4-H Geology Project

The 4-H Geology Project gives youth an up-close look at earth’s geological formations, from the layers under their feet to the mountains over their heads.  From plate tectonics to seismic waves, youth will gain an understanding of the inner workings of the planet while creating a rock collection for their enjoyment, display, and to educate others.

Objectives

Youth will:

• Learn to identify different kinds of rocks and their formations
• Understand the rock cycle and the different layers of earth’s geology where they are found
• Collect rocks and identify their types, including fossils and minerals
• Identify the focus of their rock collecting hobby and present their collection to others

4-H Geology Curriculum

Available through the Extension office or online.

4-H Geology: Introduction to the Study of the Earth

Geology is the science that studies the earth. It includes the study of materials that make up the earth, the processes that change it, and the history of how it evolved — including life on earth. The study of geology is filled with the mystery and adventure of what happened to former lands and seas, and to plants and animals that lived on or in them millions of years ago. In this project youth will look at the story of the earth to gain a better understanding of the earth and the sources of the minerals youth use each day.

The Geology project is divided into four levels, which are ALL contained in this manual: Pebble Pups 1, Pebble Pups 2, Rockhound 1, and Rockhound 2.

4-H Geology, Level 1

4-H Geology Level 1 (Grades 3-5) helps youth learn about rocks, fossils, and minerals. Topics include the kinds of rocks, the rock cycle, and rock collections and identification. Students will keep records of their rock collecting, develop an understanding of earth science, and present results of their work to others. This manual was created with help from the Indiana Geological Survey, Indiana University. Each manual comes with a removable, full-color bookmark that shows 15 common rocks often found by first-time collectors.

4-H Geology Level 2

Geology Level 2 (Grades 6-8) helps youth learn about rocks, fossils, and minerals. Topics include the properties of rocks and minerals, geologic time, fossils, glaciers, and Indiana geology. Students will keep records of their rock collecting, develop an understanding of earth science, and present results of their work to others. This manual was created with help from the Indiana Geological Survey, Indiana University.

4-H Geology, Level 3

4-H Geology 3 builds on experiences youth had in Geology 1 and 2. Youth will continue to go on field trips and to collect and study specimens of rocks, fossils, and minerals. They will begin to specialize in one area as they continue collecting. They also teach others through action demonstrations.

4-H Geology Helper’s Guide Digital Download

Studying and learning about geology is fun for everyone. Since geologic features exist everywhere, you can study geology wherever you live. The 4-H Geology curriculum was written for youth who enjoy studying rocks, fossils, and minerals, especially for those who want to learn more. The first manual, Level 1, introduced you to rocks, fossils, and minerals. Level 2 continues this study in more detail. Level 3 introduces more advanced topics. The 4-H Geology project offers many educational experiences, from collecting and identifying rocks to learning how the earth was formed. Caring adults can be a big help if they are involved with children’s learning, especially for younger 4-H members. This Helper’s Guide provides guidance and more information about successful facilitation of the 4-H Geology Curriculum Series.

Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides

For youth members

Coming soon!

For adult helpers and club leaders

Coming soon!