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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Geology
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Geology investigates Earth's structure, rock cycles, dynamic plate tectonics, valuable energy and mineral resources, and the deep history of prehistoric life. You will explore rock formations, mineral extraction, geologic maps, choose one of four deep-dive focus areas (Surface and Sedimentary Processes, Energy Resources, Mineral Resources, or Earth History and Paleontology), practice Leave No Trace ethical specimen collection, and research geoscience careers.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Mineral Identification & Hardness Tests
- Rock Cycle: Igneous, Sedimentary & Metamorphic
- Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes & Volcanoes
- Geologic Maps, Energy Resources & Fossils
7Printable Pages
6Requirements
2026Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Geology Requirements
Every requirement for the Geology merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Geology Definition and Uniformitarianism
Define geology. Discuss how geologists learn about rock formations. In geology, explain why the study of the present is important to understanding the past.
2Extracted Commercial Mineral Resources
Pick three resources that can be extracted or mined from Earth for commercial use. Discuss with your counselor how each product is discovered and processed.
3Geologic Map Analysis
Review a geologic map of your area or an area approved by your counselor, and discuss the different rock types and estimated ages of rocks represented. Determine whether the rocks are sedimentary, metamorphic, or igneous. Explain if the geologic map shows horizontal, folded, faulted, or intrusive rocks, and explain how you arrived at your conclusion.
4Specialized Geology Options
Do ONE of the following options:
- Option A Surface and Sedimentary Processes. Do ALL of the following:
- Option B Energy Resources. Do ALL of the following:
- Option C Mineral Resources. Do ALL of the following:
- Option D Earth History. Do ALL of the following:
5Outdoor Ethics and Specimen Collecting
Do the following:
- a Discuss with your counselor the importance of the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code as they relate to the study of geology.
- b Explain how you practiced the Leave No Trace Seven Principles and the Outdoor Code while traveling in natural areas and while collecting rock and fossil specimens for this merit badge.
6Careers and Hobbies
Do ONE of the following:
- a Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian's permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
- b Explore how you could use knowledge and skills from this merit badge to pursue a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research any training needed, expenses, and organizations that promote or support it. Discuss with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Geology requirements in 2026. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/geology/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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