Reading Comprehension/ Science

SPELUNKERS

Have you ever explored the inside of a cave?

Speleologists are scientists who study caves for a
living, but many other people explore caves for a hobby.
These cave lovers are called spelunkers or cavers.
Nothing excites them more than trekking through a
mysterious labyrinth of underground chambers and
tunnels. Roaming about Earth’s cavities, or holes in the
ground, speleologists and spelunkers observe Mother
Nature’s artistry firsthand. Water, temperature, and
carbon dioxide levels are the “tools” nature uses to
create unique cave formations.

The weathered rock formations inside

caves are called speleothems. They
are composed of calcite, a limestone
mineral. Stalactites, one type of
speleothem, descend from ceilings of
caves like hanging icicles from a roof.
Another type of speleothem, called
stalagmites, mirror the stalactites, but
jut from the ground like inverted icicles.
One way to remember the difference is:
StalaCtites on the Ceiling, stalaGmites
on the Ground. Sometimes the stalagmites and stalactites even grow into
one another. Journeying through these formations can seem like a stroll
through a monster’s mouth.

The spectacular geological displays that

can be found in caves amaze all who
view them. Exploring and studying
caves can provide unlimited hours of
adventure, discovery and wonder. Just
ask any spelunker!

©2006-2012abcteach.com
Reading Comprehension/ Science

Name ____________________________________ Date _________________

Answer the questions about SPELUNKERS

1. Someone who loves to explore caves is called a(n) ______________.

a.animal lover c.spelunker
b.archeologist d.astronaut

2. A synonym for trek is __________.

a.hike c.fly
b.swim d.carve

3. A spelunker would most likely see a(n) __________.

a.elephant c.dinosaur
b.tunnel d.shark

4. A hole is to a cavity as an adventurer is to a(n) __________.

a.explorer c.acrobat
b.teacher d.baseball player

5. Caves are made by __________.

a.machines c.people
b.animals d.nature

6. Speleothems are formed by temperature, water, and __________.

a.carbon monoxide levels c.sunshine
b.trees d.carbon dioxide levels

7. A __________ is like an upside-down icicle.

a.popsicle c.calcite
b.stalagmite d.stalactite

8. Most spelunkers would probably enjoy __________.

a.science c.ice cream
b.ballet d.dancing

9. Many types of __________ can be found in caves.

a.flowers c.food
b.grasses d.rock formations

10. A scientist who studies caves is called a(n) __________.

a.nurse c.speleologist
b.veterinarian d.nutritionist

©2006-2012abcteach.com
Reading Comprehension/ Science

Name ____________________________________ Date _________________

Write complete sentences to answer the questions below.

1. Imagine being deep in a cave, when your light goes out. Describe.
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2. Tell how the article reminds you of an experience you have had.
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3. After reading the story what do you think is meant by speleotherm?
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4. What did you learn about spelunkers that you did not know? How will
you use that new information?
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©2006-2012abcteach.com
Reading Comprehension/ Science

Name ____________________________________ Date _________________

Answers to SPELUNKERS

Multiple-choice
1. (c) spelunker
2. (a) hike
3. (b) tunnel
4. (a) explorer
5. (d) nature
6. (d) carbon dioxide levels
7. (b) stalagmite
8. (a) science
9. (d) rock formations
10. (c) speleologist

Short-answer
1. (Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)
2. (Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)
3. Speleotherm = rock formation in a cave
4. (Answers may vary, accept reasonable answers.)

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