Rangers: Geology
REQUIREMENT 1 - Discover Geology
Check Out The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Website & Others
The United States Geological Survey (www.usgs.gov) is a bureau of the Department of the
Interior and it is one place to find lots of information regarding geology and geologists
(including teaching resources such as maps and lesson ideas). Through a variety of media, the
USGS provides scientific information intended to help educate the public about natural
resources, natural hazards, and other issues that affect our quality of life. Some of the material
may be downloaded for free, while other materials may be ordered for a small fee.
Besides the USGS, some states also maintain websites for their state geological survey office.
You may need to look for their internet addresses on a search engine like Google, but state
geological offices (as well as local geological societies) are a great place to find local maps and
information.
Finally, www.geology.com is also another excellent resource for photos and information related
to geology (and the work of geologists). They have links to state and local geological offices, as
well as articles about different aspects of geology. For example, you can find information about
the 1913 eruption of Novarupta in Alaska (the most powerful volcanic eruption of the 20th
century). They also have information about rock tumblers and rock polishing and other
interesting activities.
The Tools Of A Geologist
In addition to learning what geology is, the boys could also be taught the basic tools that a
geologist uses in his work. They include:
• Geologist’s hammer - used for pulling rocks out of the hillside and breaking them open.
• Safety glasses - for eye protection
• Notebook and pencil - for recording the location of rock samples (including the location
and time that the sample was found)
• Pocket magnifier - for seeing close up
• Small day pack - for carrying tools and specimens
• Heavy gloves - for rough work
• Cold chisel - for chipping stone with a hammer and for digging
• Newspapers - for wrapping rock specimens
Make a game out of learning these geology tools. Have each boy write the name of one of these
items on a chalkboard, until all eight are listed on the board. Then erase the board and see how
many they either name or list on a paper from memory. Or have each boy draw one of these
items on a chalkboard, until all eight are pictured on the board. The erase the board and see
how many they can draw from memory on a sheet of paper.
Teaching Idea - Create A Simple Model Of The Earth’s Layers
The Earth is comprised of many layers - this activity will help your boys to create a simplified
model of the different layers.
For this activity, you will need the following:
5 Sheets of colored construction paper per child - Red, yellow, brown, green and blue
Scissors, Ruler & Compass
Marking Pens or Pencils
Roundhead fasteners
The Crust
The outermost layer of the Earth is called the crust, and it is primarily made up of rocks. At its
deepest, it is about 40 miles deep. The continents (the land that we live on) represent the thickest
parts of the crust, while the ocean floor is the thinnest part. There are three types of rocks found
in the crust - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic; igneous rocks are the most common. The
land masses of the continental crust sit upon giant “plates” which move over millions of years.
The movement of these plates helped to create the mountains and valleys that we see today.
Earthquakes and tremors are caused when giant masses of rock shift suddenly, causing the
ground above to shake. Breaks in the earth’s crust allow magma (molten rock) to rise up to the
surface creating volcanoes.
The Mantle
The mantle is a thick layer of rock which lies between the crust and the earth’s core. It starts at
about 40 miles deep, is about 1,800 miles thick and represents about 2/3 of the earth’s mass. The
temperature of the mantle starts at about 900-degrees Fahrenheit where it borders the crust and
increases to as high as 4,000-degrees where it borders the outer core. The great temperatures and
pressures in the mantle cause the solid rock to take on a putty-like quality which allows it to flow
and move. This movement of the mantle in turn causes the plates, which are found where the
mantle and the crust meet, to also move.
The Outer Core
The outer core of the earth is found from 1,800 to 3,200 feet deep. The temperatures of the rock
at this depth range from 7,200 degrees Fahrenheit up to 11,000 degrees. The rock at the outer
core is actually molten (liquid) and is constantly moving around the inner core. The movement
of the outer core helps generate Earth’s magnetic field which protects us from the sun’s highlevel radiation waves. Without this protective shield, it would be impossible for the Earth to
maintain a breathable atmosphere - instead, the air would be burned away by the sun’s rays.
The Inner Core
The inner core of the Earth - the very center of the Earth - is about 780 miles thick and can be
found 3,200 miles below the surface. Unlike the outer core, the inner core is comprised of solid
rock - mostly iron, nickel and a few lighter elements (possibly sulfur, carbon, silicon and
potassium). The temperature of the core is somewhere between 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit and
6,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat generated by the core is spread through the other layers and
it also helps create the movements that affect the plates on which the crust sits. It is not known
for certain whether the inner core also rotates like the outer core, although some recent scientific
surveys suggest that it does.
