Have you ever wondered why one rock is shiny and another one is not? Have you ever found a rock with a design or imprint on it that looks like a leaf or animal? Through Geology, you can discover more about these special rocks!
Show Your Skills
- Exhibit your rock collection at your local 4-H show or at a school science fair or community event
- Create a poster of the rock cycle
- Create a display featuring mineral characteristics
- Develop a poster of types of rocks
- Design an exhibit showcasing the impacts of weather on rock Service and Leadership
- Demonstrate a crystal making process
- Show and explain your rock collection to others
- Educate community members on the importance of mineral conservation
- Organize a club hike to a geological structure
- Help younger members start a rock collection
- Lead a craft with your club members making painted rocks - use them to create a “rock hunt” in your community
Entrepreneurship
- Design, make and sell jewelry made from rocks
- Design and sell decorative items made from rocks or minerals
- Learn to collect and sell unique rocks in your area (know the laws and regulations involved)
Technology Connection
- Rock and mineral identifier apps
- Online markets for buying and selling rocks
- The Field Museum in Chicago is home to a worldrenowned geology exhibit and research program
Connecting with a Mentor
- Visit a rock shop in your area
- Talk with docents or staff at a local museum which features a geology display or at a local or state park with significant geological formations
- Connect with rock clubs in your community
- Connect with the USGS (United States Geological Survey) virtually or via a field office in your region
Events
- 4-H show
- County fair
- Local rock and mineral shows
Project Manuals & Exhibit Requirements
- Introduction to the Study of the Earth
Purchase manuals on the Shop Illinois 4-H Store.
View exhibit requirements and scoresheets on the Illinois State Fair page.
University of Illinois Extension - Hamilton County 4-H member, Cameron Parker
South Dakota State University Extension 4-H project sheet
University of Wyoming 4-H project sheet
4-H Spark Sheets are a collaborative effort of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni and teens from across Illinois. A big thanks to the many contributors and reviewers!