Geology
- 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 home 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 volcanos 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.