Scoutmaster Bucky Oceanography Merit Badge Workbook

Cubmaster Bob Katt

an area for Cub Scouting

Advisor Kodi

an area for Venturing

S.S. Seagal

an area for Sea Scouting

Nova Lab

fun science awards

Merit Badge Requirements Merit Badge History

Oceanography Merit Badge Workbook

This Scoutmaster Bucky Merit Badge Workbook is based off the current Scouts BSA Requirements.

Type your work on this page or download the Oceanography Workbook PDF.

Consider also using the Oceanography merit badge class preparation page for clarification and expections when participating in a Scoutmaster Bucky merit badge opportunity (online or in-person).

https://scoutmasterbucky.com/merit-badges/oceanography/

Scout's Name:

Requirement 1: Name four branches of oceanography. Describe at least five reasons why it is important for people to learn about the oceans.

Requirement 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.

Salinity

Temperature

Density

How these important properties of seawater are measured

Circulation and currents of the ocean

Effects of the oceans on weather and climate

Requirement 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.

Characteristics of ocean waves

Differences among the storm surge, tsunami, tidal wave, and tidal bore

Differences between sea, swell, and surf

How breakers are formed

Requirement 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.

Requirement 5: List the main salts, gases, and nutrients in seawater. 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.

Main salts, gases, and nutrients in seawater

Important properties of water

How the animals and plants affect the chemical composition

How differences in evaporation and precipitation affect the salt content

Requirement 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.

Some of the biologically important properties of seawater

Define benthos, nekton, and plankton

Name some plants and animals that make up each of these groups

Describe the place and importance of phytoplankton

Requirement 7: Do ONE of the following:

Requirement 7 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.

Made and used a plankton net

Three most common types of plankton in your sample

Requirement 7 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.

Made models of a volcanic island

Growth of an atoll

Darwinian theory of coral reef formation

Requirement 7 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.

Requirement 7 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.

Completed

Requirement 7 e: Make a wave generator. Show reflection and refraction of waves. Show how groins, jetties, and breakwaters affect these patterns.

Completed

Requirement 7 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.

Requirement 8: Do ONE of the following:

Requirement 8 a: Write a 500-word report on a book about oceanography approved by your counselor.

Completed

Requirement 8 b: Visit one of the following:

Oceanographic research ship
Oceanographic institute, marine laboratory, or marine aquarium

Write a 500-word report about your visit.

Visited

Wrote report

Requirement 8 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.)

Completed

Requirement 9: Describe four methods that marine scientists use to investigate the ocean, underlying geology, and organisms living in the water.

* May be done in lakes or streams.