Investigating Karst topography and its connection to SE Minnesota sinkholes and cave formations.
Summary
In this field investigation, students will be able to observe, record, compare/contrast a variety of sinkholes located in the southeastern Minnesota area, including a significant one at the Harmony Karst Interpretive Site. The students will then be transported to Forestville/Mystery Caves State Park in Spring Valley, MN where they will observe and record the fossils, rocks and rock layers that make up the cave structure.
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Learning Goals
This investigation will be conducted at the beginning of our study of Minnesota geology. It is designed for students to be able to learn about the geology of SE Minnesota, compare and contrast a variety of sinkholes, make observations about the different types of rocks and rock layers and subsequently be able to put it all together to define Karst topography. The key concepts for this investigation include:
1. the phenomena of Karst topography; what it includes, how they form, and the affect they have on our water sources
2. Karst topography is quite prevalent in the SE area of Minnesota due to the type of surface bedrock; what rock types are components of the bedrock
3. the bedrock in this region is very close to the surface due to the thin layer of topsoil being deposited by glaciers –"driftless area"
Important vocabulary words for this investigation include:
limestone
Dolomite
sinkhole
Karst topography
driftless area
1. the phenomena of Karst topography; what it includes, how they form, and the affect they have on our water sources
2. Karst topography is quite prevalent in the SE area of Minnesota due to the type of surface bedrock; what rock types are components of the bedrock
3. the bedrock in this region is very close to the surface due to the thin layer of topsoil being deposited by glaciers –"driftless area"
Important vocabulary words for this investigation include:
limestone
Dolomite
sinkhole
Karst topography
driftless area
Context for Use
This field investigation will include an extensive bus trip with 3-4 investigative stops through out the day. It is designed for 8th grade earth science students, approximately 76 students divided into 5 groups, which will be facilitated by 10 staff members. The students will be transported on 2 busses and will be required to bring their science journal, hand lens, and a pencil but also may bring a camera and binoculars. Students will be instructed by educational signs at the Harmony Karst Interpretive Center and also by Minnesota State Park employees at the Forestville/Mystery Caves State Park. The rest of the day the students will be instructed to focus primarily on their observation and questioning skills, which they have been using throughout 7th and 8th grade. Since this investigation is being used as an introduction to Minnesota geology, I will be giving them very little information ahead of time.
Description and Teaching Materials
Our school is located on the western edge of the "driftless area" of Minnesota, the southeastern area. This area provides a great opportunity for the 8th grade earth science students to investigate a different type of topography compared to where they live. First the students will be able to view and observe sinkholes in the Austin, MN area. They then will travel southeast to the Harmony Karst Interpretive Site where they will be able to view and observe a sinkhole via an observation deck that is equipped with educational signs. Our last stop will be a guided tour of Mystery Caves located at Forestville State Park, Spring Valley, Minnesota. The caves rock layers and features assist the students in putting the observations, they have made through out the day, together to form the bigger picture of Karst topography. Guided questioning will be needed through out this investigation.
This field investigation will take place quite early in the school year, approximately during the 6th week. I have designed this field investigation to assist the students on their observational, questioning, problem-solving, and investigative skills. Prior to this field investigation, the students will have spent class time reviewing the steps of the scientific method and learning about the process of inquiry in science. During each of our stops, the students will be instructed to write down observations and questions they may have in their science journals. Back in the classroom, the students will use them as they work in large groups to combine and discuss their observations. The students will record their synthesized data on poster boards, that will be posted around the classroom, so that they may be used as visual aids when we talk about rock types, rock layers and the topography that make up southern and southeastern Minnesota, glaciers and glacial deposits, and water quality. They also will discuss investigable questions and decide on one the group would like to pursue.
This field investigation will take place quite early in the school year, approximately during the 6th week. I have designed this field investigation to assist the students on their observational, questioning, problem-solving, and investigative skills. Prior to this field investigation, the students will have spent class time reviewing the steps of the scientific method and learning about the process of inquiry in science. During each of our stops, the students will be instructed to write down observations and questions they may have in their science journals. Back in the classroom, the students will use them as they work in large groups to combine and discuss their observations. The students will record their synthesized data on poster boards, that will be posted around the classroom, so that they may be used as visual aids when we talk about rock types, rock layers and the topography that make up southern and southeastern Minnesota, glaciers and glacial deposits, and water quality. They also will discuss investigable questions and decide on one the group would like to pursue.
Teaching Notes and Tips
I have taken many class groups to tour and investigate Mystery Caves and Niagara Caves (located in Harmony, MN). I have chosen Mystery Caves for this field investigation due to the quality of the tour and the geologic features that are available for viewing. Each tour is lead by a geologist that is a Minnesota State Park employee. I feel that Mystery Caves provides more opportunities for the students to observe Karst topography features and the rock layers of that area.
The Karst Interpretive Site opened during the summer of 2008, thus I have not had the chance to visit. The Harmony Area Historical Society bought and developed this site, it is my hope that it will be educational and well worth our time.
The Karst Interpretive Site opened during the summer of 2008, thus I have not had the chance to visit. The Harmony Area Historical Society bought and developed this site, it is my hope that it will be educational and well worth our time.
Assessment
The students will be required to make entries into their science journal throughout the field investigation. Their journal entries and how they use them in their large group will be checked and graded.
Standards
8.3.1.1.1 - The Earth is composed of layers.
8.3.1.2.1 - Landforms result from deposition of sediment.
8.3.1.2.2 - Explaining the role glacial activity had in shaping Minnesota's current landscape.
8.3.1.3.1 - Layers of sedimentary rock infer past geologic events and the changes in environmental conditions.
9.3.1.3.1 - Using relative dating to explain how the structure of the Earth and life on Earth on changed
8.3.1.2.1 - Landforms result from deposition of sediment.
8.3.1.2.2 - Explaining the role glacial activity had in shaping Minnesota's current landscape.
8.3.1.3.1 - Layers of sedimentary rock infer past geologic events and the changes in environmental conditions.
9.3.1.3.1 - Using relative dating to explain how the structure of the Earth and life on Earth on changed