Webelos Earth Rocks! Requirements
Printable Requirements and Checkoff Sheet
More about Earth Rocks! and Related Resources
Other Webelos and AOL Adventures
The Earth Rocks! Webelos elective adventure focuses on teaching young boys and girls about the geological wonders of our planet and helps them develop an appreciation for the natural world.
During this adventure, Scouts learn about about geology, identifying different types of rocks and minerals, creating a mineral test kit, and identifying geological features in the area. Scouts are first asked to explain the meaning and importance of geology in the world.
The Earth Rocks! adventure is an important program for young Scouts because it teaches them about the natural world and helps them develop an appreciation for the Earth’s geological wonders. It also encourages them to get outside and explore the natural environment in their local community. By completing the requirements of this adventure, Scouts will gain a deeper understanding of the planet we live on and the natural processes that shape it.
Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure Requirements
Complete the following requirements
- Do the following:
- Explain the meaning of the word “geology.”
- Explain why this kind of science is an important part of your world.
- Look for different kinds of rocks or minerals while on a rock hunt with your family or your den.
- Do the following:
- Identify the rocks you see on your rock hunt. Use the information in your handbook to determine which types of rocks you have collected.
- With a magnifying glass, take a closer look at your collection. Determine any differences between your specimens.
- Share what you see with your family or den.
- Do the following:
- With your family or den, make a mineral test kit, and test minerals according to the Mohs scale of mineral hardness
- Record the results in your handbook
- Identify on a map of your state some geological features in your area.
- Do the following:
- Identify some of the geological building materials used in building your home
- Identify some of the geological materials used around your community
Printable Requirements for the Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure
Resources and Answers for the Webelos Earth Rocks! Adventure
Identifying Geological Features
Geological Materials in the Home
What Is Geology? (Earth Rocks! Requirement 1)
Geology is the study of the Earth and the things that make it up, like rocks, minerals, and soil. It’s like being a detective who looks for clues in rocks to figure out what happened a long time ago. Geologists can learn a lot about the history of the Earth by studying rocks and minerals. For example, they can figure out how old a rock is, how it was formed, and what kind of environment it was in. Geology is an important part of our world because it helps us understand how the Earth works and how we can protect it.
Use this information for Earth Rocks! requirement 1.
Going on a Rock Hunt (Earth Rocks! Requirements 2 and 3)
Going on a rock hunt can be a fun and exciting adventure! Here are some tips to make your rock hunt a success:
- Look in the right places: Rocks can be found in many places, but some of the best places to look are in parks, nature reserves, and along riverbeds. Look for areas where there are exposed rocks, like on a hiking trail or in a dry creek bed.
- Be safe: When you are looking for rocks, make sure you stay safe. Watch your step and avoid slippery or unstable areas. Also, be careful not to touch any plants or animals that you don’t recognize.
- Bring the right tools: You don’t need a lot of tools to go on a rock hunt, but it’s helpful to bring a magnifying glass, a rock hammer, and a small bag to carry your rocks in. Remember to always ask an adult for help when using tools.
- Identify your rocks: Once you find some rocks, use your handbook to help you identify what kind of rock you have. Look at the color, texture, and shape of the rock to help you figure out what it is.
- Have fun: Remember that going on a rock hunt is all about having fun and exploring the natural world. Take your time and enjoy the adventure!
Keep these tips in mind for Earth Rocks! requirements 2 and 3.
What Is the Mohs Scale? (Earth Rocks Requirement 4)
The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a way to measure how hard a mineral is. It’s like a ruler for minerals! The scale goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest mineral (talc) and 10 being the hardest mineral (diamond).
To make a mineral test kit for the Mohs scale, you will need a few simple materials. First, you will need some minerals to test. You can use rocks from your rock hunt or buy a mineral kit from a store. Next, you will need a few items to test the minerals. To test the hardness of a mineral using the Mohs scale, you need to scratch the mineral’s surface with a mineral or object of a known hardness. You can use items like a nail, a penny, a glass plate, and a steel file.Here’s how to test for each level:
- Talc: Use your fingernail to scratch the mineral. At this level, your fingernail easily leaves a mark.
- Gypsum: Use your fingernail to scratch the mineral. Your fingernail barely leaves a mark.
- Calcite: Use a copper penny to scratch the mineral. If it barely leaves a mark, the mineral is softer than calcite.
- Fluorite: Use a knife or a file to scratch the mineral. You easily make a mark with one of these items.
- Apatite: Use a knife or a file to scratch the mineral. You barely make a mark at this level.
- Orthoclase feldspar: Use a piece of glass to scratch the mineral. If the knife or file doesn’t leave a mark, but the glass does then you are at this level.
- Quartz: Use a piece of quartz to scratch the mineral. If it leaves a mark, the mineral is softer than quartz.
- Topaz: Use a piece of topaz to scratch the mineral. If it leaves a mark, the mineral is softer than topaz.
