Earth Science

Confusing Stalactites and Stalagmites

Students mix up stalactites and stalagmites and label the cave ceiling and floor formations backward.

Quick check

Why students make it

The names look and sound almost the same, so students try to remember them by guessing. They may focus on the shape instead of where the formation starts growing.

The rule done right

Stalactites hang down from the ceiling. Stalagmites grow up from the ground.

Related resources

caveslandformsweathering