GPS Adventures At Pacific Science Center
March 28-May 3, 2009

GPS Adventures
Combine treasure hunting, satellite technology, some math, geography, a maze, problem solving, a ton of fun and you have the makings for a terrific new exhibit at Pacific Science Center during spring 2009! For young kids and adults, this exhibit has it all!


The GPS Adventures Maze is an educational traveling exhibition introducing GPS technology - its history, current uses and future possibilities. Visitors will learn the basics of traditional and modern navigation, see examples of GPS technology in use today, preview coming developments, and try their hand at designing future applications. They will simulate the sport of geocaching as they search for hidden caches and gain access to content rich educational galleries.

The Thrill Is In the Hunt!
→Click To Learn What This Video Is All About And See More Videos

GPS Adventures
The Experience

Geared toward ages six through adult, the exhibit allows children and adults to hold GPS-enabled gear for the first time and opens doors to the life changing possibilities GPS technology makes possible both today and tomorrow.

A 2,500 square foot maze simulates the experience of GPS and Geocaching in four environments: city, local park, back-country and historic site. Wall panels feature thematic graphics up to 12 ft long and 7 ft high of rivers and lakes, mountains and valleys, city streets and structures. Maze dead ends portray impassable obstacles such as waterfalls, cliffs and ravines.

Enticed by the lure of treasure hunting, visitors enter the maze through an orientation room where they will learn what they need to know before embarking on their treasure hunting adventure:

  • Find four hidden caches (treasures).
  • Solve the cache puzzle to decipher the secret code.
  • Use the code to enter each satellite room.
  • Stamp your Adventure Card.
Floor graphics provide the direction and distance to all four satellite rooms. As is the case when traveling with a GPS unit, visitors have a reading of their location at all times, but it is not always possible to follow a heading as the crow flies.

GPS Adventures
After locating and gaining entry into each satellite room, visitors are engaged by hands-on interactives, educational displays, videos and touch panels that address the many facets of GPS technology, Geocaching, and the great outdoors.

In each satellite room, visitors stamp their Adventure Card with one of four mystery coordinates. Once all four are collected, they return to the World Map Station at the front of the maze, plot the coordinates, and discover their Treasure City to complete the adventure.

You do not need a GPS device to attend this exhibit! For the millions who enjoy the sport of Geocaching, this exhibit is a must-see. For those who've never been bitten by the Geocaching bug, get set for an exhilarating experience!

Entry to GPS Adventures is included with the price of general admission. FREE for Pacific Science Center members.

Learn more about →Geocaching and the →GPS Adventures exhibit then come join us and learn what so many are talking about!

Video provided by →Nicole Collins as part of the University of Washington's →Master of Communication in Digital Media program. →Click for more videos from MCDM students.