Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award (Engineering)

Note: The Nova program is administered at the Council level. Check with your local council about availability before starting on a Nova award.

Whoosh! is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for investigating engineering as it relates to motion.

To earn the Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award award, Scouts must complete one of their engineering or motion related merit badges and learn about related topics such as machines and forces Scouts also dream up their own design for an amusement park, piece of playground equipment, or new method of transportation.

The Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award award can be earned by young men and women who are members of Scouts BSA.

See the full requirements

Workbook / Worksheet

These videos and websites will help with this Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award requirement. Add your own to the comments at the bottom of this post.

Video Suggestions for Whoosh! Requirement 1

• Raising an Obelisk: An Engineering Puzzle
• The Physics of Roller Coasters
• The Physics of Surfing
• How Do Helicopters Work?
• How Do Wind Turbines Work?
• Robot Performs Surgery on a Grape
• The Future of Transportation
• Apollo 13

Website Suggestions for Whoosh! Requirement 1

• NASA’s Space Place
• Exploratorium
• Design Squad Nation
• PBS LearningMedia
• HowStuffWorks

Here is more information about the merit badges for this Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award requirement:

Archery

Scouts learn range safety rules. They also familiarize themselves with archery equipment and discover how to maintain it. Then they demonstrate their archery skills using a recurve bow, a longbow, or a compound bow.

Aviation

Scouts learn about aircraft and the forces which act on them. They learn about maintaining aircraft and planning for a flight. They build and fly a model airplane and explore careers related to aviation.

Composite Materials

Scouts learn about the properties and uses of composite materials. They also learn how to safely work with resins and other components. And they investigate careers related to composite materials.

Drafting

Scouts will learn how to make drawings which convey the visions of engineers and architects. They will do manual drawings, computer aided design (CAD), and lettering. Scouts also explore career opportunities related to drafting. The requirements for this badge can be fulfilled by doing architectural, mechanical, or electrical drawings.

Electronics

Scouts learn to safely repair, change, or build electronic devices. They find out about controllers, audio circuits, and digital circuits. Scouts also explore career opportunities related to electronics.

Engineering

This is one of the STEM merit badges. Scouts learn about the process of building and creating products and structures. They investigate the variety of careers available in engineering. Scouts explore how engineers use a step-by-step approach to make improvements for society.

Inventing

Scouts learn about the process of creating a new invention. They also find out about intellectual property rights. They put their knowledge to work by dreaming up something new and making a prototype.

Mining in Society

This is one of the career focused merit badges. Scouts learn about different aspects of the mining industry. They consider how to mine minerals and how to transport materials. They also explore careers related to mining.

Model Design and Building

Scouts have the opportunity to learn about different types of models such as architectural, structural, process, mechanical, and industrial models. They make an original model and explore career opportunities related to model design.

Railroading

Scouts find out how trains are used to move freight and passengers. They learn about the history of railroading and consider the safety aspects of trains. The requirements for this badge can be fulfilled by model railroading or railfanning. Scouts can either use model railroads to investigate the topic further or they can learn more about scenic and historic railways.

Rifle Shooting

This is one of the merit badges which teaches Scouts to safely handle firearms. Youth must also demonstrate their skill. The requirements for this badge may be completed using modern rifles, BB or pellet air rifles, or muzzleloaders.

Robotics

This badge helps Scouts understand the many uses of robots. They learn how to design and test robots to perform simple tasks. Scouts also find out about competitive robotics and explore career opportunities related to robotics.

Shotgun Shooting

Scouts learn to safely care for shotguns and identify their parts. Then Scouts demonstrate their skills. The requirements for this merit badge can be completed using modern shotguns or muzzleloaders

Six Simple Machines

The six simple machines are:

1. Lever: A rigid bar that pivots around a fixed point, called a fulcrum. Examples of levers include a seesaw, crowbar, and a pair of scissors.
2. Pulley: A wheel with a grooved rim that is used to change the direction or magnitude of a force. Examples of pulleys include window blinds and a flagpole.
3. Wheel and axle: A wheel attached to a shaft, called an axle, that rotates together. Examples of wheel and axle include a wagon, a bicycle, and a doorknob.
4. Inclined plane: A sloping surface that allows an object to be moved from a lower to a higher level with less force than lifting it directly. Examples of inclined planes include a ramp and a staircase.
5. Wedge: An inclined plane that is used to push objects apart. Examples of wedges include an ax blade and a doorstop.
6. Screw: An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder or cone that is used to hold objects together or to lift objects. Examples of screws include a bolt, a light bulb, and a jar lid.