- Corundum: Scratch a piece of topaz with the mineral. If it leaves a mark on the topaz, the mineral is at this level.
- Diamond: Use a diamond to scratch the mineral. If it leaves a mark, the mineral is softer than diamond.
Understanding the Mohs scale can help geologists and other scientists identify minerals and understand their properties.
Use this information for Earth Rocks! requirement 4.
Identifying Geological Features in the Area (Earth Rocks! Requirement 5)
Identifying geological features in your area on a map can be an exciting and educational experience. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Use a geological map of your state: Check if your state has a geological map available online or at a library. This map will help you locate different geological features in your area, such as rock formations, mountains, and rivers.
- Look for landmarks: Scan the map for major landmarks, such as mountains, hills, and valleys. These features often indicate geological formations.
- Consider bodies of water: Look for lakes, rivers, and streams. These features can be influenced by the geology of the surrounding area, and can provide clues about the types of rocks and minerals that are present.
- Visit a local geological museum: If possible, consider visiting a local geological museum to learn more about the geology of your area. The museum may have maps and exhibits that can help you identify geological features in your region.
Use these tips for Earth Rocks! requirement 5.
Geological Materials in the Home (Earth Rocks! Requirement 6)
Many of the materials used to build homes are made from minerals that are found in the Earth. Here are some examples of geological building materials:
- Bricks: Bricks are made from clay, which is a sedimentary rock that is formed from the accumulation of tiny particles like mud and silt. The clay is formed into a brick shape and then fired in a kiln to harden it.
- Concrete: Concrete is made from a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water. Cement is made from limestone, which is a sedimentary rock that is formed from the accumulation of shells and other debris.
- Granite: Granite is a type of igneous rock that is often used for countertops and other decorative features in homes. It is formed from magma that cools slowly over time, allowing crystals to form.
- Marble: Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed when limestone is subjected to heat and pressure. It is often used for flooring, countertops, and other decorative features in homes.
- Slate: Slate is a metamorphic rock that is formed from shale, which is a type of sedimentary rock. It is often used for roofing and flooring because it is durable and can be split into thin sheets.
- Electric wiring: Copper is one of the most common materials used in electric wiring. Copper is a natural element that is found in the Earth’s crust.
- Gutters and roofing: Aluminum and sheet metal are often used for gutters and roofing. Aluminum is a natural element that is found in the Earth’s crust. Sheet metal can be made from a variety of metals, including steel, aluminum, and copper.
- Pipes: Galvanized steel is often used for pipes. Steel is made from iron, which is a natural element that is found in the Earth’s crust. Galvanization is a process that involves coating the steel with a layer of zinc to protect it from rust and corrosion.
These ideas should help you get started with Earth Rocks! requirement 6A.
Geological Materials in the Community (Earth Rocks! Requirement 6)
If you want to find some interesting rocks in your community, here are a few places to look:
- Sandstone: Many older homes in certain eastern cities were constructed using bricks and then clad with brown sandstone blocks. Sandstone typically has a grainy texture and can appear as either a light or dark brown color.
- Basalt: This dark, fine-grained volcanic rock is often used for landscaping and as a decorative feature. It is common in areas with volcanic activity, such as Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest.
- Slate: Slate is a metamorphic rock that forms from clay under intense heat and pressure. If you’re searching for slate, you may come across old sidewalks made of gray slate or smooth black slate chalkboards in schools. Slate is also commonly used for home roofs and can come in a variety of colors, including black, gray, green, or blue.
- Marble: Marble can be found in the lobbies of office buildings and banks, characterized by a streaky, swirling pattern of mixed colors and a smooth, shiny surface. This elegant rock comes in various colors including black, gray, green, pink, and white. You can also spot marble in museums and parks, as it is frequently used to create sculptures, statues, and monuments.
- Granite: You can often find this durable igneous rock in city buildings, where it’s frequently used for construction. Keep an eye out for it on the exteriors of buildings – it can come in various shades of gray, pink, or a darker rose hue, with a distinct speckled pattern. The darkest flecks you see are likely mica crystals, while the transparent, glass-like areas are probably quartz crystals. Whether it’s been polished smooth or left rough, you can spot granite in many different buildings.
- Limestone: This sedimentary rock is often used for building facades, walls, and flooring. It can be gray, tan, or yellow, and often has visible fossils embedded in it.
These will help you find some examples for Earth Rocks! requirement 6B.
Soil Sample Cupcakes Recipe
Looking for a fun way to tie in a snack with the Earth Rocks! adventure? Look no further than these Soil Sample Cupcakes! Webelos will love making these colorful cupcakes and taking soil samples with their straws, while also learning about core samples used by scientists in research. These cupcakes are not only delicious, but also a great way to tie in some fun and educational activities with your Scouting adventures.
Related Achievements
The Earth Rocks! adventure can be used to fulfill the requirements for these awards:
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