Step 1
Using the ruler and compass, mark circles (including the center of each circle) on the
construction paper for the following sizes:
Blue - 8½” circle
Green - Two circles (one inside the other) - an 8¼” inner circle and a 9” outer circle
Brown - 7” circle
Orange - 6” circle
Red - 3” circle
Let the boys cut out the blue, brown, orange and red construction paper according to
the markings. When they cut the green construction paper, let them cut out the paper
randomly, but keep their cuts between the inner and the outer circle (so that it
becomes more of a blob shape, than a circle - the idea is that when the blue circle is
overlaid with the green blob, the blue will show in some places but not in others.)
Step 2 Use a roundhead fastener to poke a hole through the center of the blue circle, then
overlay the other pieces in order (green, brown, orange, and red). Secure the fastener
down to hold the pieces together.
Step 3 Have the boys label the layers of their model:
Blue Layer - In the places where the blue layer shows behind the green layer, write
“Ocean.”
Green Layer - The green layer represents the Earth’s crust which is 6-40 miles deep.
Mark the green area above the water line (where the blue shows) “Continental Crust.”
Mark the green area below the water line as the “Oceanic Crust.”
Brown Layer - Mark the brown layer “Mantle,” 40-1,800 miles deep.
Orange Layer - Mark the orange layer “Outer Core,” 1,800-3,200 miles deep.
Red Layer - Inner Core, 3,200-5,475 miles deep.
Teaching Idea - Learn Some Geology Terminology
At the end of this section, you will find a list of geology-related terms. Make copies of the page
and give your group time to study and memorize their meanings. When they have had sufficient
time, perhaps a week or more, hold a contest to see who can remember the most. You might
have a Geology Spelling Bee - with each of the boys having to spell the words in turn or you
could split the boys into teams of 3-4 and do it “Jeopardy Style” with answers posted on the wall
and the boys having to phrase their responses in the form of a question.
GEOLOGY WORD LIST FOR BOYS
Abrasion A form of erosion that occurs when loose fragments or particles of rocks and
minerals collide with each other or scrape the surfaces of stationary rocks.
Aftershock A ground tremor caused by the repositioning of rocks following an earthquake.
Aquifer An underground bed or layer of permeable rock which provides ground water for
wells and springs
Basalt The most abundant volcanic rock found in the Earth’s crust
Caldera A vast depression found at the top of a volcanic cone - created when an eruption
empties the reservoir of magma beneath the cone’s summit and the summit
collapses inward.
Distributary One of a network of small streams which carry water and sediment towards an
ocean.
Erosion A weathering process that occurs when wind, water, ice or gravity loosens and
moves away small particles of rock and soil.
Fjord A deep, steep-walled valley that was formed by glacial erosion and submerged
with seawater.
Floodplain The flat land surrounding a stream or river which may become submerged if the
river overflows its banks.
Fracture A crack or break in a rock or rock formation.
Geyser A natural spring which is marked by the intermittent release of steam and water.
Glacier A moving body of ice that forms on land and moves downward (or outwards) due
to gravity and the pressure of its own weight.
Hornfels A hard, dark-colored metamorphic rock that forms when magma mixes with shale
or basalt rock.
Igneous Rock that is formed by molten (or partially molten) materials which have cooled
and become solid.
Luster The reflection of light on a given mineral's surface, classified by intensity and
quality.
Magmatite Rock that contains metamorphic and igneous materials.
Pyroclastic Rock formations that are created by a volcanic eruption.
Seismology The study of earthquakes and the seismic waves that they create.
Stalactite An icicle-like rock formation which hangs from the ceiling of a cave.
Stalagmite A cone-shaped mineral deposit which forms on the floor of a cave.
Striation Parallel scratches formed in bedrock by a glacier or other geological formation.
Terminus The outer edge of a glacier.
Tsunami A vast, potentially destructive, sea wave generated by an underwater earthquake.
Ventifact A stone that has been flattened and sharpened by wind abrasion.
Volcanism The geological processes which result in the expulsion of gasses, pyroclasts and
lava during a volcanic eruption.
Xenolith A pre-existing rock which is embedded in newer igneous rock.
REQUIREMENT 2 - Rock Hunting
Use empty egg cartons to collect rock specimens. Using a magic marker, draw lines on the
inside lid of the egg carton into 12 boxes that match up with the egg spaces in the bottom of the
container. After collecting the specimens, use labels or markers to identify the specimens in the
boxes.
