Geology Merit Badge Requirements

(Old requirements: New worksheet coming soon)

1. Explain what geology means.

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Earth Materials

2. 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.

Click here for a classification sheet you may use.

3. Define rock. Discuss and define three classes of rocks. List the characteristics of each class, how they are formed, and how they are named.

Definition: _______________________________________________

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1) _____________________________________________________

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2) _____________________________________________________

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3) _____________________________________________________

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4. 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.

Definition: _______________________________________________

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Rocks vs. minerals: ________________________________________

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Mineral 1) ________________________________________________

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Mineral 2) _______________________________________________

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Mineral 3) _______________________________________________

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Mineral 4) _______________________________________________

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Mineral 5) _______________________________________________

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Identification: _____________________________________________

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Earth Processes

5. Secure a topographic map of your community 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.

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6. Draw a diagram of the hydrologic cycle and discuss it and its effects with your counselor.

Attach a separate paper with your drawing of the hydrologic cycle or draw on the back of this page.

7. Do ONE of the following:

a. Tell about the occurrence of volcanoes on land and in the ocean. Describe the difference between intrusive igneous rocks and extrusive igneous rocks.

b. Describe the major steps in the geologic history of a mountain range. Describe an anticline, syncline, fault, strike, dip, and an unconformity. Discuss the relationship between mountain building and erosion in forming the present landscape.

c. Describe the major features of an ocean floor between the shoreline on either side.

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Earth History

8. Make a chart showing the geological eras and periods and show in what geologic time the rocks in your region were formed.

Attach a separate paper with time chart or draw on the back of this page.

9. Do ONE of the following:

a. Tell what fossils are and how they aid in understanding the story of the earth’s history.

b. Make a collection of 10 different fossils and identify them to the best of your ability.

c. Discuss with your counselor the theory of continental drift.

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Geology and People

10. 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 related to geologic features or processes.

Problem 1: _______________________________________________

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Problem 2: _______________________________________________

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11. Do ONE of the following:

a. 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.

b. 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.

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Careers in Geology

12. Do ONE of the following:

a. Read a pamphlet about careers in geology. Tell what you learned.

b. Visit with a geologist other than your counselor. Tell what he or she does. Find out how he or she prepared for the job.

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13. Discuss with your counselor what you have learned about careers in geology and how to prepare for them.

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