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Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Cave Formation: Biogeochemical Cycles

For Students 9th - 10th
This video segment adapted from NOVA chronicles the discoveries that led to a radical new theory in which living organisms, not just geological processes, play an active role in cave formation. [5:42]
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Activity
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Speleology: Counting Formations in a Local Cave

For Students 6th - 8th
In the past caves have been used for shelter, for religious purposes, and for burial sites. They were even used for food storage before refrigeration, because they are cool and have constant high humidity. Get ready for an adventure as...
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Website
PBS

Pbs Nova: The Mysterious Life of Caves

For Students 9th - 10th
Companion to a PBS program in the Nova series. There are wonderful photos of the Lechuguilla cave system in New Mexico, and some new information on how caves are formed.
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Interactive
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: How Caves Form

For Students 9th - 10th
This interactive activity from NOVA Online shows four different ways in which caves are formed: by rainwater, waves, lava, and bacteria.
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Article
Other

Missouri Conservationist Online: Missouri Cave Life

For Students 9th - 10th
Excellent article describing a trip inside a cave. The article discusses the cave habitat and changes that occur as you go deeper into the cave. Includes interesting photographs.
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Handout
Curated OER

National Park Service: Mammoth Cave: Biology and Cave Life

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource describes the biology and cave life of Mammoth Cave. Among the topics discussed are the animal and plant life associated with the area. Requires Adobe Reader. [PDF]
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Lesson Plan
Scholastic

Scholastic: Cave Animals

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Learn more about cave dwellers when you visit this educational resource. This site features useful websites, photographs, fun facts and more.
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Website
Other

Caves in Missouri and Surrounding Lake of the Ozarks

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
This resource features the caves in Missouri and surrounding Lake of the Ozarks. You will find specific directions to get to each cave.
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Handout
Other

Glossary of Speleological and Caving Terms

For Students 9th - 10th
This site features a glossary of speleological and caving terms. This resource is easy to use and gives a an adequate definition for each.
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Graphic
Other

Under Earth: The Virtual Cave

For Students 9th - 10th
Detailed maps and photos of caving features such as lava tubes and sea caves. Click on features of the maps to see images or check out the attributes listed separately.
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Handout
Curated OER

National Park Service: Carlsbad Caverns Natural Resources: The Bat Colony

For Students 9th - 10th
Part of the National Park Service website, this page provides general info. about the resident bat population, and links to more specific bat info. For the bat enthusiast!
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Activity
Read Works

Read Works: Creepy Cave Crawlers

For Teachers 4th
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about new insect species found within caves. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in classifying and categorizing.
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Website
University of Illinois

University of Illinois: Illinois Natural History Survey: Biospeleology: Cave Life

For Students 9th - 10th
From cave critters to cave research. Lots of photos and examples of cave biology-- biospeleology. Links to other cave sites.
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Website
Other

Cave of the Winds Mountain Park: Just for Kids

For Students 3rd - 8th
Facts and resources for kids regarding the Cave of the Winds.
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Handout
Other

Life in Caves

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains several photographs of cave dwelling animals. Most of the webpage is devoted to bats, but there is also information on other species such as cave crickets, crabs, millipedes, and salamanders.
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Website
Other

National Caves Association

For Students 3rd - 8th
The National Caves Association provides a directory of caves in the United States. This directory is in alphabetical order by state. It also answers frequently asked questions and provides helpful links.
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Handout
Other

Sierra Nevada Recreation Corporation: Underground Adventures: Stalagmites

For Students 3rd - 8th
Illustrated explanation of how stalagmites form.
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Handout
Other

Sierra Nevada Recreation Corporation: Underground Adventures: Stalactites

For Students 3rd - 8th
Illustrated explanation of how stalactites form.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Life in Caves

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains several photographs of cave dwelling animals. Most of the webpage is devoted to bats, but there is also information on other species such as cave crickets, crabs, millipedes, and salamanders.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Life in Caves

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains several photographs of cave dwelling animals. Most of the webpage is devoted to bats, but there is also information on other species such as cave crickets, crabs, millipedes, and salamanders.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Life in Caves

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains several photographs of cave dwelling animals. Most of the webpage is devoted to bats, but there is also information on other species such as cave crickets, crabs, millipedes, and salamanders.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Life in Caves

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains several photographs of cave dwelling animals. Most of the webpage is devoted to bats, but there is also information on other species such as cave crickets, crabs, millipedes, and salamanders.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Life in Caves

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains several photographs of cave dwelling animals. Most of the webpage is devoted to bats, but there is also information on other species such as cave crickets, crabs, millipedes, and salamanders.
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Graphic
Curated OER

Life in Caves

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains several photographs of cave dwelling animals. Most of the webpage is devoted to bats, but there is also information on other species such as cave crickets, crabs, millipedes, and salamanders.