![lt= group of people in a cave with ranger](/subjects/caves/images/Education_Class_300web_2.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
![lt= Junior Cave Scientist badge](/subjects/caves/images/badge_jrcavesci_web100_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
The Junior Cave Scientist Activity Book engages young people in learning activities to help them discover cave and karst resources, and introduces wide-range of cave experiences. The Junior Cave Scientist Program is a fun-filled way to learn about the National Park System and become a steward of cave conservation.
![lt= person in lava tube](/subjects/caves/images/cave_poster_web100_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
Caves are diverse, fascinating, and rich in resources and a valuable part of our geologic heritage. This classroom poster helps students learn about Caves of the National Parks and why caves are important. Download [PDF 2.4 MB].
![lt= cave features](/subjects/caves/images/sodastraws_100x100_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
In this activity students will grow their own speleothems, learn about the process of mineral formation, and record observations at the end of each day.
Learning Activity: Growing Speleothems
![lt= person in cave](/subjects/caves/images/Cave-Restoration-Camp-2007_wica_web100_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
Some cave parks in the National Park Service have developed webpages with educators in mind. These pages can assist teachers in planning a field trip and some provide curriculum material. Visit Park Education Highlights for resources from across the NPS.
![lt= cavers on narrow ledge](/subjects/caves/images/cavers_traversing_vert_pit_100web_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
On-line presentations related to the topics of caves and karst are now available from a number of sources. This webpage lists some recommended Webinars and Presentations.
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In this activity, students will construct a 3-D paper model that shows how water moves through karst and cave systems. Peering into the model's cave opening reveals a miniature diorama with many cave features.
Learning Activity: Karst Topography Paper Model
![caveslive-100 cave scientist making measurement](/subjects/caves/images/caveslive-100.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
Join scientists and CavesLIVE for an exploration of the world beneath our feet, and find out how we are connected to these amazing underground resources.
Webcast information: https://caveslive.org/
Webcast information: https://caveslive.org/
![bat-100 small bat](/subjects/caves/images/bat-100.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
Although bats are small mammals, they face some large challenges. Learn more about what the National Park Service is doing to preserve bat populations in national parks.
Watch now >
![lt= illustration of stacked cubes](/subjects/caves/images/Day2-Making-a-Cave-Student-web100_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
After making clay models of caves students will learn about weathering processes and be able to conceptualize how water creates caves and cave formations.
Learning Activity: Making a Cave
![lt= book cover](/subjects/caves/images/c_exploring_caves_96_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
Love reading? Here are some of our favorite books about caves and cave science for young readers. Use this list to find your cave adventure. See Children's Books on caves and karst.
![lt= book cover](/subjects/caves/images/encyclopedia_caves_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
We have selected to highlight some of the fundamental books on general cave and karst science, as well as books that focus on the history and resources of some NPS units. The Recommended Reading list is a great jumping off point to discover the fascinating world of of caves.
![lt= thumbnail of poster](/subjects/caves/images/cave_karst_map_1.jpg?maxwidth=650&autorotate=false)
Outreach materials are occasionally produced for conferences or other venues by national cave and karst program and individual parks. This collection of general interest Brochures and Posters is available for download and distribution.
Last updated: May 15, 2023