Teaching Tips
Suggest that the boys keep their rock samples small. They will be easier to carry.
Remember that collecting samples is not allowed in National Parks. Also, remember that some
locations such as mines or quarries may have lots of rocks but can also be very dangerous.
Always be careful when exploring rocks, climbing cliffs or rock formations.
If the boys have difficulty identifying the rocks, arrange for a high school science teacher to
come and help with this.
Alternative A
A geology word search is provided at the end of this section. You can turn it into a race by
seeing which boy can find the most words in a set amount of time. Or you may want to simply
give it out to complete at home.
Teaching Idea - A “Rock Hunter’s” Snack
This is a fun idea that gives the boys a chance to go “rock hunting” without having to get dirty plus you get to eat everything you find! For this activity you will need the following:
2 Boxes of Brownie Mix (more if you have a large group)
9x12 Pan
Assortment of nuts, hard candy sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate chips & peanut butter
chips - anything at all!
A pair of tweezers and a toothpick for each boy
Napkins
Mix the brownies according to the instructions on the box but before pouring into the pan add the
nuts, sprinkles, marshmallows and chips. Bake according to the instructions. It’s okay if the
brownies don’t cook perfectly - all the cracks and breaks in the brownies simulate the real breaks
in the earth’s crust. The idea is to set the pan before the boys and let them go “hunting” using
only their tweezers and toothpicks to find whatever they can! Have each boy place his finds on a
napkin and when the exploring is done, let them eat their rock specimens (and the “dirt” that
goes with it...).
‘Ulu maiki - Traditional Hawaiian Rock Bowling
This is a form of bowling that was played by ancient Hawaiians and it’s very simple. All you
need are two wooden stakes (about 8-10” each) and three rounded stones (about 6” across and as
close to circle shaped, and flat on the sides, as possible). Simply place the stakes in the ground
about 6” apart and then mark off a line about 15 feet away. The idea is to stand on the line and
roll the stones on their edge so that they go between the stakes. Split the boys up into two teams,
and give each player three attempts and score one point for each success.
REQUIREMENT 3 - Rock Garden
Alternative A
Make arrangements for your boys to build a rock garden at the home of a senior citizen or in the
yard of a local nursing home or senior citizen high rise. The seniors will enjoy seeing the kids
hard at work on his service project, and will be able to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
Teaching Tips
If you are near an ocean, remember that sea shells can be a nice addition to your rock garden.
Alternative B
If your group is not large enough to handle this size of a project, have them complete the
“Mountains of the Bible” word scramble puzzle included in the helps.
REQUIREMENT 4 - Volcanoes
Alternative A
A simple volcano can also be built using a can of foam insulation. While wearing disposable
gloves to protect your hands, squirt the insulation onto a cardboard base, shaping the volcano
from bottom to top, narrowing the volcano as you move upward.
Stick a small jar or spray-can lid in the top of the volcano before it dries. Follow the drying time
directions given on the insulation can. The volcano can also be easily spray-painted with brown
spray paint. Again, follow the can’s directions for drying time. Then “erupt” your volcano by
following the same directions as listed on page 277 of your Ranger’s Handbook.
Alternative B
If you do not have the leadership help to assist with the construction of a volcano, or if you are
simply worried about the cleanup after the eruption - use the Geology Crossword Puzzle
included in the helps. An answer key is provided.
REQUIREMENT 5 - Bible References
Give prizes to the boys who find the most Bible references to rocks, stones and gems in the Bible
within a given time period. Supply them with Bible reference books to use in their search.
Mountains of the Bible Word Scramble
Find eleven mountains of the Bible. Each answer is one word and all names are found in this
list: Sinai, Nebo, Lebanon, Hermon, Gilboa, Gilead, Seir, Pisgah, Bashan, Olivet, Moriah,
Tabor, Carmel, Ararat, Zion, Ephraim, Gerizim.
ELM CAR
______________________
TARARA
_________________________
HAS PIG
______________________
NOZI
_________________________
MOR HEN
______________________
VIOLET
_________________________
OH MIRA
______________________
ORBAT
_________________________
BONE
______________________
RISE
_________________________
A NOBLE N
______________________
Alternative A
Teaching Idea - Rocks, Stones & Gems Bible Drill
_________________________
This is an old fashioned Bible drill. Each of the verses below contain one of the following
words: ro0ck, mount (or mountain), stone, precious metal (such as gold) or gemstone (such as
emerald). Give each boy a Bible which they must then hold up in the air with the spine of the
book seated in the palm of their hand (no fingers marking places in the pages). The leader gives
the scripture reference and the boys repeat the scripture reference together. The leader then says
“Go!” and the boys start searching in their Bibles for the correct verse. The first to find it reads
the scripture aloud and scores one point. This can be played for individual scores or as teams.
