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Geology

Level: Level 1: Grade 3-5 Manual 4-H 985. One State Fair entry per county

Exhibit

Display a poster (or use an exhibit box) based on one of the following activities:

The Rock Cycle. (Activity 2). Explain the rock cycle using both words and pictures.

Rock Types (Activities 2-4). Display rocks from the three major types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Examples of each include: Igneous - granite, basalt, gabbro; Sedimentary - limestone, dolomite, shale, chert, gypsum; and Metamorphic - quartzite, schist, marble, slate.

How Rocks Change. (Activity 4). Color and display the picture in your book or draw and color your own on your poster. Briefly describe the earth processes that are shown.

Rock Artwork (Activity 12). Display your rock artwork and the story that you created.

Collections. (Activity 11). Display and identify 8 rocks.

Making Crystal Models. (Activities 14 & 15). Display the crystal forms characteristic of most minerals (cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal, orthorhombic, monoclinic, triclinic) in a display box with their name and mineral with this form. You may color, paint, or use markers on your crystal models.

Molds and Casts. (Activities 16 & 17). Display three molds and/or casts in a display box. Describe the steps that you followed to create a mold or cast.

 

Level: Level 2: Grades 6-8 Manual 4-H 986.

One State entry per county.

Exhibit

Display a poster (or use an exhibit box) based on one of the following activities:

 Rocks with Different Textures. Identify and display six rocks with three very different textures (two rocks of each general type). Include three grades of sandpaper and show how the differences in sandpaper is similar to the differences in rock texture.

Indiana Limestone. Show and label pictures or photographs of ten buildings, sculptures, or monuments made from Indiana limestone.

Mineral properties and tests. Explain the characteristics: crystal form, cleavage, hardness, appearance, and streak. Explain tests used in identifying specimens. Examples you might include are streak, acid, hardness, chemical analysis, and specific gravity.

How We Use Minerals. Show 10 common products that contain minerals. Explain the minerals that are contained in these products and the characteristic that makes them useful.

Geologic Time. Create a display to show the major geologic eras. Indicate the names, specific features, and approximate length of each.

Indiana's Glaciers. Show the extent of Indiana's three main glaciers.

Indiana Geology. Exhibit a map or sketch of Indiana showing at least ten sites with interesting geological formations.

Describe the formation and sketch or show a picture of the formation. Field Trip. Describe a geology field trip that you took. Describe where you went and what you learned. Include photographs (if possible) or sketch what you saw.

Collections. Display and identify one of the following: 8-16 minerals, fossils, or 4-8 of each (half minerals and half fossils).You may exhibit a new collection in subsequent years but not one you have already exhibited

 

Level: Level 3: Grades 9-12. Manual 4-H 987.

One State Fair entry per county.

Exhibit

Display a poster (or use an exhibit box) based on one of the following activities:

 Geology Research. Prepare a display to teach others about the topic you studied. Include an appropriate title, abstract (brief description of your topic), and photographs, drawings, charts, or graphs that help explain your topic. This activity may be repeated if a new topic is chosen in subsequent years.

Lapidary and Jewelry. Show how stones and minerals are turned into polished stones and jewelry. Show and explain the steps involved.

Miniatures. Display five miniatures in a display box and explain the benefits of collecting miniatures and how they are prepared.

Indiana's State Parks or Forests. Create a matching game of Indiana's State Parks or Forests and a brief description. This exhibit option should include geological features of the park or forest.

Indiana, U.S, or World Geology. Teach others about one Indiana, U.S., or World Geology topic. Career Exploration. Prepare a display that explains your interview with someone who needs an understanding of geology to do their job.

 

Level: Independent Study: Grades 9-12

One state fair entry Exhibit

Advanced topic - Learn all you can about a geology topic and present it on a poster. Include a short manuscript, pictures, graphs, and list the works cited to describe what you did and what you learned. Title your poster, "Advanced Geology - Independent Study"

Mentoring - exhibit a poster that shows how you mentored a younger 4-H member. Include your planning, the time you spent, the challenges and advantages of mentoring, and how the experience might be useful in your life. Photographs and other documentation are encouraged. Resources must be from educational or government entities. Title your poster, "Advanced Geology - Mentor."

 

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