suggested
grade levels: 4-8 view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson
Stalactites
& Stalagmites
suggested
grade levels: 4-8
view Idaho achievement standards for this lesson
Materials:
| cardboard box | 2 tall jars |
| heavy cotton string | Epsom salts |
| 2 nails |
Procedure:
Use the Caves section of
the Digital Atlas of Idaho to learn about the natural formation of stalactites
and stalagmites. To get there: Click on Idaho Overview, then on Caves.
Scroll down and read through the material on caves as a review. Discuss as a
class:
1. The different types of caves.
2. How these different types of caves form.
3. Formation of stalactites and stalagmites.
Activity: (Students should work in groups of 3-4)
Place a tall jar on either side of an open-topped box. Tie four pieces of heavy
string to two nails. The strings must be long enough so that they reach from
one jar, over the box, to the bottom of the jar on the other side. The strings
should also be loose enough so they hang down slightly into the box.Make a solution
of Epsom salts and water. You may add food coloring if you wish. Fill the jars
with the salt solution. Place a nail in each jar with the strings leading over
the cavern. Water and salt will move up the cord. As the water evaporates, it
will leave the salt to accumulate in the same way calcium does in real stalactites
and stalagmites. Leave it alone for a week. Soon, "icicles" will form
stalactites hanging from the string. Stalagmites will form on the cave floor
as the dripping water evaporates to leave behind a cone of salt.
Handouts/Activity links:
These are links to access the handouts and printable materials.
Caves
Related
Lesson Topics:
Geology: Geology Topics