• two medium-sized jars
  
• potting soil
  
• two bean seeds
  
• medium-sized box
  
  

Procedure

Plant a seed in each jar (use the same kind for each). Put one near a window and cover the other with a box that will not allow light in. Water them both at the same time on a regular basis. Over time, see how the seed receiving light grows into a plant and the one under the box does not. Maybe the one under the box will become moldy. This is what happens in a cavern.


Grades K – 4 "Food Web Game"

The game listed under Grades 5 – 8 can also be used for younger grades. It may be useful to explain a simple food chain first using familiar elements such as:

• light – grass – cow (hamburger) – person
  
  

When doing the cavern food web game, using pictures instead of the names may be more appropriate for younger students.


Grades 5 – 8 "Food Web Game"

Materials

• large card (3" x 6") for each student
  
• ball of yarn
  
  

Procedure

Write the name of an element of the food web on each card. If you have used up all the names and have cards left over, either repeat some names, or if enough are left over, create a second set and divide students into two groups.

Have students form a circle (or two) and give each a card. (Do not put cards in a logical order.) Starting with an organic material person, have them hold the beginning of the yarn then pass it to the next element of the food web until everyone is included.