Home

Requirements January 1957 until June 1972

1. Do one: (a) Make a collection of different ores, rock-forming minerals, and fossils and label with name and use (or age) of each specimen. (Minimum total twenty specimens.) (b) Make a collection of different sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks and name the important minerals found in each. Tell what use can be made of these rocks? Minimum total, ten (specimens).

2. Do one: (a) Visit a mine; quarry; oil or gas field; a gravel, clay, sand, or shell pit; or other similar operation. Explain the nature of the deposit and how the product is removed, transported, sold, and used. What safety precautions are used in this operation? (b) Visit your local water supply system and describe the source, quality, and amount of water required for your community and its relation to the geology of your area.

3. Find out if there is a topographic map of your home area and how it is obtained. Study the map, explaining the important geological features shown on it. (If a local map is not available, study one of another area that is familiar to you. Air photos may be used instead of a topographic map.)

4. Do one: (a) Prepare a report including maps or sketches on the geological features on or below the surface of the region where you live, your Scout camp, or an area that you know. (b) Describe how the soil of your area was formed and the kinds of rock from which it came. (c) Describe the earth materials used in your home (or a public building) and tell how they were obtained; or list those which you use every day and give their source.

ALTERNATIVE: In place of 4a, 4b, or 4c, the Merit Badge Counselor may choose a project of like merit, that will make use of some of the interesting geological features of the area in which you live.