1st Edition 2014 (Revised 07-15-2014) This version of the National Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual replaces all prior versions. For any additional updates or for more information, please check the National Junior Grange website at http://www.nationaljuniorgrange.org/ Questions or comments should be directed to: Lillian J.D. Booth National Junior Grange Development Director 6917 Lunar Ln. Paradise, CA 95969 Email : [email protected] Or to National Grange 1616 H St N.W. Washington DC 20006

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Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

National Junior Grange Development Director Welcome Letter.............................. 4 Senior Merit Badge Program Guidelines .............................................................. 5

Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

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July 2014

Dear Junior Grange Members, Leaders and State Junior Directors: The Merit Badge program is a leadership development tool which uses clearly defined objectives to allow Junior Grange members to explore their world. This process includes development in critical thinking skills, educational opportunities, and presentation skills. All of which are necessary to develop leaders in today’s society. There is one additional element that must be included in any Junior Grange program -- FUN!!! It is fun to learn new things, watch new ideas grow and most of all be involved in the process. I look forward to working with the Junior Grange members and leaders to help each one discover new opportunities. As I am able to travel through the states, one of my goals will be to see more Junior Granges organized or reorganized and that each one of us takes an active part and interest. This Merit Badge Program Guide should serve as a tool for you to develop into the type of leader you want to be. Have fun, grow strong and stay true to your heritage. As your National Junior Grange Director, I am always available to you and will assist you in any way I can. Fraternally,

National Junior Grange Development Director

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Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

MERIT BADGE PROGRAM LEVEL II

The merit badge program was started in 1970 by Sister Agnes Ingwersen, patterned after a program originating in New York State. This program included 16 colorful felt badges. Requirements were designed for each badge. Badges covered a variety of subjects including Grange ritualism, citizenship, membership, talent, nature, conservation, etc. An official ceremony was used for the presentation of the badges to members. Badges were sewn onto a dark red sash. Shortly afterward, a gold bar was introduced, and soon a green bar was added, with requirements to further the work on the subject of a particular badge. Over the years the program has grown and changed to meet the needs of Junior Grangers across the Nation. As we enter the 125th year of the Junior Grange in 2014, the program is getting a major makeover.

The current merit badges will continue, but they will be used by Junior Grange members

between the ages of 5 and 9 years and will be called Level I. (Note, for 2014, members age 10 to 14, will be able to earn badges using the Level I manual, until a sufficient number of badges are available for the age 10 to 14 group). Each merit badge will be a journey of exploration of the world around us, where we will expand our knowledge and understanding of that world, thus making us better citizens. So, what is the difference between the two merit badge programs? •

In the Level II program, each badge will have a defined learning objective. This objective will explain what the Junior Grange member should accomplish while completing the requirements for the merit badge. Each merit badge topic will educate the member in an area that they may not be familiar with. For example, the Animal Sciences merit badge will ask the member to learn about Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Swine and Poultry. After completing the merit badge requirement, the member should be more aware about various segments of Animal Science.

•

Second, the requirements for earning the badges are more rigorous than the current Level I program. It will be a greater challenge to complete. Typically each badge will have five different sections related to the merit badge topic. The members are required to complete any 4 of the 5 sections. Each section will typically have 7 requirements. The member will be required to complete the first three, plus any two additional requirements of their choosing from among the remaining requirements.

So in the end, there will be a total of 24

requirements that must be met to earn the badge. Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

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•

The badges for the Level II Merit Badge Program will be different. Each merit badge will be an embroidered patch representing the topic of the requirements. The badges will reflect the time and effort involved in meeting the requirements and will be worn in a fashion to show pride in their accomplishments.

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Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

HOW TO COMPLETE A MERIT BADGE

As you will see, the requirement for the Level II merit badges are much more detailed and will require more work on your part. When you complete these merit badges, you will have learned about the subject of the merit badge, and gained a better understanding for the topic of the merit badge. Each merit badge will be organized in the following manner: •

Title of the merit badge

•

An example of the merit badge patch

•

The Badge Series (i.e. Agriculture), Badge number and date introduced

•

A row for your name, and the date you completed the requirements.

•

A row for you Junior Grange Leader to sign off that you completed the requirement, and date completed.

