For High School Educators
Overview
A field trip to Longhorn Cavern State Park gives high school students an in-depth look at the processes and people that created one of the most unique places in Texas. Students will understand how geology, chemistry, and aquatic science work together in cave formation. The park’s history comes alive through stories of the Civilian Conservation Corps and others who developed the park for public access during the Great Depression. Students will enjoy hiking and nature walks that encourage a lifelong appreciation for outdoor education.
Learning Objectives
Longhorn Cavern State Park is full of learning opportunities for high school students. Some of the objectives educators may wish to introduce/reinforce in their pre- and post-visit lessons are:
- How erosion and plate tectonics created the Llano Uplift in central Texas.
- How Longhorn Cavern participates in the local watershed.
- How rainwater (H2O) and carbon-dioxide (CO2) combine into a liquid solution called carbonic acid (H2CO3).
- How carbonic acid dissolves sedimentary rock like limestone, forming caves and sinkholes.
- How flowing carbonic acid (in the form of an underground river) further eroded and carved Longhorn Cavern.
- How dissolved limestone (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) creates cave formations.
- How economic competition drove Longhorn Cavern tourism during the early years of the Great Depression.
- What the New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was and how it functioned.
- How the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed Longhorn Cavern State Park.
- How hiking and nature walks are effective means of reducing stress.
- How Texas State Parks support lifelong physical recreation.
Suggested TEKS
As one of Texas' most unique geologic and historic places, a field trip to Longhorn Cavern State Park can help satisfy a number of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements. Suggested TEKS modules focus primarily on Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education. Other TEKS modules may also apply.
High School
Tools & Resources
- CavesLIVE – Lesson plans and multimedia about caves and karst.
- Civilian Conservation Corps (American Experience) – Teacher’s Guide based on PBS’ American Experience film about the CCC.
- Edwards Aquifer Authority – Education resources about the Edwards Aquifer and the issues affecting it as our region’s primary water resource.
- NOVA Collection (PBS) – Educator resources from NOVA’s broadcast and digital productions.
- National Caves Association – Information and teacher resources from the National Caves Association.
- National Park Service – Caves and karst outreach and education materials from the National Park Service.
- Scholastic – Online Theme Unit about caves.
- Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) – Classroom resources and outdoor education from TPWD.
- TPWD: A New Deal for Texas State Parks – Explore how individuals, communities and landscapes in Texas were impacted by the New Deal Era.
- TPWD: Civilian Conservation Corps – Learn about the CCC and its work in Texas parks.
- Texas Children in Nature – Texas-focused lessons and tools for educators.
- USGS – Lesson plans and activities, maps, lectures, and more from the USGS.