Learn the Great Basin Field Trip Lesson Plan
This information was last updated on July 24, 2001
GRADE LEVEL
4th grade
6th grade
NAME OF FIELD TRIP
Hidden Cave
HIDDEN CAVE (Fallon, NV; 12 mi (19 km). E on US 50) is today part of the Grimes Point Archaeological Area.
DESCRIPTION OF TRIP
Sealed beneath the cemented surface gravels of the Nevada's Stillwater Range lies Hidden Cave. Dug out 21,000 years ago by the waters of pliestocene Lake Lahonton what is seen today is a geological and geographical record born out by an archeological dig. Scientists have excavated the site in the 1920's, 1940's, 1950's and 1970's. This scientific inquiry is visible to students as they tour the remains of life, geology and the techniques of scientists.
GOALS OF THE TRIP
Students will:
Observe the patterns of geologic change
Observe and reflect on the natural changes of time
Identify techniques used by scientists as they investigate the past
Identify the different landforms surrounding the cave
STANDARDS
Fourth Grade
18.3.1 Explain that science is a process that involves observing and asking questions about the natural world.
10.4.2 Compare and contrast the location of landforms
13.5.5 Investigate and describe how change is an ongoing process that can be seen throughout the natural world.
16.4.1 Identify the natural resources of Nevada
16.5.1 Investigate and describe resources have distinct properties which determine their usefulness.
16.5.2 Explain how Earth materials including those found in Nevada provide resources that humans use.
21.5.4 Make observationsof the environmentusing their senses and instruments. Make inferences and interpretations based on observations. Classify observable properties and organize observations in a meaningful way.
Sixth Grade
10.8.2 Investigate and describe how the combination of constructive and destructive forces result in the formation of landforms.
10.8.6 Explain that earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, and floods are geologic phenomena.
12.8.1 Explain how some changes on the Earth's surface are due to slow process and some are due to rapid process
12.8.2 Investigate and describe how fossils provide important evidence of how life and environmental conditions have changes throughout geologic time.
12.8.3 Explain how eath's processes we observe today are similar to those that occurred in the past.
20.8.3 Identify and illustrate natural cycles within a system.
LOGISTICS
Potential Hazards/Cautions: This is an outdoor activity with little or no shade. Snakes and animals do reside here.
Sunscreen is a must during all seasons and all participants must be made aware to be on the lookout for animals.
Suggested Time/Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
FIELD GEAR: (hand lenses, recording journals, cameras)
Project Supplied: None
Provided on Site: None
CONTACTS
People: Chris Miller, BLM office, 775-885-6148. Entry to cave available only as a guided tour on certain days.
Tours of Churchill County Museum in Fallon also available. Contact the museum at 775-423-3677 for more information.
Bus: WCSD Transportation Department, 353 - 5900
FACILITIES
Maximum / Minimum number of students allowed: not applicable
Docents: Not Provided
Restrooms: Pit toilets at location No hand wash facilities
Water: Must be part of student equipment
Refreshments: N/A
Weather Conditions / Dress Suggestions: It can be cooler; casual dress is a must; appropriate footwear for the outdoors is a must.
COSTS
Guided Tours: Must be arranged through the Churchill County Museum, Fallon Nevada and Nevada BLM
Self-Guided Tours: An outside trail and hike is available w/o entry into the cave
Transportation -- $261 per school bus. 47 persons per bus.-WCSD
Requirements --- None Required
REFERENCES
Teacher Preparation Materials:
Teacher Manuals
Student Reference Materials
Text Books
Teacher and Student Web Site: http://anthro.amnh.org/anthropology/research/north_archeo/hidden.htm#m9
http://www.learnthegreatbasin.net
PRE FIELD TRIP ACTIVITIES / INVESTIGATIONS
Student discovery, observations, and data collection.
DURING TRIP ACTIVITIES
Random sampling
Transect samling
Grid samples
Field sketches
Discovery
ASSESSMENTS
Student notebooks or field journals. Student writing (desciptions, poetry, reflective essays)
Student work samples: Part of our goal is to incorporate student artwork and data onto the
www.learnthegreatbasin.net web site. Please submit appropriate pieces to us for inclusion on the site.