Nov 04 2009
The Buckmaster Explorers!
The treasure is THAT way!!
In social studies, we are studying the European explorers who sailed to the New World from the 1400s to the 1600s. To get geared up for this unit, we went on an expedition of our own.
Success!
In the 15th century, explorers used a variety of navigational tools to find their way around the Earth. Some of these tools included the astrolabe, the chronometer, and the compass. Today, we still use compasses, but we also have different tools to navigate in the 21st century. One of these tools is the GPS device. Thanks to a very generous friend of Mrs. B, we were able to borrow 10 handheld GPS devices to use!
Using our 21st century navigational tools, the kids were sent on an expedition. Each device was programmed with the coordinates of a secret message hidden somewhere on our campus. The kids simply had to follow the signal, find the hidden bag, and bring it back to the classroom. They then had to decode the message inside. This would tell them the name of the explorer that they would be researching throughout the unit.
Decoding the name of the explorer
The kids had a great time on their expedition! Once they got their explorer, they wanted to start researching right away! When the students are done gathering their information, they will develop a presentation to teach the rest of the class (and you, dear readers) all about their explorer. Stay tuned for some awesome explorer projects! 
6 responses so far
Create a free edublog to get your own comment avatar (and more!)
I like this idea. Was it hard to use the GPS devices? I would love to hear some feedback from the students. This reminds me of the scavenger hunts I have made for my two sons’ birthdays. They weren’t this cool though. Where were some of hidden places?
[Reply]
Good work, guys! I love to hear about what you all are working on.
[Reply]
All I can say is that I want to go geocaching with this class! What great way to get them started on this project….bet it totally piqued their interest! Jane
[Reply]
Mrs.b. this is from Ashleigh and I just wanted to let you know that that was the most fun thing even more fun than using the cameras for the scavenger hunt. But the photo story and the GPS devices are sort of at the same level! Thanks Mrs.B for everything keep up the great work with teaching me I think that I learning alot!
ASHLEIGH!
[Reply]
Can’t wait to see what you did! Mrs. B and I already have a plan for you Explorers of Upper House! Can you design an exploration for Piazza Mannino????? See you tomorrow!
[Reply]
Hey Mrs.Buckmaster. I think that the “adventures” that we all had around the playground was really fun. And Spencer actually found Liz’s and my bag in the tree trunk like where those houses are. I think that hiding place was really weird. But Liz and I were actually in that spot but we just couldn’t see it. But that was pretty cool for us to do. If you have 5th graders next year I think you should do that same thing that you had us do that day!!!!!!!!!!!
Bye-
Nadia
[Reply]