A Field Trip To Pennsylvania's Crystal Cave

  

A Little Background Information

 A field trip to Crystal Cave would be the perfect culmination to a unit on geology or inspiration for a creative writing essay.

It definitely stirred up some story ideas for me. As a fantasy enthusiast, I couldn't help imagining wizards and dwarves inhabiting the halls of glistening rock. 

Discovered in 1871, Crystal Cave is a natural spectacle of marvelous stone formations that have evolved over thousands of years. 

Our guide called this, 'The Upside Down Ice-Cream Cone'.

Under a display of carefully placed lights, students can view stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, rimstone and other visual wonders, up close and personal, as long as they don't touch anything. Human hands diminish the luster of the stone.

 The 50-55 minute tour begins with a short film on the history of the cave. Immediately after, a knowledgeable guide walks you through the cave, pointing out stones molded into magnificent sculptures by the hand of time.

After the tour there are other activities, like miniature golf and panning for gemstones, that students can do. There is also an ice-cream parlor and a gift shop to purchase souvenirs and specimens from around the world.

Information for Teachers

If you teach young children, I would recommend, if possible, assigning each student their own escort. Concrete steps with steel railings cross over openings and enclosures that I found to be steep.

            
I spoke with an associate of Crystal Cave who informed me that Kindergarten is the youngest grade to visit the facility. He believed students younger than that may not fully appreciate or understand the presentation.

            
Be sure to advise parents to dress their children in walking shoes and a light jacket for the tour. It's 54 degrees in the cave all year long!

There are picnic tables available for lunch and snack.  

They have special rates for schools, camps, and other organizations.

Their contact number is 610-683-6765.

Children's Books On Rocks and Minerals: (I found these on Amazon.)

 

                              

Educational Resources

Lakeshore, Becker's, and U.S.Toy have some wonderful rock and mineral items for students and teachers.

I also found some incredible ideas for rocks and minerals on Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers.

What lessons and activities do you do when teaching a geology unit to your students?