Oceanography - In-Person Class Notes
Please arrive with ample time prior to the start time of your class for registration. Remember, there will be others checking in as well that registration may take a little time, depending on the size of the class and the event held in conjunction with the class.
Your Scout uniform is required to be worn when attending this merit badge session. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Brian Reiners (Scoutmater Bucky) via email at scoutmasterbucky@yahoo.com or on the phone at 612-483-0665.
Reviewing the merit badge pamphlet PRIOR to attending and doing preparation work will ensure that Scouts get the most out of these class opportunities. The merit badge pamphlet is a wealth of information that can make earning a merit badge a lot easier. It contains many of the answers and solutions needed or can at least provide direction as to where one can find the answers.
It is NOT acceptable to come unprepared to a Scoutmaster Bucky event. You can (and should) use the Scoutmaster Bucky Oceanography Merit Badge Workbook to help get a head start and organize your preparation work. Please note that the use of any workbook is merely for note taking and reference. Completion of any merit badge workbook does not warrant, guarantee, or confirm a Scout's completion of any merit badge requirements.
It should be noted that this merit badge class is not meant for those who just want to come and see what they can get done. It is possible to complete this merit badge by being properly prepared and having done the preparation work prior to the class. Preparation is a MUST! If you are not willing to participate to these expectations and standards, perhaps the Scoutmaster Bucky opportunity is not for you.
Things to remember to bring for this merit badge class:
- Merit badge blue card properly filled out and signed off by your Scoutmaster
- Oceanography Merit Badge Pamphlet
- Scout uniform
- Supporting documentation or project work pertinent to the Oceanography merit badge, which may also include a merit badge workbook for reference with notes
- A positive Scouting focus and attitude
Please read and understand the Scoutmaster Bucky Blue Card Process.
Oceanography - Online Class Notes
Please arrive with ample time prior to the start time of your class to ensure your connection to the online session is working properly. Ask people in your household to refrain from unnecessary internet usage, including but not limited to: streaming videos, online gaming, and other heavy bandwidth usage.
You will receive a link 12 to 24 hours before the class start time. Notification will come through the email address provided during the registration process, so please make sure you enter your email correctly.
Your Scout Uniform is required to be worn when attending this Online Merit Badge session. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Brian Reiners; Scoutmaster Bucky via email at scoutmasterbucky@yahoo.com or on the phone at 612-483-0665.
Reviewing the Merit Badge Pamphlet PRIOR to attending and doing preparation work will insure that Scouts get the most out of these online class opportunities. The Merit Badge Pamphlet is a wealth of information that can make earning a Merit Badge a lot easier. It contains many of the answers and solutions needed or can at least provide direction as to where one can find the answers.
It is NOT acceptable to come unprepared to a Scoutmaster Bucky event. You can (and should) use the Scoutmaster Bucky American Business Merit Badge Workbook to help get a head start and organize your preparation work. Please note that the use of any workbook is merely for note taking and reference. Completion of any Merit Badge Workbook does not warrant, guarantee, or confirm a Scouts completion of any merit badge requirement(s). You can download the Scoutmaster Bucky Oceanography Merit Badge Workbook for taking notes to help you prepare.
It should be noted that this Merit Badge class is not meant for those who just want to come and see what they can get done. It is possible to complete this Merit Badge by being properly prepared and having done the preparation work prior to the class. Preparation is a MUST! If you are not willing to participate to these expectations and standards, perhaps the Scoutmaster Bucky opportunity is not for you.
Oceanography
Merit Badge
2020 Scouts BSA Requirements
Please make sure you read the top portion of this page for general participation expectations in a Scoutmaster Bucky merit badge class.
Pay careful attention to the action verbs within the requirements. An example to note:
"Tell", "explain", "describe", and "discuss" are commonly used and will require the Scout to perform these actions during the class. When these action verbs are a part of any requirement, Scouts are expected to be prepared to share. Reading responses is not acceptable since it does not fulfill the requirement of showing the Scout's knowledge and understanding.
1.
Name four branches of oceanography. Describe at least five reasons why it is important for people to learn about the oceans.
2.
Define salinity, temperature, and density, and describe how these important properties of seawater are measured by the physical oceanographer. Discuss the circulation and currents of the ocean. Describe the effects of the oceans on weather and climate.
3.
Describe the characteristics of ocean waves. Point out the differences among the storm surge, tsunami, tidal wave, and tidal bore. Explain the difference between sea, swell, and surf. Explain how breakers are formed.
4.
Draw a cross-section of underwater topography. Show what is meant by:
(a)
Continental shelf
(b)
Continental slope
(c)
Abyssal plain
Name and put on your drawing the following: seamount, guyot, rift valley, canyon, trench, and oceanic ridge. Compare the depths in the oceans with the heights of mountains on land.
5.
List the main salts, gases, and nutrients in sea water. Describe some important properties of water. Tell how the animals and plants of the ocean affect the chemical composition of seawater. Explain how differences in evaporation and precipitation affect the salt content of the oceans.
6.
Describe some of the biologically important properties of seawater. Define benthos, nekton, and plankton. Name some of the plants and animals that make up each of these groups. Describe the place and importance of phytoplankton in the oceanic food chain.
7.
Do ONE of the following:
(a)
Make a plankton net. Tow the net by a dock, wade with it, hold it in a current, or tow it from a rowboat. Do this for about 20 minutes. Save the sample. Examine it under a microscope or high-power glass. Identify the three most common types of plankton in the sample.
May be done in lakes or streams.
(b)
Make a series of models (clay or plaster and wood) of a volcanic island. Show the growth of an atoll from a fringing reef through a barrier reef. Describe the Darwinian theory of coral reef formation.
(c)
Measure the water temperature at the surface, midwater, and bottom of a body of water four times daily for five consecutive days. You may measure depth with a rock tied to a line. Make a Secchi disk to measure turbidity (how much suspended sedimentation is in the water). Measure the air temperature. Note the cloud cover and roughness of the water. Show your findings (air and water temperature, turbidity) on a graph. Tell how the water temperature changes with air temperature.
(d)
Make a model showing the inshore sediment movement by littoral currents, tidal movement, and wave action. Include such formations as high and low waterlines, low-tide terrace, berm, and coastal cliffs. Show how offshore bars are built up and torn down.
(e)
Make a wave generator. Show reflection and refraction of waves. Show how groins, jetties, and breakwaters affect these patterns.
(f)
Track and monitor satellite images available on the Internet for a specific location for three weeks. Describe what you have learned to your counselor.
8.
Do ONE of the following:
(a)
Write a 500-word report on a book about oceanography approved by your counselor.
(b)
Visit one of the following:
(1)
Oceanographic research ship
(2)
Oceanographic institute, marine laboratory, or marine aquarium
Write a 500-word report about your visit.
(c)
Explain to your troop in a five-minute prepared speech "Why Oceanography Is Important" or describe "Career Opportunities in Oceanography." (Before making your speech, show your speech outline to your counselor for approval.)
9.
Describe four methods that marine scientists use to investigate the ocean, underlying geology, and organisms living in the water.
