GEOCACHING FOR GLOBAL STUDIES: INSTRUCTIONAL USES OF GEOCACHING TO ADVANCE THE UNITED NATIONS EARTH CHARTER

Emerging handheld technology devices provide learners with opportunities for exciting, empowering, and exploratory environments. Teachers are able to use these tools to instill a curiosity about geography, science, mathematics, and the world in which they live. Dependent upon a multi-billion dollar satellite navigation system, geocaching units are multidisciplinary, inquiry-driven, field-based tools that are useful across the K-12 and university curricula. This presentation espouses the use of GPS receivers and a technique called geocaching to create student-centered learning environments. Specifically, the researchers examine current uses of geocaching as an instructional tool in both K-12 and Higher Education. The second purpose of this presentation is to examine the specific instructional uses of geocaching in regard to advancement of the United Nations Earth Charter. The United Nations Earth Charter presents interdependent principles for a sustainable way of life as a common standard by which the conduct of all individuals, organizations, businesses, governments, and transnational institutions is to be guided and assessed. Research methodology consists of case studies and personal experiences of the researchers. Results suggest strong implications for the use of geocaching in a constructivist learning environment and as a tool to advance the United Nations Earth Charter.