•

A short introduction about the badge and why the subject of the merit badge is important.

•

What are the requirements to complete this badge?

•

The required sections for completion with each with the learning objectives.

MERIT BADGE REQUIREMENTS Typically you will need to complete any four of the five sections. Occasionally you will need to complete the first section, and then any three of the remaining sections. Make sure that you read and follow the requirements. Look for the keywords in each of the Objectives, as they will tell you how to complete the objective. They are: •

List – When asked to List, you will need to provide a list, the number of items in the list will be part of the objectives. o

•

For example: List five different insects.

Explain – When asked to Explain, you will need to write a short paragraph consisting of three (3) or more sentences that will provide the reader an understanding of what you are explaining. o

For example: Explain why bears hibernate.

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•

Define – When asked to Define you will need to provide a sentence or two that tell what is being defined. o

•

For example: Define what an Endangered Species is?

Demonstrate – When asked to Demonstrate, you will need to draw a picture, diagram, or give a short presentation to show your understanding of the learning objective. o

For example: Demonstrate/Draw a picture of the bones in a human hand. (Don’t forget to label them!)

WHERE TO FIND YOUR INFORMATION Library: Use your school or local public library to find a book on the subject of your merit badge. Internet: If you have access to the internet, it is an excellent source for finding more information on the subject of your merit badge. Remember to always ask permission of your parent or guardians before beginning your internet search. Personal Contacts:

Sometimes it may be necessary to conduct an interview of a person.

Remember to always have you’re a parent or guardian with you when you conduct the interview. An example of a personal contact would be to interview a fireman to find out how they became a fireman.

TIME MANAGEMENT If you are doing a project for school, see if it fits a section of a Merit Badge. Conversely, if you have a Junior Grange Merit Badge completed, can part of that be used for a school assignment? Don’t forget your service projects – those are always great learning tools!!!

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Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

Badge Series:

Badge No:

Agriculture

Name of Junior Member:

ANIMAL SCIENCES Date Introduced:

A1

01/01/2014

Date Completed

Signature of Junior Leader (When requirements are completed)

Date Signed

Animal Science is the study of domestic animals. This study includes the biology of these animals, learning the management of these animals and applying this knowledge to the benefit of society. This merit badge will provide you with a basic knowledge of the five main types of domestic animals (beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, swine and poultry). These five types form the core of production agriculture. In completing the requirements for this merit badge, you will gain a better understanding of this segment of agriculture and how it contributes to our society.

Requirements: There are five (5) sections in the ANIMAL SCIENCES Merit Badge. • You are required to complete a total of any four (4) sections. • Within each of the four required sections, you must complete Objectives 1, 2 and 3. • In addition to the three required objectives, you must complete any two (2) of the remaining objectives within each section.

BEEF CATTLE SECTION 1.

List 3 different breeds of beef cattle.

2.

For each of these breeds, explain about the origins of the breed, how, when and where they came into existence.

3.

List the top 5 States for beef cattle production?

4.

Explain the three main stages of beef production and give characteristic for each stage.

5.

Compile a list of at least five by-products of beef cattle production (i.e. leather)

6. 7.

Completed

Diagram or draw a poster that show the life cycle of beef cattle production (from the cow-calf stage to market.) There are more than 29 cuts of beef, pick five cuts and show where on the cow that you find these cuts.

DAIRY CATTLE SECTION 1.

Identify 3 different breeds of dairy cattle.

2.

For each of these breeds, tell about the origins of the breed, how, when and where they came into existence.

3.

Compile a list of at least five different products that are derived from milk

4.

What does “culled” mean?

5.

Identify three (3) problems that may result in a dairy cow being culled from the herd.

6.

What environmental issues are connected with dairy cattle operations?

Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

Completed

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7.

How does nutrition effect production levels of dairy cows.

SHEEP SECTION

Completed

1.

Identify 3 different breeds of sheep.

2.

For each of these breeds, tell about the origins of the breed, how, when and where they came into existence.

3.

Identify these terms: RAM, EWE, LAMB and FLOCK

4.

How many different breeds or kinds of sheep are there in the world?

5.

What are the top five sheep producing states?

6.

List and describe the steps in producing wool.

7.

What are the main predators for sheep and how serious is predation?

SWINE SECTION

Completed

1.

