There are, however, a number of types of caves that are formed through different processes (even volcanic action). A new theory says that some caves (about 5%) are caused through the action of sulfuric acid produced by microbial life. In this theory, microbes consume materials, oils, etc. And release hydrogen sulfide gas, which then in turn rises through rocks and combines with groundwater to produce sulfuric acid, which then eats away at the surrounding rock and mineral deposits (Cave Formation, 2002). Guided Inquiry Method on Caves-

Overview

Teacher

Student

What are caves? How are they formed?

Brief PowerPoint or video on cave formation.

http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource / ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.cavebiogeo/

Ask: How are caves formed? What are different processes? What kinds of processes act together to form caves? Why are caves near volcanos different than caves near limestone mountains?

Experiment

List all the facts learned about caves. Visit some of the cave websites available to show different formations. Divide students into groups of four; give each group 6 ounces of clay and 12 sugar cubes. The clay represents sandstone (harder rock) the sugar, limestone. Put newspaper on the desk and mold the clay around the sugar cube, leaving some of the sugar exposed. Let the "cave" dry for several days, and then soak in water. The sugar will dissolve.

Inquiry: Using a scientific method approach, write up the hypothesis, experimental design, method, and results. Then discuss what happened and...

Then illustrate that story in your own words. For example: Why would a culture paint a wild cow or bison on the wall of a cave?
Advanced

Let's postulate on life in caves? What could live in caves and what evolutionary changes may occur because of that environment?

View "The Virtual Cave" in:

http://www.goodearthgraphics.com / virtcave/cave_life/cave_life.html

List the environmental factors in caves (darkness, cold water, few food sources, etc.)

REFERENCES

Cave Formation. (20020). Nova: The Mysterious Life of Caves. Retrieved from: http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.cavebiogeo/

Clouds and Currents. (2010). Life in Death Valley: Nature. Retrieved from: http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/nat08.earth.meteo.var.clouds/

Mountain Weather. (2011). Teacher's Domain. Retrieved from: http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.watcyc.mountwea/

Virtual Cave. (2007). Life in Caves. Retrieved from: http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/virtcave/cave_life/cave_life.html