combining technology and teaching to get kids outside

 

 The idea is to bring children back into the wilderness through the use of technology. Children of this generation are fascinated with technology, the idea is to harness this fascination and partner it with exploration and a positive learning experience in nature. Similar to Geo-caching my idea is to combine cameras and GPS units to facilitate learning specific animals and plants of the region.

We will do this by publishing a series of pamphlets each with a specific species hunt. Each pamphlet will have illustrations and information on a variety of birds, plants and insects native to the area.  Each page will focus on a specific species and have a check box and space for GPS location for when each page is completed.

Like the drawing below each page will have a detailed drawing of some part of the species being looked for. But the item being looked for might not necessarily be in the drawing. For example the page below shows a drawing of a Bur Oak leaf and bark of a Bur Oak tree. The search could be specifically for the Bur Oak acorn, which does not have a drawing but only a description to guide the trekker, once he has found a tree. This encourages exploring, problem solving and observation of the person’s surroundings. 

The pamphlets will ultimately be available online through state parks and private facilities websites, as well as on location. When the species is found the person hunting for it will mark down the GPS coordinates where it was found. If they are trying to get to the next level, more proof is necessary. The trekking will snap a picture of the object with the coordinates showing.

(Illustrations will be up soon)

 

Infrastructure/ Technology

            Most state parks, including most of Minnesota State Parks have GPS systems available for free rental for the day, upon providing a drivers license and filling out a form. These GPS systems are available for Geo-caching, which is already set up within the State park system. The cameras could be disposable, or use the same rental system as the GPS units. Many less cameras would be needed because they are a much more common accessory, but it is important to have a free option in order to not single out any financial group. 

           For facilities where buying either disposable cameras, or buying digital cameras to rent out with the GPS units are not financially possible this section can be replaced with journals in which the GPS location would be taken down with a drawing of the found species by the people.

 

The Audience

This idea can be used for families, children, adults, summer camps, nature classes. There will be a variety of different levels meant for targeting different ages and interests, but also as a sort of ladder for the trekker(s) to climb as they become more experienced. This idea could altered small amounts to fit, a classroom setting having these treks on a smaller scale, using nature journals and written descriptions instead of  GPS units and cameras.