Hey, fellow explorers! Join us as we dive into the captivating world of caves. My boys were eager to learn about caves and go on an unforgettable expedition, so we set off on a thrilling trip to Austin, Texas.
Before our adventure, we indulged in cave-themed activities at home. We crafted stunning dioramas, grew beautiful crystals, and even made mouthwatering edible rocks. Check out our creations to get inspired!
Filled with excitement, we explored mesmerizing caves in Austin. Our guide shared fascinating insights about the cave’s history and inhabitants, leaving us in awe. Adventure awaits, fellow cave enthusiasts!
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from our cave-filled journey. Until then, keep exploring and embrace the unknown!
Are you ready for an adventure like no other? We recently delved into the captivating world of caves through the incredible book, “Caves” by Gail Gibbons. Let me tell you, it’s an absolute gem! This delightful read is bursting with fascinating details and interesting cave facts that will leave you in awe. With vivid illustrations and engaging descriptions, Gibbons takes us on a journey deep beneath the Earth’s surface, unraveling the mysteries of stalactites, stalagmites, and underground formations. From the formation of caves to the unique ecosystems thriving within them, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge. So grab a flashlight, turn the pages, and get ready to be enchanted by the wonders of caves. You’ll emerge with a newfound appreciation for these hidden realms and a thirst for more exploration!
Easy Cave Dioramas
Materials:
Free Printable – see below
scissors
Start by downloading the free printable from StoryTimeCraft.com and print out the desired designs for the bear friend, stalactites, and stalagmites. If you don’t have access to the specific printable, you can draw and color your own designs.
Take the brown paper bag and draw the outline of the cave opening on one side of the bag. It can be any shape you like, such as a rounded or jagged opening. Carefully open up the paper bag and pinch the middle section of the area where you drew the cave opening. This will create a fold in the bag. Make your first cut along the outline of the cave opening, starting from the folded area. Remember to only cut through one layer of the bag, as we want to create a cave, not a tunnel.
Color and cut out the bear friend and the stalactites and stalagmites from the printable or your own drawings.
Apply glue to the top portion of the cave opening and attach the stalactites, positioning them to hang down from the top of the cave.
Fold the tab on the bear friend’s design and apply glue to it. Place the bear inside the cave, gluing the tab to the back of the cave opening so that the bear appears to be peering out from inside.
Fold and glue the stalagmites to the bottom of the cave, creating formations on the cave floor.
Allow the glue to dry completely.
Now you have your own awesome cave craft! You can use it as a decoration or as a prop for imaginative play. Enjoy your cave-making adventure!
Stem: Grow Beautiful Crystals
This was my boys favorite part!!! They loved how the Crystals turned out! This one is very important to have adult supervision. Be careful when using Borax. Keep it away from mouth and eyes. We also need boiling water for this project so safety first with a side of caution. Borax is a special substance that can bond together in a unique way. When mixed with water and allowed to evaporate, the borax molecules come together and form beautiful crystals. Crystals are like intricate shapes made up of tiny particles, and they can be truly mesmerizing!
Remember to have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the magical process of crystal growth.
Materials
Hot water
Begin by gathering all the necessary materials and make sure you have an adult with you for this project.
Boil some water in a pot on the stove.
While water is hearing, prepare the pipe cleaners for your crystals. Take the pipe cleaners and carefully curve them into the desired shapes. These will serve as the base for your crystals to bond onto.
Tie a piece of floss to each pipe cleaner and attach the other end of the floss to a jumbo craft stick.
This will allow you to suspend the pipe cleaners in the mason jars without touching the bottom or sides.
Place the pipe cleaners in the mason jars, ensuring that they hang freely in the center of the jars.
Once the water is boiling, carefully pour it into the mason jars, making sure to completely cover the pipe cleaners with water. Be cautious to avoid any spills or accidents.
Remove the pipe cleaners from the jars and set them aside for now.
Add several spoonfuls of borax into the hot water in the jars. It’s important to note that borax should not be tasted or come into contact with your eyes, so make sure an adult is assisting you.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until the borax is fully dissolved in the water. The mixture should appear cloudy white.
If needed, add more borax to the solution and continue stirring until it is completely dissolved.
For an optional touch of color, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the mixture and stir again.
Place the pipe cleaners back into the jars, ensuring they are fully submerged in the borax solution.
Now, it’s time to exercise patience. Allow the jars to sit undisturbed for approximately 24 hours, giving the crystals enough time to grow. May want to cover with a paper plate or cardboard to help keep the heat in.
After the waiting period, you can carefully remove the pipe cleaners from the jars. Be cautious not to break the delicate crystals that have formed.
Cut the floss strings off the pipe cleaners, and voila! You now have your very own awesome crystals
Edible Rocks!
Let me tell you about the amazing time my boys and I had making edible rocks – it was an absolute blast! Not only do these treats taste delicious, but they also look incredibly cool. If you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure, then check out how to make these yummy edible rocks.
Materials:
6 Oreos (with the cream removed)
1 bag for crushing the Oreo wafers
Saucepan
6 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
10 ounces of white chocolate
Mixing spoon
1/3 of the Oreo crumbs
1/8 teaspoon of cocoa powder
3 bowls for separating the mixture
Refrigerator for chilling
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these edible rocks:
Start by taking the cream out of 6 Oreos, leaving only the wafers.
Place the Oreo wafers in a bag and crush them into fine crumbs.
In a saucepan, heat up 6 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and 10 ounces of white chocolate on low heat, stirring constantly until melted and well combined.
Once melted, turn off the heat and add approximately 2 tablespoons of the Oreo crumbs to the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
Prepare three bowls for the different variations of the edible rocks.
In the first bowl, add all the remaining Oreo crumbs to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
In the second bowl, add 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the mixture and mix until well combined.
The third bowl will contain the mixture as it is, without any additional ingredients.
Allow the mixtures to cool until they are safe to touch.
Once cooled, take small portions of each mixture and roll them in your hands to form them into rock-like shapes.
Place the edible rocks on a tray or plate and chill them in the refrigerator.
Finally, it’s time to indulge! Grab a rock, take a bite, and enjoy the deliciousness.
These edible rocks are not only a tasty treat but also a fun and creative activity to do with your kids. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the delightful experience of making and savoring these yummy edible rocks.
