Curriculum Materials

 

Exploring Oregon Caves: Educational Opportunities for Students

Oregon Caves National Monument offers a unique and dynamic environment for educational exploration. An active marble cave with an underground stream provides a glimpse into one of the most geologically complex areas in the world. This natural richness offers invaluable learning opportunities that go beyond textbooks and classroom walls, giving students the chance to connect directly with Earth’s geological processes.

The Monument's curriculum-based educational programs are tailored to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that align with national and state education standards. These programs are designed for different grade levels, ensuring age-appropriate content and activities that foster a deeper understanding of the natural world:

• Geology: Our Changing Earth (Grades 3-5)
  Students explore the processes that shape our planet, focusing on the forces that created Oregon Caves and how those forces continue to shape the landscape today. This program allows students to see the geological timeline in action and understand how the Earth's surface is constantly evolving.

• Watersheds: Through the Mountain and to the Valley (Grades 6-8)
  This program takes students on a journey following the water's path through Oregon Caves, examining the importance of watersheds in ecosystems. Students will learn how water travels from mountain streams to valleys, gaining insight into the vital role watersheds play in supporting plant and animal life, as well as human communities.

These hands-on, inquiry-based programs not only align with school curricula but also inspire curiosity and a sense of stewardship for the environment. Whether it’s studying the layers of rock inside the caves or understanding how water flows through the landscape, students leave with a greater appreciation for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.