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Heather Tucker Cave Thematic Unit Fall 2013

Cave Thematic UnitWritten by: Heather Tucker

Fall 2013(After exploring caves in Oklahoma with Dr. Seimears)

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Function Words Template

Use function words below to begin the unpacking process of teaching.

Earth/Space Science Function Words

About Above Across After Around At All Another Any Both

Beside Between ByDow

nExcept Each Either For From Few

In Itself Inside Into Like Little Many Most Much Near

None Nothing On Onto Out of Outside Over One Other Past

Since Several Through That Then These They This Those To

Toward

Under Until Up Upon With Within What Which

Topic:

1. Students select from the word list to describe what they discovered about caves. Having students look at the function words will help them understand the language used in science.

a. Sub-questions:1. Which caves are important?2. How is each cave formed?3. Are there different types of caves?4. What are caves made of?5. Does the temperature change inside of a cave?6. What function does water serve inside of a cave?7. Where does water go inside a cave?8. Where does the water found inside of a cave come from?9. Do caves help our environment? 10. Do caves help humans?11. What do we know about caves in the past?12. Are caves important to the future?13. How do we protect caves?14. Do caves assist the ecosystem functions of our world?15. Do animals live within caves?16. What kinds of living organisms live in caves?17. Why do animals live within caves?18. Can living things survive in caves without sunlight?19. What is it like to explore a cave?

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20. Are all caves safe for exploring?21. Are all caves dangerous?

b. Class Discussion:i. Did all of the groups come up with the same words or are there different

patterns? ii. What do these patterns reveal?

iii. Record student responses.

2. Introduce a text about Caves include any new vocabulary students need to know to understand what they are reading.

Books:

Brimner, L. D. (2000). Caves (true books: Earth science). Children's Press.

Gibbons, G. (1993). Caves and caverns. Harcourt Childrens Books.

Lauber, P. (1998). Painters of the caves (national geographic society). National Geographic Children's Books.

Silver, D. (1997). Cave One Small Square. (1st Edition ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Vocabulary:

1. Cave 2. Limestone3. Gorges 4. Honeycombed5. Hollow 6. Dissolved7. Ancient 8. Hibernate9. Spur 10. Fossils11. Glacier 12. Tundra13. Neanderthal 14. Modern15. Radioactive 16. Carbon dating17. Cavern 18. Equipment19. Twilight 20. Zone21. Antennae 22. Trogloxenes23. Troglophiles 24. Troglobites25. Monera 26. Protist27. Fungus 28. Soda Straw29. Calcite 30. Carbon Dioxide31. Stalactite 32. Stalagmite33. Echo 34. Echolocation35. Energy 36. Bacteria37. Guano 38. Isopod

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39. Amphipod 40. Speleothems41. Vertebrates 42. Invertebrates

3. Discuss and choose the appropriate text structure.

Caves (true books: Earth science) is a book perfect for children that want to learn the basics about caves and further investigate cave information. This book has great pictures, informative sidebars, a glossary, an index, and a list of other resources for the reader that wants to go a step further in the learning process.

Caves and caverns is full of information about the different types of caves and how they are formed. There is information about exploring caves also. Hand drawn pictures illustrate each topic. This book is perfect for a somewhat younger child starting about 1st grade and going up in age.

Painters of the caves (national geographic society) book delves deep into the history of humans and art. By going back to a time when Neanderthals used caves as shelter this book is able to give the reader many different examples of the history and many reasons why caves are so important and how they have been used. Very interesting with pictures of artifacts, fossils, and artistic creations found in caves throughout exploration.

Cave One Small Square is a wonderfully illustrated book about caves. The illustrations are colorful drawings that are placed throughout the passages on each page. The text information is relevant to not only learning about how caves are formed, how they are used, and the importance of exploration, safety, and preservation but also give deep insight into the life of the organisms that live in and around caves. There are puzzles and activities to keep the learning interactive but mostly this book is chalk full of information that is presented in a way that makes it easy for a young reader to understand.

4. Apply what we know about the chosen text structure to begin confirming or adjusting student thoughts from the initial activity. (This also helps with prediction skills)

a. Also, remind students to look for the function words provided in the initial activity - these are clues.

5. Class discussion to find out what students discovered.

a. Record student responses.

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Begin the: activity - experiment, or class project......

Science

Semantic Map:

Description: I would use this graphic organizer to explain the different types of caves and how each is formed. This could also be used to point out how different processes can contribute to several very distinct outcomes. Rainwater dissolves limestone and can cause erosion and also seep into crevices and cracks to form two different types of caves; similarly, flowing water also causes a cave to form in the ice of glaciers, and flow of acidic water over a long period of time becomes what is considered a solution cave that is large enough to allow humans to go inside.

