GEOLOGY
These were the REQUIREMENTS before the changes
made with
the release of a new merit badge pamphlet during 2005.
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- Explain what geology means.
EARTH MATERIALS
- Make a collection of at least 10 different earth materials
or geological specimens from your locality or an area of special
interest to you. Label, to the best of your ability, classify,
and explain the origin, and use of the materials collected.*
- Define rock. Discuss and define three classes of rocks.
List the characteristics of each class, how they are formed,
and how they are named.
- Define mineral. Tell how to identify minerals. Tell how
rocks and minerals differ. List five of the most common rock-forming
minerals. Tell how they are identified. Tell how hardness, specific
gravity, color, streak, cleavage, luster, and crystal form are
useful in identifying minerals.
EARTH PROCESSES
- Secure a topographic map of your how locality or an area
of special interest to you. Explain the origin of the landscape,
including any unusual features. Account for any influences of
the landscape on the location of towns, parks, highways, railroads,
airports, industries, or similar structures.
- Draw a diagram of the hydrologic cycle and discuss it and
its effects with your counselor.
- Do ONE of the following:
- Tell about the occurrence of volcanoes on land and in
the ocean. Describe the difference between intrusive igneous
rocks and extrusive igneous rocks.
- Describe the major steps in the geologic history of
a mountain rage. Describe the anticline, syncline, fault,
strike, dip and an unconformity. Discuss the relationship
between mountain building and erosion in forming the present
landscape.
- Describe the major features of an ocean floor between
the shorelines on either side.
EARTH HISTORY
- Make a chart showing the geological eras and periods and
show in what geologic time the rocks in your region were formed.
- Do ONE of the following:
- Tell what fossils are and how they aid in understanding
the story of the earth's history.
- Make a collection of 10 different fossils and identify
them to the best of your ability.
- Discuss with your counselor the theory of continental
drift.
GEOLOGY AND PEOPLE
- Discuss two environmental problems related to geology. Tell
how land-use planning relates to geology. Tell why faulting,
landslides, waste disposal, pollution, water supply, and subsidence
are important in land-use planning. Give an example of poor
use of land in your area or an environmental hazard in your
area related to geologic features or processes.
- Do ONE of the following:
- Describe five energy sources, how they occur, and how
they are used today. Describe the source of the products
supplied by your local utilities. Tell which of these products
are related to geologic processes.
- Visit a mine, oil or gas field, gravel pit, stone quarry,
or similar area of special interest to you. Make a collection
of geologic specimens found at the site visited. Tell about
the geology of the place.
CAREERS IN GEOLOGY
- Do ONE of the following:
- Read a pamphlet about careers in geology. Tell what
you learned.
- Visit with a geologist, other than your counselor. Tell
what he does. Find out how he prepared for the job.
- Discuss with your counselor what you have learned about
careers in geology and how to prepare for them.
*Alternatives:
In place of requirement 2, you may present a collection of 10
different rocks, with specimens of sedimentary, igneous, and
metamorphic rocks properly marked, cataloged and displayed.
Or you may present a collection of 10 different minerals
(or ores) properly marked, cataloged, and displayed. Also identify
each of the 10 minerals and give their sources and possible
uses.
BSA Advancement ID#: 58
Pamphlet Revision Date: 1985
Requirements last updated in 1985
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Page updated on:
May 08, 2022
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