These six simple machines are the basis for more complex machines, and they are used in everyday life to make work easier. Learn more about the six simple machines to help with this Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award requirement.

Here are some things you can look for when you visit an amusement park or playground for this Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award requirement:

Some Things to Observe at an Amusement Park

Amusement parks are great examples of places where simple machines are used to make rides and attractions possible. Here are some examples of simple machines at an amusement park:

1. Roller coasters: Roller coasters use wheels and axles to move up and down. They also use inclined planes to go around corners.
2. Ferris wheels: Ferris wheels use levers to lift people up into the air.
3. Water slides: Water slides use inclined planes to move people down into the water.
4. Bumper cars: Bumper cars use wedges to push each other around.
5. Tea cups: Tea cups use inclined planes to spin around.
6. Tilt-a-whirls: Tilt-a-whirls use inclined planes to spin people around.

Amusement parks are also full of examples of the forces of motion at work. Here are some examples of the forces of motion that can be observed at an amusement park:

1. Gravity: Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other. In an amusement park, gravity is used to create the thrilling drops and twists on roller coasters and other rides.
2. Friction: Friction is the force that opposes motion between two surfaces that are in contact. In an amusement park, friction is used to slow down rides and to prevent them from going too fast.
3. Centrifugal force: Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force experienced by an object moving in a circular path. On amusement park rides such as the Tilt-a-Whirl, the centrifugal force created by the spinning ride causes riders to feel like they are being pushed outwards.
4. Inertia: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist a change in motion. On amusement park rides such as the bumper cars, the inertia of the car causes it to keep moving in a straight line unless acted upon by an outside force.
5. Air resistance: Air resistance is the force that opposes the motion of objects through the air. On amusement park rides such as roller coasters, the air resistance creates drag on the riders, making the ride feel like they are flying through the air.

Some Things to Observe at a Playground

There are many examples of simple machines at a playground. Here are a few examples:

• Slide: A slide is an inclined plane that is used for children to ride down. The slide is an example of an inclined plane because it is raised at one end. When children climb up the stairs and sit on the slide, they slide down the slide with less force than they would need to lift themselves straight up.
• Swing: A swing is a seat that is suspended from a frame by ropes or chains. Children sit on the swing and use their legs to push themselves back and forth. The swing is an example of a lever because it is a rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum. The fulcrum is the point where the ropes or chains are attached to the frame. When children push themselves on the swing, they are using the lever to apply force to the swing.
• Merry-go-round: A merry-go-round is a circular platform that is mounted on a central axle. Children ride on the merry-go-round and hold on to the bars. The merry-go-round is an example of a wheel and axle because it is a system of two objects that rotate together. The wheel is the larger object, and the axle is the smaller object that it rotates around.
• Seesaw: A seesaw is a plank that is raised at one end by a pivot. Children sit on the seesaw at either end and use their weight to balance the seesaw. The seesaw is an example of a lever because it is a rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum. The fulcrum is the point where the plank is attached to the pivot. When children sit on the seesaw, they are using the lever to apply force to the seesaw.

Playgrounds are full of examples of the forces of motion at work. Here are some examples of the forces of motion that can be observed at a playground:

1. Gravity: Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other. On a playground, gravity is at work whenever children slide down a slide or climb down from a structure.
2. Friction: Friction is the force that opposes motion between two surfaces that are in contact. On a playground, friction is at work whenever children run, slide or climb on equipment, as it helps to slow them down and prevent them from slipping.
3. Inertia: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist a change in motion. On a playground, children experience inertia when they have to use their strength to start a swing moving or to stop it from moving.
4. Centrifugal force: Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force experienced by an object moving in a circular path. On playground equipment such as a merry-go-round, centrifugal force causes the children to feel like they are being pushed outward as they spin around.
5. Elastic force: Elastic force is the force exerted by a stretched or compressed elastic material. On playground equipment such as a trampoline, elastic force is at work when children jump up and down and are propelled into the air.

