Lateral Thinking Exercises

 

Mines of Spain

 

Julien Dubuque Monument

  •  Students research Native Americans in the Midwest

  • Examine influences of the Mississippi River on the surrounding area relating to flooding and pollution

  • Have students research the influences glaciers have had on the course of the Mississippi river through time

Wetland and Natural Area

  • Further study the impact of humans on wildlife in regards to destroying habitat

  • Assign students to research various plant species native to prairies

  • Visit other prairies and have students identify plant species

  • Establish a prairie plot at your school so all students can study and enjoy it

  • Study prairie wildlife such as insects, birds, and mammals and their dependency on the prairie for food and protection

Horseshoe Bluff

  • Visit Vinegar Hill Museum and Lead Mine, located 6 miles north of Galena, Illinois Hwy 84

  • Research various marine organisms that are found in limestone such as corals, brachiopods, cephalopods, and gastropods

  • Have students measure strike and dip of bedding planes on the outcrop or design your own outcrops in the classroom

  • Discuss the process of precipitation of chert and calcite in limestone

  • Study the effects of chemical and mechanical weathering on different kinds of rock

Crystal Lake Cave

  • Travel south of Dubuque to Maquoketa Cave State Park and explore a variety of caves and cave formations in addition to six miles of hiking trails through the park. The park can be reached at (319) 652-5833.

                    http://www.state.ia.us/parks/maqucav.htm

  • Travel to southern Illinois to Illinois Caverns to observe more caves and cave formations along with discussing cave inhabitants and the presence of endangered species. For further information of these endangered species go to the following website:

         http://www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~sjtaylor/cave/biospeleol.html

  • Obtain various pictures of different cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Practice identification of these formations. Also discuss how these form and the length of time for these to form.