The verses listed are all from the NIV - other translations may vary. This list is by no means
exhaustive - you may want to add to it depending on the size of your group.
I Kings 18:31
I Corinthians 3:12-13
Exodus 19:14
I Corinthians 13:2
Proverbs 17:3
Job 28:18
II Chronicles 3:6
Psalm 78:15
Psalm 125:2
Amos 4:13
Proverbs 22:1
I Peter 1:18
Luke 21:5
Matthew 27:51
Isaiah 40:4
Acts 3:6
Job 28:5-6
Acts 20:33
1 Peter 2:5
Genesis 7:19
Mark 11:23
Proverbs 8:10
Ezekiel 28:13
Resources
• Webelos Scout Book - Boys Scouts of America - Contains a “Geologist” chapter;
available from any Boy Scout Supply Store.
• All encyclopedias carry information on geology.
• Check your local library, including the children’s section, for boons on geology.
• Stories Rocks Tell: An Introduction To Rocks, Fossils and Soils for Children:
Available from Barnes and Noble (and other booksellers). $5.00 - can be ordered
online.
• Numerous sites available on the internet.
• www.FunagainGames.com has a great selection of affordably-priced games that can
be tied-in to the Geology theme and only take 10-30 minutes to play. Check out these
titles among others: “Fjords,” “Stonez,” “Aftershock,” “Mancala,” or “GemBlo.”
Note To Editors
Insert Geology Crossword Puzzle and answer page from original material here.
DEVOTIONALS
The Earth Is The Lord’s
“The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” - Psalm
24:1
Have you ever looked at a globe of the earth and wondered how we keep from falling off? Early
explorers wondered the same thing and were afraid to sail into uncharted territory, because they
thought the world was flat and they would eventually sail right off the end of the earth!
The earth is definitely an amazing creation! And god the amazing Creator! The very first verse
in the Bible, Genesis 1:1, states it very plainly... “In the beginning God created the heavens and
the earth.”
Encourage the boys to read the rest of Genesis Chapter 1 this week at home, and come back next
week with the following question answered:
Name 5 things that God created, that are mentioned in Genesis Chapter 1 (Answer: light, day,
night, firmament/dry land/earth, water/seas, grass/seed/herbs/fruit trees, seasons, stars, living
creatures/birds/fish, sea creatures, cattle, creeping things/beasts, man - male and female)
David’s Little Rock
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, the God of my strength, in Him I will trust”
- II Samuel 22:2-3
You’ve probably all heard the Old Testament story of David defeating the Philistine giant named
Goliath. When all the grown men ran in fear of this great giant, a young boy named David took
only five smooth stones and his trusty slingshot, and triumphed over the evil Goliath.
God uses even the youngest boy who is faithful to Him, and trusts God with his life. Our text
verses for today were David’s prayer later in life, after God helped his men to destroy several
more Philistine giants (even one that had “6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot”).
These verses remind us that “the Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, the God of my
strength...” If we know Christ as our personal Savior and believe that He is our deliverer and
our strength, then He can use us to do mighty things for Him, just as He used David so many
years ago!
Have the boys each name one talent or ability that they have, or someone they know has, that
God could use.
Oh No, It’s An Earthquake!
“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven,
and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it.”- Matthew 28:2
After Jesus’ death on the cross, we read in Matthew of a great earthquake that moved the huge
stone away from Jesus’ tomb. A tomb in Biblical times was much like a cave. It was a hole in
the rocky mountainside that had been carefully constructed with rock slabs inside, where the
bodies of family members were laid after they passed away. Jesus was laid in a borrowed tomb,
donated to him by a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea, who the Bible tells us had “become a
disciple of Jesus.”
Tombs were impossible for a mere man to break into. The huge stone could not have been rolled
away by humans. So, God sent an earthquake to deliver Jesus from the tomb. When the guards
saw what had happened, and saw Jesus looking “like lightning” with “clothing as white as
snow,” the guards shook for fear of him.
We learned two weeks ago that God is the Creator of everything. He even created earthquakes
that geologists still study about today.
