MEDIA REVIEW

Geocaching for Schools and Communities

Geocaching for Schools and Communities is a wonderful book that every physical education instructor should read and consider implementing into the physical education curriculum. The authors define geocaching as "a modern-day high-tech means of looking for treasure in the form of inexpensive trinkets that others have hidden." Geocaching is a perfect way to integrate safe, fun physical activity into everyday life, in and outside of the school environment. While geocaching can easily be integrated into the physical education classroom, these activities can also be part of a family outing or a social adventure for youth groups.

Geocaching activities are challenging and adventure-packed. They build social skills and promote physical activity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are included as key learning outcomes in P21s framework for 21st century learning (P21.org). Furthermore geocaching integrates technology into the activities - varying from minimal integration to higher levels, depending on the participant's level of technology expertise and interest.

The book is very easy to read and is divided into two parts, making it understandable as well - All about Geocaching and Implementing Geocaching in Schools and Communities, part 1 of the book provides a basic understanding of geocaching. It shares the history of geocaching and defines key terminology such as geocache, cachers, muggles, and types of caches. This part of the book provides such a thorough and easily understandable overview, that even a novice could feel comfortable participating in a pre-existing geocaching activity or creating their own. Part II discusses school and community implementation, providing information about beginning and advanced experiences and developing a geocaching program. Taking it a step further, the authors provide geocaching activities integrated with content-area curriculum, such as language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

As both a physical educator and a teaching-with-technology advocate, I find this book to be a great resource for not only the physical education classroom, but for any classroom. It provides a way to build creativity, innovation, and interest-filled activities into teaching and learning experiences. Highly recommended.

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