By Adam Zaremski
So, what is the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite?
One way to view and understand the distinction first hand is to take the GEG 120 cavern studies class taught by professors Stephen Vermette and Karen When every fall semester.
The class is a hands-on experience, taking students for a four day camping trip to five separate caves in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Along the way, students are given the chance to burrow deep inside dark passages with only a hardhat and flashlight, learn how caves are formed and meet other Buffalo State College students.
Once it’s understood that stalactites form from the ceiling and stalagmites build up on the ground, the topics move on to learning about cave formations, water tables and rock structure.
For the last seven years the geography department has offered students from any major the chance to participate in this one-hour credit class during the later part of every September. There is an extra cost of $125 used to cover cave entrance fees and gas for vans that whisk students away toward the underground.
The class was formed with the idea that students would learn more by viewing the actual caves rather than looking at pictures inside a classroom.
“The purpose was to provide majors with experience about karst in caves while providing non-majors with an interest in physical geography,” Vermette said. “Trying to teach caves in a classroom just wasn’t doing it.”
For the duration of the trip, students are expected to keep a field book containing observations, drawings and temperature readings taken in each cave. They must also provide a scaled drawing of a cave section.
After each cave exploration, a short lecture takes place somewhere outside on the grass to discuss what was seen and what should have been noted. Students preferred this over the typical classroom setting.
“I loved it. I think regular classes should be held outdoors,” said Nicole Kaltenborn, an elementary and exceptional education major.
Joel Bernosky, an earth science major, said this was the best class environment – sitting on a grassy hill or down in a sinkhole to really appreciate the subject matter.
“I learned so much, getting to know and see caves firsthand,” Bernosky said. “I just wish there had been more chances to explore some wild caves.”
Wild caves are more adventurous, having had little or no man-made enhancements. Show caves like Mammoth Caves in Kentucky and Luray Caverns in Virginia have been modified with walkways, lights and handrails. Luray was one of the caves visited during the trip.
Vermette has tried to find a good balance between wild caves for true exploration and show caves that offer a more relaxed pace. He said not everyone feels comfortable climbing and squeezing around rocks, and hopes the schedule will bring in a variety of students.
“I really like the mix (of majors). People share different perspectives and seem to work together with a lack of superiority. I always want to see a mix,” Vermette said.
After seven years, Vermette doesn’t feel bored doing the same thing.
“I feel like I’m coming home when I go to these caves. And I love interacting with students outside of class, getting to know them better than if they were just in a classroom. Plus, for three and a half days, you’re away. I don’t even bring a cell phone,” he said.
The geography department offers other class trips throughout the year. The next one will be to Cambodia sometime in June. An informational meeting will be held at 12: 15 p.m., Oct. 18 in Room A209 of the Classroom Building.
Adam Zaremski can be reached at
sligum13@netscape.net
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