School Field Trips at Black Chasm Cavern

STATION 1: Cavern Tour School groups must reserve their field trip in advance by calling 209-736-2708. School groups must arrive at least 15 minutes before tour departure to allow time to use the restroom and assemble in one or more group(s). This 45-minute guided tour consists of a descent of about 60 feet, down five flights of stairs into the large Main Hall chamber and is suitable for all student ages. Well-lit stalactites, stalagmites, long helictites, draperies, flowstones, columns and giant keystone bridges lodged high in the walls can be seen. Students also view the clear mysterious lakes one hundred feet below, while learning about the rich history and geology of this spectacular landmark cavern as well as the surrounding countryside. The trail continues on further into the cavern, crossing a bridge above an 80-foot drop to the lake below. It continues to wind around the cavern walls, and ends in the Landmark Room which contains the most spectacular arrays of helictite crystals in the known cave system. In addition to these beautiful features, other natural wonders can be seen, like the crystalline flowstone which emerges in a wave from a hole in the ceiling. The tour includes information on the cavern development method and what to anticipate as further phases of the trail are opened for viewing. Little bending is required but persons who have a fear of heights may be bothered. For another great field trip in the area that could be booked for the same day, we recommend Sutter Gold Mine which is about 30 minutes from Black Chasm Cavern. On the Family Tour, students go inside a real hard rock gold mine and learn about gold mining from ancient times to the present day. Combining the two in one day gives a great contrasting experience of manmade versus nature made underground environments. For more information, ask about Sutter Gold Mine when you call, or navigate to Sutter Gold Mine's pages on this web site. SCHEDULING: Allow 50 - 60 minutes per group of 25 students.	QUICK SCHEDULING FACTS STATION 1: WALK TOUR Allow 50 - 60 minutes per group of 25 students. STATION 2: GEM MINING Allow 20 minutes per group of 25 students. STATION 3: VISITOR CENTER Allow 30 minutes for unlimited number of students. STATION 4: GEODE CRACKING Allow 5 minutes per person. Don't forget lunch! We have outside picnic tables under shady trees where you are welcome to eat your lunch, making for another station through which your students can rotate. All stations are optional. More stations allow more time for hands on activities by larger numbers of students as they rotate through each activity. Please call us. We will be happy to assist you in determining the very best configuration of activities for your school group. Locally our number is 209-736-2708, or out of area, toll free 866-762-2837.
STATION 2: Gem Mining/Jr. Prospector At the nearly 200-foot long flume system, students start with their own bag of mining "rough" that is guaranteed to contain lots of gemstones and minerals if you purchase the gem mining back, or gold plated and copper nuggets if you purchase the Junior Prospector bag. Pouring it into a screen bottomed box, flowing water sifts out the dirt leaving the goodies behind. A display with samples of the 20 possible gemstones that can be found in the gem mining bags is available for students to compare and identify their finds. Each student gets a free postcard showing the same display. Gold prospector bags can be screened out or panned using a gold pan. SCHEDULING: Allow 20 minutes per group of 25 students.
STATION 3: Visitor Center Our beautiful 3000 square foot visitor center contains displays on our geology and connection to the Matrix movies as well as a huge variety of science and nature merchandise. With books, science kits, rocks, fossils, dragons, jewelry and souvenir items, there is plenty here to delight every student and teacher! You may even find yourself coming back for holiday shopping! SCHEDULING: Allow 30 minutes per group of 25 students.
STATION 4: Geode Cracking Geodes are naturally occurring, volcanically generated hollow rocks containing crystals. Students pick out their own small geode to crack using our special machine operated by a trained guide. The student gets to pull the lever for the final crack - when they hear a loud "pop." The inside crystals are a mystery until the two halves are carefully separated - and then eureka! The unique and glittering interior can now be seen. This makes a great, inexpensive, and hands-on, souvenir for a field trip. This activity is time consuming, so it is recommended only for small school groups. SCHEDULING: Allow 5 minutes per person.