TEKS

TEKS and Student Objectives

We have divided the TEKS into two categories. The primary TEKS pertain to the formation of the cave and its speleothems. The secondary TEKS relate to the interactions of animals, past and present, as they pertain to the cave environment.

TEKS

Primarily (I):

(5.5) Matter and energy.
D. Identify changes that can occur in the physical properties of the ingredients of solutions such as dissolving salt in water or adding lemon juice to water.

(5.7) Earth and space.
A. Explore the processes that led to the formation of sedimentary rocks and fossil fuels;
B. Recognize how landforms such as deltas, canyons, and sand dunes are the result of changes to Earth’s surface by wind, water, and ice.

(5.9) Organisms and environments.
D. Identify the significance of the carbon-dioxide cycle to the survival of plants and animals.

And Secondarily (II):

(5.7) Earth and space.
D. Identify fossils as evidence of past living organisms and the nature of the environments at the time using models.

(5.9) Organisms and environments.
A. Observe the way organisms live and survive in their ecosystem by interacting with the living and non-living elements.

Student Objectives

During the tour:

I.
The students will be able to explain how limestone caves are formed by observing the fault line and evidence of carbonic acid in the cave.

The students will be able to describe the process of the formation of speleothems by observing stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and other formations in the cave and by interacting with their tour guide.

II.
The students will be able to explain the process that resulted in the cave being accessible from the surface during the ice age by observing the debris cone of one of five sinkholes found in the cave.

The students will be able to describe some of the adaptations of troglobites through discussion with their tour guide.

Pre- and Post-Visit Activities and Assessments
The purpose of these activities is to prepare your students for your visit to Inner Space Cavern or to supplement what they have learned once you return to the classroom. Ideally, the activities would be completed in the order listed; however, each activity may stand on its own.

The following activities correspond to the Primary TEKS listed above.

Pre-Visit Activities
Pre-Visit Acivity #1: Limestone
Pre-Visit Activity #2: Solubility
Pre-Visit Activity #3: The Carbon Cycle

Post-Visit Activities
Post-Visit Activity #1: Where Does the Water Go
Post-Visit Activity #2: Sinkholes

Post-Tour Carbon Cycle Activity