For Teachers

A teacher wearing a helmet and headlamp writes in a record book inside a cave passage.
During Project Underground Workshops, teachers learn how to map and survey new cave passages. They also work as a team to record their exploration trip inside the Jewel Cave Historic Entrance.

NPS Photo / Dan Austin

Classroom Visits and On-Site Field Trip Opportunities for 2023

Monument staff are currently available to offer classrooms visits, virtual programming, and in-park field trips. Academic Fee Waivers are available for those who meet the requirements. For more information contact our Lead Park Ranger at (605) 673-8338 or email-us.


Curriculum-Based Lesson Plans and Activities

Are you an educator seeking some activities to supplement your field trip to Jewel Cave or classroom lessons? Check these lesson plans and activities out:



Kindergarten to 2nd Grade:
-Lesson Plan "Living Things and Habitats"
-Jewel Cave Habitat worksheet

3rd to 5th Grade:
-Lesson Plan "History of the Land & its Living Things"
-Jewel Cave National Monument's Living Things worksheet

6th to 8th Grade:
-Lesson Plan "History of the Changing Land"
-"Jewel Cave Formation" worksheet

9th to 12th Grade:
-Lesson plan "Scientific and Cultural Significance"
-"Jewel Cave Research" worksheet

Workshops and Professional Development

During even-numbered years, Jewel Cave National Monument offers educational training for teachers, educators, naturalists, home school leaders, and other interested academic professionals. The workshops relate to national curriculum that provides hands-on activities and lesson plans for use in the classroom. The training also encourages participants to use their new experiences in the field by visiting the monument or other public land sites with students. Past workshops have included Project Underground, Project WILD, and Project Aquatic WILD.

Last updated: September 28, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16
Building B12

Custer, SD 57730

Phone:

605 673-8300
The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.

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