Exploring Idaho's Caves
handout exercisesuggested grade levels: 7-12
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson

Overview:
There are many places in Idaho where one can observe caves. Caves come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on where they are found. They can also form in different ways. This exercise will give students the opportunity to learn about caves and how they are formed.

Objectives:
1. Students will learn how to use the Digital Atlas of Idaho.
2. Students will learn about the basic kinds of caves and how they are formed.

Procedure:
Use the Digital Atlas of Idaho. To get there: Click on Idaho Overview, then on Caves. Read through the material and click on the links to see the various pictures. Encourage your students to click on the cave sites on the main map and learn about each of them. Answer the following questions. Use the handout provided. For a printable pdf copy of the sample handout, click below.

Handouts/Activities:
These are links to access the handouts and printable materials.
geo2ho.pdf | geo2AK.pdf | Caves

Handout Sample:
The sample questions below are shown in the printed handout.

There are many places in Idaho where one can observe caves. Caves come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on where they are found. They can also form in different ways. This exercise will give you the opportunity to learn about caves and how they are formed. Use your knowledge and the Digital Atlas to answer the following questions.

1. How is a corrosion cave formed? What is required for these caves to form? What were they used for?
2. How is a solution cave formed? How is a solution cave different from a corrosion cave?

Related Lesson Topics:
Geology: Geology Topics

Lesson plan by James Scannell and Stefan Sommer, 2001
Idaho Achievement Standards (as of 7/2001) met by completing this activity:
357.01.02
401.01.04.05
402.01.03.06
804.01.02
884.01.05
885.01.07
892.01.05
893.01.07