Have the boys try to look up other references to earthquakes in the Bible (e.g. I Kings 19:11,
Zechariah 14:5, Revelations 6:12, Mark 13:8)
Solid Rock or Sinking Sands
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise
man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew
and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But
everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man
who build his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and
beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew 7:24-27
Who is Jesus saying is the wise man in this parable? (Answer: “Whoever hears these sayings of
Mine and does them”)
What was the foundation of the wise man’s house? (Answer: “Rock”)
Who is the foolish man in this parable? (Answer: “Everyone who hears these sayings of Mine
and does not do them.”)
What was the foundation of the foolish man’s house? (Answer: “The sand”)
In this parable, Jesus reminds us how important it is that our lives be firmly grounded in Jesus
Christ, our Solid Rock! When bad times come (and they will!) our house will stand up to all of
the “fain, floods, and wind” that the devil can throw our way, if the foundation of our lives is
Christ!
Close with prayer, giving opportunity for a decision for Christ.
Solid Rock or Sinking Sands
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar
and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The LORD Almighty is with us” - Psalm
46:1-3, 7
Have you ever felt an earthquake or a tremor? There’s something particularly frightening about
feeling the ground beneath your feet begin to shake. Even a small tremor, one that doesn’t cause
any damage can be scary.
Have you ever heard a volcano rumble to life just before it erupts? You’ve probably seen one in
a movie or TV show at some point. With the kinds of special effects they can insert in movies
these days, it certainly looks cool, but I don’t think I would want to be there for the real thing. If
you look at the pictures of the devastating effects of a real volcano eruption, I think most of us
would be pretty scared if we were ever faced with one.
What about other types of natural disasters? Floods, mudslides, avalanches, tsunamis - it’s
simply amazing how many different ways the earth is constantly moving, even though we may
never actually feel that motion. Maybe that’s why it’s so scary when we DO feel the earth
moving - when we feel it shaking and it seems like there’s no safe place to stand.
And maybe that’s why verses like these from the book of Psalms are so re-assuring. In the same
way that you might reach for something to hold on to during an earthquake, isn’t it nice to know
that God is there for you to hold on to when you’re scared? No matter how much the earth
shakes or rumbles or slides or crumbles, God is always there for you. There’s a song in our red
songbook that talks about this idea - why don’t you pull it out and read it together before closing.
Hand out some of the red Songbooks and turn to song number 745 - “Christ the Solid Rock.”
Have the leader read the verses aloud and let the boys read the chorus in between each verse.
Close with prayer.
Kevin Pontsler
Kaneohe Corps, HI
Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division
USA Western Territory
*Items in italics are from the original badge material.
Geology Word Search
The names of 45 metals, minerals and precious gemstones are hidden within this Word Search
puzzle. How many can you find? The Word List can be found on the next page.
E I A I QWC L DV X CQD EE I D S A E T
D T E GC RMA ES K T UNNT E L KQO F
AN I T A A OPRAN A AOO I S A RU S Z
FM E N I T A HSND F RMT L I R E A I I
B L B NO N E MGA E O T A S L O E P M P N
T U U E I Z A Y BUR L Z I NEUM S A A C
E E F RR L A Z I P YM I DUBQ E A R L H
VN N E F A AMN I Z J D A SUR S J I E T
DS I RH E SMAA AQR Y NRU C A NM I
I A M R A D QGRD T MON YX T V C E L Z
NQ V V T GG J EU L N E N I CK E L U A S
DN Q J B I P NXDOAOR PE FWZ P U U
I C E A V A C J QYH T L RCFM A OP S I
GA U TMU N I T A L P F U I U L T OR T R
OT M F I R E P POC BMEML R A P H I I
L I U E D HMOONS T ON E I G Y A O T D
I N R X T S CNOCR I Z T T J NM L D A I
T G O L D H I A B E R Y L L I UM U L O N U
E T P MO D Y L L J MV X S Z Y Z K M L I M
G L WY F WY S VA Z QE K QR I K K I T K
HG C Z Z C C S T EMS A P PH I R E T E W
E T I L O S Y RHCRQ ZM L K F O I EWC
Word List
Agate
Aluminum
Amazonite
Amber
Amethyst
Aquamarine
Beryllium
Carnelian
Chrysolite
Citrine
Copper
Diamond
Emerald
Garnet
Gold
Indigolite
Iridium
Iron
Jade
Jasper
Lapis Lazuli
Lead
Malachite
Mercury
Moonstone
Nickel
Onyx
Opal
Platinum
Quartz
Rhodolite
Rubellite
Ruby
Sapphire
Silver
Sunstone
Tanzanite
Tin
Titanite
Topaz
Tourmaline
Turquoise
Zircon
Zinc