Geology Merit Badge Activity Planner
 Geology is the study of the nonliving things that the Earth is made of. Geology is the study of rocks in the Earth's crust. Some geologists study minerals and the useful substances the rocks contain such as ores and fossil fuels. Geologists also study the history of the Earth. |
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Geology Merit Badge
*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***
Exploring Geology can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.
- Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
- This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
- While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.
A. Make Your Plan
- Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
- Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
- Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.
| Patrol Activity | GREAT | Awesome MB to work as a patrol / Max Size 12 scouts |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Field Trip | POOR | Requires physical presence in forests |
| Family Activity | GREAT | Great Family Vacation |
| Service Activity | GREAT | Forest Conservation Project |
| S.T.E.M. Activity | GREAT | Outdoor STEM Activity |
| Field Trip | GREAT | Four cool field trip activities |
| Duty-to-God | POOR | N/A |
| MB Day | POOR | Four outdoor field trips req'd |
| Overnighter | GREAT | Outdoor STEM Activity |
| Summer Camp | GREAT | Four cool outdoor activities |
Online Resources
- Geology Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
- Geology Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
- Geology Merit Badge Worksheets: Worksheets are optional - but highly preferred by many MBC. When you find that many requirements say "discuss" - the worksheet can help you gather your thoughts beforehand.
- Geology Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Geology is right here. Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
- Geology @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.
- Geology Merit Badge Activity Helps: Lots of resources here from ScouterMom.com
B. Introduction Meeting
Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips. Send out the activity flyer in advance to use as an meeting agenda. Your scouts will then know what to expect.
News Flash
C. Homework / Prerequisites
Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.
D. Study Hall Patrol Night
While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.
Pre-Open Gathering Activity
A gathering activity before the official meeting start is a great way to set a fun theme for the meeting.
MBC Discussion Group
- Req #1: Discussion - What is Geology?
- Req #2: Discussion - Mining
- Req #4: Discussion - Careers in Geology
Discussion Resources:
Geological Map Study Group
- Contact your MBC - he probably has access to quality geological maps for year area:
- Google Images Search - Search Geologic Maps of your area.
Req #3: Review a geologic map of your area or an area selected by your counselor and discuss the different rock types and estimated ages of rocks represented. Determine whether the rocks are horizontal, folded, or faulted, and explain how you arrived at your conclusion.
- Example : Geological Maps of Northern San Diego County - See summary at webpage bottom.
E. Field Trip
Requirement #5 lists 4 options - each includes a unique field trip, discussion group and study exercises led by the MBC:
- Option A: Surface and Sedimentary Processes Option
- Option B: Energy Resources Option
- Option C: Mineral Resources Option
- Option D: Earth History Option
Field Trip Resources:
- Geology Merit Badge Activity Helps: Lots of resources here from ScouterMom.com
F. Extra Credit
While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show Scout Spirit, Do a Good Turn Daily and to have FUN!
- Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
- Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.
Related Merit Badges
Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:
See Also
- 9 Things to Know about Merit Badges - BoysLife.org - There are more than 135 merit badges. By earning them, you can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Here’s how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.
