Lesson 11 - People & Caves
Lesson Overview:
This lesson summarizes the many ways that humans have used caves historically as well as their current uses. Students are able to create their own cave art as an optional activity.
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
Standards Addressed:
National Science Education Standards: 5th-8th grade
Duration of Lesson/Time Requirement: 40 minutes
Materials Required:
Pictures of rock art from Chauvet Cave in France
Colored chalk
Mural, butcher, or sheets of Manila paper
Tape
Classroom Technology:
Computer with Internet connection and projection capabilities and/or SMART Board
Microsoft PowerPoint
Several classroom computers with Internet connection for student use (optional)
Interactive map of Chauvet Cave: http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/index.html
For additional information about Chauvet Cave:
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/chav/hd_chav.htm
http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/index.html
http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/chauvet/index.php
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/data/2001/08/01/html/ft_20010801.6.html
Survey Monkey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/) (optional)
Set-Up:
Gather necessary materials.
Procedure:
Introduction
Tell the students that caves have always held awe and fascination for humans. Ask the students what attracts people to caves both today and throughout history. Discuss their answers and create a list for the class to view.
Activity #1
Present “People & Caves” to the class. This presentation can be projected for the class using Microsoft PowerPoint or a SMART Board. A script is provided and can be used as is or modified to create a more personalized presentation.
The file can be accessed at http://db.tt/pMnJ6mwn
Activity #2
Project/show the students several pictures from Chauvet Cave. Tell the students that Chauvet Cave is a cave located in southern France that contains the earliest known cave paintings as well as fossilized remains, prints, and markings from a variety of animals, some which are now extinct. Explain that the cave was first explored by a group of three cavers in December 1994 and since that time hundreds of paintings have been catalogued including numerous realistic animals such as the ibex, mammoth, giant stags, horses, lions, bears, rhinos, and even an owl.
If time allows project the website: http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/index.html or allow pairs or small groups of students to view the website on individual classroom computers. This website depicts an interactive map of Chauvet Cave. Students can investigate the map as a class together or in smaller groups.
After the students have viewed several examples of the cave paintings found within Chauvet Cave brainstorm possible interpretations of the art and why such drawings might have been created in hidden places. Determine, through discussion, the ways these art discoveries can promote understanding of past life. Compare ancient cave art to methods that modern life styles are preserved for the future (e.g. photographs, videos, books, statues, etc.)
Tape mural, butcher, or sheets of Manila paper to the underside of desks or tables. Allow students time to lie on their backs and use colored chalk to create their own “cave art”. Display the cave art in the “Classroom Cave”.
Wrap-Up/Conclusion
Once all of the students have viewed “People & Caves” tell them that it is time to find out what they have learned.
As an educator you have several options to assess what your students have learned.
This lesson summarizes the many ways that humans have used caves historically as well as their current uses. Students are able to create their own cave art as an optional activity.
Objectives:
Students will be able to:
- List at least 2 ways people use caves.
Standards Addressed:
National Science Education Standards: 5th-8th grade
- Content Standard C: Life Science
- Content Standard F: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
- Research and Information Fluency
Duration of Lesson/Time Requirement: 40 minutes
Materials Required:
Pictures of rock art from Chauvet Cave in France
Colored chalk
Mural, butcher, or sheets of Manila paper
Tape
Classroom Technology:
Computer with Internet connection and projection capabilities and/or SMART Board
Microsoft PowerPoint
Several classroom computers with Internet connection for student use (optional)
Interactive map of Chauvet Cave: http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/index.html
For additional information about Chauvet Cave:
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/chav/hd_chav.htm
http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/index.html
http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/chauvet/index.php
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/data/2001/08/01/html/ft_20010801.6.html
Survey Monkey (http://www.surveymonkey.com/) (optional)
Set-Up:
Gather necessary materials.
Procedure:
Introduction
Tell the students that caves have always held awe and fascination for humans. Ask the students what attracts people to caves both today and throughout history. Discuss their answers and create a list for the class to view.
Activity #1
Present “People & Caves” to the class. This presentation can be projected for the class using Microsoft PowerPoint or a SMART Board. A script is provided and can be used as is or modified to create a more personalized presentation.
The file can be accessed at http://db.tt/pMnJ6mwn
Activity #2
Project/show the students several pictures from Chauvet Cave. Tell the students that Chauvet Cave is a cave located in southern France that contains the earliest known cave paintings as well as fossilized remains, prints, and markings from a variety of animals, some which are now extinct. Explain that the cave was first explored by a group of three cavers in December 1994 and since that time hundreds of paintings have been catalogued including numerous realistic animals such as the ibex, mammoth, giant stags, horses, lions, bears, rhinos, and even an owl.
If time allows project the website: http://www.culture.gouv.fr/culture/arcnat/chauvet/en/index.html or allow pairs or small groups of students to view the website on individual classroom computers. This website depicts an interactive map of Chauvet Cave. Students can investigate the map as a class together or in smaller groups.
After the students have viewed several examples of the cave paintings found within Chauvet Cave brainstorm possible interpretations of the art and why such drawings might have been created in hidden places. Determine, through discussion, the ways these art discoveries can promote understanding of past life. Compare ancient cave art to methods that modern life styles are preserved for the future (e.g. photographs, videos, books, statues, etc.)
Tape mural, butcher, or sheets of Manila paper to the underside of desks or tables. Allow students time to lie on their backs and use colored chalk to create their own “cave art”. Display the cave art in the “Classroom Cave”.
Wrap-Up/Conclusion
Once all of the students have viewed “People & Caves” tell them that it is time to find out what they have learned.
As an educator you have several options to assess what your students have learned.
- Create an online quiz for your students to complete using SurveyMonkey (www.surveymonkey.com). You can use the template provided or create your own.
- Print off the “People & Caves” quiz and give it to your students to complete. The answer key is included.
| lesson_11_people__caves.pdf |
| lesson_11_powerpoint_script.pdf |
| lesson_11_sample_quiz__answer_sheet.pdf |
