2nd Grade Science Worksheet — Caves for 7-Year-Olds | Aligns with 'I Can' Statements

Instructions

Hello, explorer! Get ready to discover the amazing world of caves. Read each section carefully and do your best to answer the questions.

Part 1: How Is a Cave Made?

Most caves are formed by water over a very, very long time. It’s a slow and amazing process! Read the paragraph below and fill in the blanks using the words from the word bank.

Word Bank:

• slowly
• water
• rock
• hole

It all starts with rain! Rain 1) _______________ seeps into the ground through tiny cracks. This water can dissolve some types of 2) _______________. Very, very 3) _______________, the water carries away tiny bits of the rock, making a small 4) _______________. After thousands and thousands of years, that little hole can become a giant cave!

Part 2: Cave Decorations

Water dripping inside a cave leaves behind minerals that build up to create cool rock shapes. Here’s an easy way to remember the two main types:

• Stalactites hold TIGHT to the ceiling.
• Stalagmites MIGHT one day reach the ceiling from the ground.

Use the words "stalactite" or "stalagmite" to complete the sentences.

1. An icicle-shaped rock hanging down from the cave ceiling is called a ______________________.

2. A rock cone growing up from the cave floor is called a ______________________.

Part 3: Cave Critters

Caves are special habitats. Animals that live in the deep, dark parts of caves have special adaptations to help them survive without sunlight.

Circle the animals that you might find living deep inside a cave.

Design a Cave Creature!

In the box below, draw an imaginary creature that is perfectly adapted for living in a dark cave. What special features does it have? Maybe it has long antennae to feel its way, big ears to hear well, or no eyes at all!

Answer Key

Part 1: How Is a Cave Made?

1. water
2. rock
3. slowly
4. hole

Part 2: Cave Decorations

1. stalactite
2. stalagmite

Part 3: Cave Critters

You should have circled:

• Bat
• Cave Spider
• Blind Cave Fish

Design a Cave Creature: Answers will vary, but should show features adapted for the dark (e.g., large ears, long whiskers/antennae, no eyes).