Sources:

The creation of a cave. (2013). Retrieved from http://dwb.unl.edu/Teacher/NSF/C01/C01Links/rville.k12.mo.us/Cave/caveForm1.html

Caves: underground chambers. (2013). Retrieved from http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/earth/surface-of-the-earth/caves-article/

How caves form. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.esi.utexas.edu/outreach/caves/caves.php

Bunnell, D. (2005, May 03). Glacier caves. Retrieved from http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/virtcave/ice_caves/glacier_caves.html

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Cave Types

Erosion

SolutionCrevice

Glacier

Volcanic

require more than 100,000 years to

widen large enough to hold a human

rainwater dissolves the

limestone

acidic water passes through fractures,

crevices, and cavities

Lava tubesMovement of water causes the wearing away of soil and

rock surfaces

Flowing water causing

erosion and melting

http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/virtcave/ice_caves/glacier_caves.html

http://www.esi.utexas.edu/outreach/caves/caves.php

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/earth/surface-of-the-earth/caves-article/

http://dwb.unl.edu/Teacher/NSF/C01/C01Links/rville.k12.mo.us/Cave/caveForm1.html


Description:I would use this graphic organizer to teach the three different levels of life within a cave. There are specific life forms at each level and this organizer helps to make each level more clear with where it is located, the adaptations possible for that part of the cave, whether the organisms in that level leave or not, and gives some examples of the types of life forms that could be found in each area. I would use this also when talking about hibernation and the different uses of caves.

Sources:Ronca, D. (2013). How cave biology works: Three types of cave life. Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/biology-fields/cave-biology1.htm

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require more than 100,000 years to

widen large enough to hold a human

acidic water passes through fractures,

crevices, and cavities

Levels of Cave LifeTroglophiles TroglobitesTrogloxenes

Leave cave regularly

No adaptations

Closer to opening Middle of cave

Leave when needed

Can live in or out

Very back of cave

Blind and white

Never leave

Cave fish, crayfish, salamanders

Frogs, salamanders, insectsBear, skunk, raccoon


Sequence Graphic Organizer

Description: This sequence chart shows the process of how rain falls and helps to create a cave in the most common form. These caves are most often formed in a Karst or land area that is under laid by limestone. Limestone is easily eroded by carbonic acid. I would use this sequence graphic organizer to help students fully understand the step by step process of how a cave is formed.

Sources:How caves form. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.esi.utexas.edu/outreach/caves/caves.php

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Rain falls to the ground and mixes with carbon dioxide to form a slightly acidic form of water, or carbonic acid.

Rain water seeps into the ground through crevices and cracks, constantly dripping further and further. Sometimes this water collects into small pools

or lakes underground.

The constant seepage and sloshing of water causes erosion of the soil and stone layers of the earth.

Over long periods of time the acidic water sloshing in underground pools and flowing through crevices causes a cavern to open larger and larger until a cave is

formed.

http://www.esi.utexas.edu/outreach/caves/caves.php


Compare and Contrast Graphic Organizer

Description:I would use this Venn-diagram to help explain the ways the two different types of bats are similar and dissimilar. All bats are mammals and all have the same unique formation of a membrane between their “finger” bones that creates their wings. Bats all use echolocation to help them find and hunt for their food. They also all naturally roost by hanging upside down which uses a unique function of ligaments and muscles to keep them hanging even when they sleep. Their legs are essentially relaxed to hang on but the muscles contract to allow their claws to let go. Because of this roosting technique they are able to take off an fly, otherwise their legs are not strong enough to propel them into the air high enough for takeoff like a bird does.

Sources:Harris, T. (2013). How bats work. Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/zoology/mammals/bat.htm

Megachiroptera Microchiroptera

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Types of Bats

Flying foxes and Fruit bats

Mostly found in Africa, Asia, and

Australia Long muzzle Larger size

Vegetarian – feed on fruit or pollen

Found all over the world

Pushed-in snouts like a pug-nosed

dog Smaller size

Carnivores – feed primarily on insects

Mammals Membrane of

skin forms wings

between bones

Echolocation Hang upside

down to roost

http://science.howstuffworks.com/zoology/mammals/bat.htm


Cause/Effect:

Description: This cause and effect graphic organizer shows not only the sequence of how caves are formed but it also shows the effect of each step in the process. I would use this to explain each step of how rain water helps to form a cave over long periods of time.

Sources:The creation of a cave. (2013). Retrieved from http://dwb.unl.edu/Teacher/NSF/C01/C01Links/rville.k12.mo.us/Cave/caveForm1.html

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Rain falls from the clouds in the sky to the Earth.

As the rain hits the ground it seeps through the soil, cracks, crevices, and

joins with other bodies of water.

Carbonic acid collects in open crevices and areas within the ground forming

underground pools and streams.

As this rain falls it mixes with carbon dioxide in the air.

While the water travels it collects more carbon dioxide from dead plants until it

becomes slightly acidic water called carbonic acid.

Over time the movement of the carbonic acid down streams and lapping in pools

causes erosion that forms caves.


Literature Evaluation:

Questions about the literature

Science Topic: Cave: One Small Square_Yes No Comments

Is the literature age appropriate? X This book would be best suited for intermediate

elementary grades.What is the publication date? Is the book outdated?

