Post Messenger Recorder -

Last week, a couple of Belleville High School science classes had the opportunity to go spelunking. The trip offered a unique opportunity to take learning outside of the classroom and into the real world. Students experienced biology, physics, and chemistry in ways the classroom cannot offer. Along with course curriculum, students also grew personally and as a team.

Mrs. Smith and Mr. Bussey took their AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and AP Physics classes to Pops Cave near Richland Center, WI. Unlike Cave of the Mounds, Pops Cave offers students a glimpse into the endangered ecosystem of a wild cave. Students observed how the cave serves a purpose. The cave remains at a constant temperature throughout the year, which allows bats to use the cave as a place to hibernate. As they entered the cave, students noticed hundreds of bats. However, they learned that they should have seen thousands, but that numbers have decreased due to a disease called White Mouth Disease.

When looking at the cave they also saw more than an ecosystem, but rather chemistry at work as well. Mrs. Smith showed students how the stream running through the cave works at dissolving the limestone, physically and chemically. These types of erosion allow the cave to continue to grow. The cave also depicted physics working in nature. Students drew parallels to how bats navigate and how sound waves work. Joey Sokol said, "I really enjoyed using the cave as a classroom."

Pops Cave also allowed students to grow personally and as a team. Naturally, caves present situations that may push on some people's boundaries. This experience gave students the opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones. At first, climbing into small spaces and through small openings may seem daunting. However, after accomplishing the task students beamed with self-confidence. The structure of the cave also produced some challenges that the students had to solve as a team. The darkness inside the cave made communication key. Mr. Bussey and Mrs. Smith listened to the students communicate with each other, ensuring that each student successfully managed their way through the cave.

The trip to Pops Cave succeeded in its goal. Students learned and experienced science while also having fun and growing personally and as a team. These experiences will be remembered and hopefully inspire students to continue their learning in a field that excites them.