nd Grade - Movement and Settlement Download 2nd Grade - Movement and Settlement

2nd Grade Roles & Responsibilities Download 2nd Grade Roles & Responsibilities

3rd Grade - Recycle Download 3rd Grade - Recycle

4th Grade - Government Leaders Download 4th Grade - Government Leaders

5th Grade - Beliefs Download 5th Grade - Beliefs

5th Grade Founding Fathers Download 5th Grade Founding Fathers

 

Middle Grades Level 

7th Grade - Government and Power Download 7th Grade - Government and Power

Uploaded Fall 2022

Elementary Grades        Level

 

Middle Grades Level 

 

 

 

The Geocaching Lesson Plan Activities Listed in This Chart Were Developed Using the 2010 NC Social Studies Standards.  It is strongly recommended that you use the 2021 Crosswalk to Determine the Appropriate Alignment with the 2021 NC Social Studies Standards Links to an external site.

Elementary Grades        Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Middle Grades Level 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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