These ideas about designing amusement park rides, playground equipment, or a method of transportation will give you a starting point for this Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award requirement:

Considerations for Designing an Amusement Park Ride

• Safety: The safety of riders should be the top priority when designing an amusement park ride. Consider the possible risks involved with the ride and ensure that it meets safety standards.
• Ride experience: Think about what kind of ride experience you want to create. Do you want to design a thrilling, fast-paced ride or a more relaxed, scenic ride? Consider the type of motion and sensations you want riders to experience.
• Capacity: Consider the number of riders that the ride can accommodate at one time. This will affect the design of the ride, such as the number of seats or vehicles needed.
• Height and speed: Think about how high and how fast the ride will go. This will affect the design of the ride and the materials needed to construct it.
• Theme: Consider a theme for the ride. A well-designed theme can make the ride more exciting and memorable for riders.
• Size and space: Consider the space available for the ride and its size. The size of the ride will depend on the amount of space available, and you will need to ensure that there is enough space for the ride to operate safely.
• Motion and forces: Consider the forces of motion involved with the ride, such as gravity, centrifugal force, and acceleration. The design of the ride should take these forces into account to ensure a safe and thrilling experience.

Considerations for Designing a Playground Fixture

• Safety: The safety of children should be the top priority when designing a playground fixture. Consider the possible risks involved with the fixture and ensure that it meets safety standards.
• Age group: Consider the age group of the intended users. The fixture should be designed with the abilities and needs of the intended age group in mind.
• Play value: Think about what kind of play value the fixture will offer. Will it promote physical activity, creativity, or social interaction?
• Size and space: Consider the size of the fixture and the space available for it. The fixture should fit within the available space and be appropriately sized for the intended users.
• Materials: Consider the materials that will be used to construct the fixture. The materials should be durable, safe, and appropriate for outdoor use.
• Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the fixture for children with different abilities. The fixture should be accessible to children who use wheelchairs or have other mobility limitations.

Considerations for Designing a Method of Transportation

• Purpose: Consider the purpose of the transportation method. Will it be used for short or long distances? Will it be used for personal or public transportation?
• Environment: Consider the environment in which the transportation method will be used. Will it be used on roads, rails, or waterways? Will it be used in urban or rural areas?
• Capacity: Consider the number of passengers the transportation method can accommodate. This will affect the size and design of the transportation method.
• Speed: Consider the speed at which the transportation method will travel. This will affect the design and materials used to construct it.
• Energy efficiency: Consider the energy efficiency of the transportation method. Will it be powered by renewable energy sources or fossil fuels? Will it have a low carbon footprint?
• Safety: The safety of passengers should be the top priority when designing a transportation method. Consider the possible risks involved and ensure that it meets safety standards.
• Cost: Consider the cost of designing, constructing, and operating the transportation method. The design should be feasible within a given budget.
• Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of the transportation method for people with different abilities. The transportation method should be accessible to people who use wheelchairs or have other mobility limitations.

Engineering in Our Everyday Lives

Engineering has a significant impact us in many ways. Here are some examples:

1. Technology: Engineering is responsible for the technology that we use every day, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
2. Transportation: Engineering plays a key role in the design and construction of vehicles and transportation infrastructure. This affects the way we travel to and from school, as well as how we get around our communities.
3. Buildings and infrastructure: Engineering is also responsible for the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure, such as schools, parks, and bridges. This affects the environment in which we live, learn, and play.
4. Medical technology: Engineering plays a critical role in the development of medical technology and equipment, such as prosthetics, pacemakers, and diagnostic tools. This technology can improve the quality of life for individuals with medical conditions.
5. Environmental impact: Engineering can also impact the environment and address environmental issues. For example, engineers can design sustainable infrastructure and technology that reduces the negative impact of human activities on the environment.
6. Entertainment: Engineering has a significant impact on the entertainment industry, from designing and building amusement park rides to creating special effects in movies and video games.

Engineering is an important field that shapes the world around us, and its impact is felt in many different aspects of daily life. These ideas will help you get started with this Whoosh! Scouts BSA Nova Award requirement.

Get moving with the Whoosh! Nova award with these ideas and related achievements.

Engineering Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Engineering program feature teaches Scouts helps Scouts understand how problem solving and design can be used to help meet the challenges found in our society. This program would work nicely in companion with the Whoosh award.

Nova Awards Program (STEM Award)

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The NOVA Awards program combines knowledge of STEM concepts with hands on activities. This Whoosh award is part of this program.