Karst Topography

Submitted by: Judy Ware and Earle Maxwell, adapted by L.J. Damron
Email: ldamron@lions.k12.ar.us
School/University/Affiliation: Gravette School District

Date: October 20, 1998 

Grade Level: 4, 5, 6

Subject(s):

• Science

Duration: two 45 minute sessions

Description: Students build a model mountain and observe effects of rain on Karst topography

Goals: The students will understand the formation of caves, underground springs, and sink holes in areas with Karst Topography like the Ozark Plateau in Arkansas

Objectives: The students will

1. Understand how karst topagraphy is formed by observing a simulation
2. Use geographic vocabulary that is used to explain karst topography by writing about their observations of the simulation

Materials:

• sugar cubes,
• royal icing,
• eye droppers,
• small cups,
• foil pie pans

Procedure:

First Session:

1. Make icing previous to lesson. In a large bowl with electric mixer beat whites of 3 large eggs and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar until frothy. With mixer on low speed gradually beat in 1 pound convectioners sugar until blended. Increase speed to high and beat 5 - 7 minutes until stiff glossy peaks form when beaters are lifted. Keep icing tightly covered and refrigerated until ready to use.

2. Each group of 4 students should have a box of sugar cubes and some icing. Direct them to build a "mountain" (can just be a large cube) cementing the sugar together with the icing and covering the outside with icing. Set them aside until the next day to dry.

Second Session:

1. Give each group a cup of water with food color added (blue looks best) and eye droppers.
2. The students slowly drip water on the mountain and observe what happens. They will soon have sink holes and "springs." The sugar will erode leaving the icing.
3. Before it is all eroded have students gently break the mountain in two and they will see caves in the mountain.
4. Discuss with students what they had observed.

Assessment:

The students can write about what happened using the geographic vocabulary and relate it to limestone and dolomite rock found in the Ozarks and other places. I use this as the end activity in the rock unit and the beginning of the recycling unit because it shows the problems with landfills in this area, and how easily ground water could be contaminated.

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