Mendel’s Minions Scouts BSA Nova Award (Genetic Science) Helps and Documents

Mendel’s Minions is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for investigating genetic science. To earn this award, Scouts must complete one of their science related merit badges and learn about related topics such as DNA, inheritance, genetic diseases, genetically modified food, the Human Genome Project, and more.

This award can be earned by young men and women who are members of Scouts BSA.

Printable helps for requirements:

Printable requirements for Helps

Printable checkoff sheet for Helps

Printable note sheet for Helps

Explore the Mendel’s Minions Nova award with these ideas and related achievements:

Gardening Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts plant flowers and vegetables while working on the Gardening merit badge. They also learn how to garden safely. Seed germination experiments and the study of pollination help Scouts understand the science of gardening. They also learn about different methods such as composting, vermiposting, and hydroponics.

Bird Study Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about, identify, and observe a wide variety of birds while doing the requirements for the Bird Study merit badge. They also listen for birds' songs and learn how to provide a healthy habitat for birds.

Public Health Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about how to prevent the spread of disease while working on the Public Health merit badge. They explore how pandemics happen and what steps can be taken to prevent outbreaks. They also learn about careers related to public health.

Nature Merit Badge Helps and Documents

The requirements for the Nature merit badge help scouts learn about plants and wildlife and the connection of all living things. They identify different types of wildlife and consider their importance in ecosystems.

Mammal Study Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the Mammal Study merit badge, Scouts learn about the physical characteristics of mammals and about their habitats. They learn how a mammal's environment influences its population and carry out a project related to this.

Insect Study Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about the identifying characteristics of insects while working on the Insect Study merit badge. They find out which insects are hazardous and how to avoid and respond to them, with first aid if necessary. Scouts observe a number of insects. They also explore career opportunities in fields related to insects.

Animal Science Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Working on the requirements for the Animal Science merit badge helps Scouts understand how to identify and care for various breeds of livestock. The requirements for this badge can be completed by studying beef cattle, dairy animals, horses, sheep, hogs, or avian breeds. Scouts also investigate career opportunities related to animal science.

Forestry Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn to identify trees while working on the Forestry merit badge. They find out why forests are important to our economy, climate, wildlife habitats, and endangered species. Scouts investigate how forests are managed and how trees are harvested. They also identify trees which are unhealthy or hazardous.

Medicine Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While doing the requirements for the Medicine merit badge, Scouts learn about the history of health care. They explore the Hippocratic Oath, patient-provider relationships, primary care vs specialties, and the role of insurance. Scouts also investigate various careers in health care.

Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts who are working on the Veterinary Medicine merit badge find out about the many different specialties in veterinary science. They learn how the work of veterinarians contributes to public health, food safety, research, and society. They also explore career opportunities related to veterinary medicine.

Science Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Science troop program feature encourages Scouts to ask and investigate questions about the world. They learn how to form a hypothesis and test it.