Whitefield third-graders ventured on the annual field trip to DeSoto Caverns this past week, spending the night in the underground caves and exploring the scientific wonders of cave formations.
“Once again, we braved the cave, reciting Joshua 1:9, ‘be strong and courageous’ as we entered the cave,” said Vicki Simms, third-grade teacher.
Set in the karst landscape of northern Alabama, DeSoto Caverns is a magnificent example of a limestone, or solution, cave. Karst is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks including limestone, dolomite and gypsum. It is characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems.
Before spelunking their way through the cavern to spend the night, students enjoyed archery, a wall climb, a cave crawl box, and a maze. Then they roasted hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire. Other highlights of the trip included a cave tour to spot speleothems (cave formations) and onyx as well as a history lesson on the Spanish explorer, Hernando DeSoto, and Native Americans.
“The students also saw a spectacular light and water show, based on the creation account from Genesis 1,” said Simms. “God provided perfect weather and a great time was had by all!”
In preparation for the trip, Dr. Mark Jones, a scientist, visited the third-grade classes to talk about speleology, or the study of caves. He shared many interesting facts about the cave formations and sights students saw during the field trip.