X1993

Is the Science material presented accurately? X All information aligns with the information

within other science resources about caves.Is the Science material presented clearly? X Material is presented clearly and with

illustrations that contribute to understanding.Does the literature add to the understanding of Science? X

This book add s to the understanding of how caves are formed, how they aid habitats currently, and why safety and conservation are important.

Will this literature promote interest in Science?

XThis literature promotes and interest in learning and investigating more about caves.

Is the literature sensitive to your minority students?

XN/A

Is the literature sensitive to your low socioeconomic students?

XN/A

Is the minority or low socioeconomic student presented negatively?

XN/A

Does the literature leave students ready to participate in the science lesson?

X

This book leads directly into many types of lessons concerning caves and cave dwellers.


Science Topic: Painters of the Caves_Yes No Comments



X1998

Is the Science material presented accurately? X

All information aligns with the information within other science resources about cave history.

Is the Science material presented clearly? X Material is presented clearly and with

illustrations that contribute to understanding.Does the literature add to the understanding of Science?

XThis book add s to the understanding of how caves are formed and how caves have been used throughout history.



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XN/A


XN/A


XN/A


X

This book leads directly into many types of lessons concerning caves and cave dwellers.


Science Topic: Caves and Caverns_Yes No Comments

Is the literature age appropriate? X This book is best suited for elementary aged

students aged 7+What is the publication date? Is the book outdated?

X1993




XThis book add s to the understanding of how caves are formed and why safety and conservation are important.




XN/A


XN/A


XN/A


X

This book leads directly into many types of lessons concerning caves.

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Science Topic: Caves_Yes No Comments



X2000




XAdds to the understanding of how caves are formed.


XThis literature promotes and interest in learning and investigating more about caves by listing resources for further investigation.


XN/A


XN/A


XN/A


X

This book leads directly into many types of lessons concerning caves.

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Cave Types


Mapping Template:

Vocabulary:

Sources: All definitions are from Dictionary and thesaurus. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/

Vocabulary Word: Cave

Definition: A large hole that was formed by natural processes in the side of a cliff or hill or under the ground

In My Own Words: A hole under the ground that creatures can live in.

A Picture to Help Me Remember:

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Volcanic Cave

Glacier Cave

Solution Cave

Erosion Cave

Crevice Cave

http://www.merriam-webster.com/


Vocabulary Word: Limestone

Definition: A rock that is formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains (as shells or coral), consists mainly of calcium carbonate, is extensively used in building, and yields lime when burned

In My Own Words: Rock that is easily eroded by carbonic acid water to form caves.


Vocabulary Word: Gorge

Definition: A narrow passage through land; especially : a narrow steep-walled canyon or part of a canyon

In My Own Words: A deep hollow passage through the land like a canyon

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Vocabulary Word: Trogloxene

Definition: Species which live close to caves or at the very entrance of the cave.

In My Own Words: Animals that live partially inside and partially outside caves. They live close to the entrance so they can leave regularly and may use a cave for hibernation.


Vocabulary Word: Troglophiles

Definition: Small cave-dwelling animals that have adapted to their dark surroundings

In My Own Words: Animals that can live totally in a cave but could also leave if needed. Live in the middle zone of the cave further into the cave than trogloxenes.

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Vocabulary Word: Troglobite

Definition: Animal that lives entirely in the dark parts of caves.

In My Own Words: Animals can only live inside the deepest zone of the cave because of adaptations that keep them from being able to survive outside the cave.


Vocabulary Word: SpeleothemDefinition: A structure formed in a cave by the

deposition of minerals from water, e.g., a stalactite or stalagmite

In My Own Words: A neat formation within a cave that is formed over time after water drips and erodes different parts within the cave. Some of them pile up while others erode away parts of the cave to make different structures of different shapes.

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Concept Circles:

Concept or Word: ___________________________________________________

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Trogloxenes


Resource List for Future Lessons

How Cave Biology Works

Article with some illustrated charts

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/biology-fields/cave-biology1.htm

Cavern Geology

Worksheet Activities

http://www.caverntours.com/classroom/cgp17.htm

Protect Our Caves

Article with info about conservation

http://www.sat.dundee.ac.uk/~arb/speleo/protect/

Creation of a Cave

Article with illustrations about the formation of a cave


Experiments

Different ideas for hands on experiences

http://www.caverntours.com/KIDSPAGE_Exp_dis.html#

Life in the Dark

Ideas for activities and hands-on experiments

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/Education_in_BLM/Learning_Landscapes/For_Teachers/science_and_children/caves/index/caves_dark.html

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http://www.caverntours.com/KIDSPAGE_Exp_dis.html



http://www.sat.dundee.ac.uk/~arb/speleo/protect/

http://www.caverntours.com/classroom/cgp17.htm




Are you my Baby?

Hands-on activity to go with learning about animals – bats

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/res/Education_in_BLM/Learning_Landscapes/For_Teachers/science_and_children/caves/index/caves_babies.html

How Bats Work

Article detailing how bats are unique mammals


Mysterious Life of Caves

PBS video – 1 hour long but full of great footage and info about caves and their inhabitants

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/caves/

(also found on youtube where I downloaded it)

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http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/caves/





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