Science Fiction Day

January 2 is Science Fiction Day. This day encourages everyone to pick up a science fiction book and immerse themselves in a new reality. Science fiction encourages us to consider that the world can be different than it is now – better or worse – and our actions will make an impact on the future.

So read a book, sing a song or play a game saluting Star Wars or Star Trek. Some books, songs, and games are suggested below.

Work on a Scouting achievement:

• The Sky Is the Limit (Tigers)
• Out of This World Nova Award (Cub Scouts)
• Reading Merit Badge (Scouts BSA)

Here are some more specific ideas to incorporate Science Fiction Day into your Scouting program:

Use the Force Star Wars Game

The idea of this game is for each player to "use the force" to keep a balloon on a pool noodle light saber.

Dock Your Flying Saucer Game

The idea of this game is to put the flying saucer (a Frisbee) in its space dock (a box). This is a good game for indoors or out.

Star Wars Song

A while back, I posted the Fast Food Song. This week, I have a Star Wars song with the same tune. Sure, Star Wars isn't science, but it is science fiction and it's fun. That's enough reason to use it to add some pizazz to any science themed meeting.

The Noble Captain Kirk Song

Everyone familiar with the Star Trek series knows how much they like to beam people back and forth the transporter. Sing this song as a tribute to the series.

Reading Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts BSA learn about books, libraries, and card catalogs while working on the Reading merit badge. They read some books. They also perform service related to reading, such as reading to children or people with disabilities.

Out of This World Cub Scout Nova Award (Space Exploration Science) Helps and Documents

Out of This World is the Cub Scout Nova Award for space exploration science. To earn this award, Cub Scouts explore topics such as planets, space, space exploration, or astronomy. They must also complete one of their adventures related to astronomy, health, or design or they must do a related investigation.

Recommended Science Fiction Books

Here are a few books your kids might enjoy. I've included titles for a wide range of ages. These are great choices to get your kids hooked on reading and to let their imaginations carry them away to new worlds.

Scouts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Today's youth must be familiar with the STEM areas - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - to be prepared for the world of tomorrow. BSA programs offer many opportunities for Scouts to experience STEM activities. The Nova awards for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA (Boy Scouts), and Venturers allow for in depth studies of STEM fields. There are also opportunities for STEM learning in the achievements for each program.

Gifts for a Someone Who Loves Star Wars

A reader is looking for a gift for someone in the Scouting unit who loves Star Wars. I was asked for suggestions, so here are some in a wide range of prices.