Cultural Discussion - Geocaching

Cultural Discussion - Geocaching

Do you have any hobbies that use technology?

List some hobbies that use technology:

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List some hobbies that do not require technology:

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Do you think hobbies that use technology are more or less interesting than those which are old-fashioned and do not use it? Why? Why not?

Geocaching:

Technology has created a new hobby that has become popular worldwide. This hobby is called “geocaching”. Have you ever heard of this hobby?

Geo:

If you haven't heard of this hobby, try to guess at what the word might mean. First, think of some other words that contain “geo”:

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

If you can’t think of any words, some are listed in the FYI (For Your Information) section at the end of the lesson. Do these words have anything in common?

Can you guess what “geo” means after thinking about words that have "geo" in them?

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Cache:

The word “cache” means valuable or useful things which are hidden.

Here are some example sentences with the word “cache” to help you understand it better:

• My grandfather kept a cache of money and food in his garage for emergencies.
• The thief found Mary’s cache of jewelry under her bed and took it.
• George’s cache of rare coins was found in a box buried in his backyard.
• Everyone should have a cache of emergency items in case of an earthquake.

Do you have any type of cache in your home or near your home?

Is a "tansu yokin" a kind of cache? Why? Why not?

Try to make your own sentence using the word "cache".

Now that you know what “geo” and “cache” mean, what do you think “geocaching” is? Try to guess even if you are not sure. Use your imagination.

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Looking at a Geocache:

Here is a picture of a geocache:

Teachers: Click on this picture to get a bigger one which is easier to see and print.

Describe the picture above.

Explanation:

Geocaching is a type of modern treasure hunting. A container which holds items ("treasure") is a "geocache". The items are put there by people who find the box and look inside of it. People who do this hobby find the box and take one item from it and put another item in it. The item a person puts in the box should be of the same or greater value than the item they take. These types of items are often put in a geocache:

• CDs
• coins
• small toys
• buttons
• key chains
  

There is also a notebook in the geocache so that people can write some notes about themselves or their travel to find the geocache.

People who do geocaching as a hobby use a GPS (Global Positioning System) to find a geocache. This box is usually waterproof and placed where it will not be easily found or disturbed. There is a web site which lists the coordinates to enter into a GPS to find these "treasures".

What kind of items do you think would be good to put inside of a geocache?

What about you?

• Now that you know what geocaching is, do you think it is a hobby that you would enjoy? Why? Why not?
• Do you think it would be popular in Japan? Why? Why not?
• Do you think there is anything dangerous about this hobby?
• Do you think a geocache would be stolen or damaged if found by a stranger who didn't know what it was?
  

FYI:

Here are some words that contain “geo”:

• geography
• geopolitical
• geological
• geochemical
• geology
  

For more information, visit the Wikipedia English entry about geocaching here. Or, you can read the Wikipedia Japanese entry about geocaching.

“Geo” means “earth”.

This material is (c) The Home Sensei