Identify 3 different breeds of swine.

2.

For each of these breeds, tell about the origins of the breed, how, when and where they came into existence.

3.

Identify these terms: SOW, GILT, BOAR, BARROW, WEANING

4.

What is the difference between a breeding herd and a growing herd?

5.

What are the three (3) main phases of the growing herd?

6.

Typically, how many piglets are there to a litter, and when are pigs weaned?

7.

What environmental issues are associated with swine productions

POULTRY SECTION

Completed

1.

Identify 3 different breeds of poultry.

2.

For each of these breeds, tell about the origins of the breed, how, when and where they came into existence.

3.

List the top five poultry producing states.

4.

How many eggs are typically produced by egg-laying chickens in a year?

5.

With regard to chickens, that is the difference between “layers” and “broilers”?

6.

How does “Free Range” differ from traditional poultry production?

7.

What animal rights issues do you find in poultry production?

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Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

Badge Series:

Badge No:

Technology

Name of Junior Member:

Date Introduced:

T1

Signature of Junior Leader (When requirements are completed)

01/01/2014

Date Completed Date Signed

The use of Computers has resulted in major changes to our society; including how we interact with the world. The first main-frame computers occupied hundreds of square feet of floor space, yet today's laptop computers and tablets have more computing power. Computers are everywhere -- in our vehicles, in our household appliances, in cell phones. The requirements for this merit badge will help you understand how computers work, how they make our life easier and how they impact our privacy.

Requirements:

There are four (4) sections in the COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Merit Badge. • You are required to complete a total of any four (4) sections. • Within each of the four required sections, there are 7 objectives. o Of the four sections you choose, you are required to complete Objectives 1, 2 and 3. o You must also complete any two (2) additional objectives within each section.

COMPUTER COMPONETS & PROGRAMING SECTION 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Completed

What is a computer? Write a short essay about what a computer is. Identify five basic parts or components of a typical desktop computer, and tell what they do. List and tell a little about three common computer programming languages used in modern computers. Modern digital computers were designed to use binary (1’s and 0’s). Write the base 10 numbers 0 to 10 using binary representation Write a short program to ask for your name, and then display “Hello” and your name. Use any computer language and explain what each line does.

6.

What is an algorithm?

7.

There are five basic sets of instructions that appear in nearly every computer language. The first is input, what are the other four?

GRAPHICS SECTION

1.

Use a computer graphics program and create a flyer about your Junior Grange.

2.

Use a digital camera and take a picture of some activity from you Junior Grange. Download to your computer and using a program such as Microsoft Paint, crop the photo, and then reduce the size of photo so that you can share it in Facebook, or email it.

3.

Describe why colors on computer only have three components. (RGB)

4.

What is computer animation?

5.

Computer graphic files have extension such as .png, .jpg, .bmp, .esp, .gif, .ps, or .tif. Pick any three of these extensions and tell what the letters mean.

Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual

Completed

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6.

Knowing about computer graphics is important for many careers. List four (4) different jobs that use computer graphics daily.

7.

Computers use “Graphic Cards” to render various images to your computer screen. Write a short essay on how graphic cards work. Completed

NETWORKING SECTION

1.

Describe what is (computer) networking?

2.

Describe how a simple network works.

3.

What are the two different basic forms of a network design?

4.

Describe some equipment that may be used in a network.

5.

What is a network protocol?

6.

A Firewall is a network device to control security, why do we want to prevent unauthorized access to our computer when connected to the internet?

7.

Describe the difference between a LAN and WAN, and a VPN Completed

INTERNET SECTION

1.

What is the internet? (Do not confuse it with the world wide web)

2.

Write a short history about the internet.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

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Protocols define how the internet moves information from computer to computer. Why is the IPv4 protocol being replaced by the IPv6 protocol? To browse the “Web” you can use a browser. List the five (5) most common browser software systems currently being used. Streaming media is the real-time delivery of digital media over the “Web”. Discuss the pros and cons of streaming media of family events over the internet. The internet has had a major social impact on our lives. Write a short essay about how the internet has impacted libraries, newspapers, or the US Mail. Write a short essay on why we need to be careful about posting too much information about ourselves on the internet.

Junior Grange Merit Badge Manual