This article really sums up much of what you could do with geocaching in the classroom.

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6463503.html

This is a summary of what is contained in it:

• Don't these sound appealing to kids in a classroom?
• Searching for buried treasure
• Deciphering a map
• Encountering mysterious clues along the way
• Armed with GPS tracking devices
• Getting your hands dirty

Now this could make for a high-impact lesson according to the article. The authors believe few learning tools could be more appealing to kids.

What is Geocaching?

Accoring to http://www.geocaching.com "geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment."

So...what is a GPS device? According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Positioning_System GPS is "The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a U.S. space-based global navigation satellite system. It provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to worldwide users on a continuous basis in all weather, day and night, anywhere on or near the Earth." The device is the reciever purchased to coordinate your location via satellite.

So in other words it is orienteering (that is what it was called with a map & compass when I was a Boy Scout) with electronic technology using government satellites.