Science Program Feature for Scouts BSA

BSA has created updated versions of the Troop Program features for Scouts BSA. The Science program feature is available in digital format on the BSA website or can be purchased as a publication from you local Scout Shop.

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. The program feature includes some general information and some more specific ideas for meetings:

• Learn about chemistry, physics, or life science
• Investigate specialty areas in the world of science

Suggested troop meeting ideas are grouped by essential, challenging, or advanced. Here are a few you can see in the guide.

• Do basic investigations in chemistry, physics, and biology (essential)
• Do more advanced investigations (challenging)
• Do complex experiments and studies (advanced)
• Consider the principles involved in designing a base on Mars (essential)
• Design an investigation related to gravity (challenging)
• Debate competing scientific theories (advanced)
• Discuss examples of science vs science fiction (essential)
• Give examples of real science in science fiction (challenging)
• Explore the issues for a science consultant on a science fiction show (advanced)

There are also several games suggested to keep things interesting at your troop meetings

• Helium Stick
• Scout Stave Launcher
• Match the -ology
• Sci Fi Trivia

The plan even provides Scoutmaster’s minutes and ceremonies for meetings.

Then there is the “Main Event”. Once again, there are suggestions for essential, challenging, or advanced. Details and planning aids can be found in the online guide.

• Visit a science museum (essential)
• Participate in a science fair (challenging)
• Assist in a research project at a local university or agency (advanced)

Find some related helps and achievements for the Science Troop Program Feature below.

A Simple Explanation of the Scientific Method

If you don't have a background in science, helping your Cub Scout out with this might seem a little intimidating. But the scientific method is really very basic and only involves a few simple concepts.

Pin Hole Planetariums

Make pinhole planetariums to fulfill Cub Scout Bear Elective 1b. This project involves hammers, nails, and flashlights, so it should be a hit with the Cub Scouts. Includes patterns for the pinholes.

Cubmaster Minute – Science and Perseverance

The Cub Scout core value for the month of June is perseverance. Here is a brief Cubmaster minute to help Cub Scout understand why perseverance is important.

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.

Program Planning for Scouts BSA

The Scoutmaster, Senior Patrol Leader, and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader work together to develop long term plans for a Scouts BSA Troop. One thing which can help with this is the BSA troop program features.

Finding the Big Dipper, the North Star, and the Little Dipper

One of the requirements for Bear Elective 1: Space is to locate the North Star and two constellations in the night sky. This printable aid will help find it.

Environmental Science Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about ecology, pollution, endangered species, pollination by bees, and other environmental topics while working on the Environmental Science merit badge. They also study how parts of the ecosystem interact through repeated observation.

Plant Science Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn to propagate and grow plants while working on the Plant Science merit badge. They investigate the importance and uses of crops, trees, and flowers. Scouts have many options to choose from for the types of plants they will study in depth while doing this badge.

Energy Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about energy and conservation while working on the Energy merit badge. One practical aspect of the requirements is to conduct an energy audit at home and try to reduce energy over a two week period. Scouts also learn about renewable energy while working on this badge. Find requirements and check-off sheets here.

Nitro Transport Game

This is an initiative game. Its purpose is to get a group to work together to solve a problem. This should build teamwork and cooperation in the group.

Chemistry Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about substances and how they interact while working on the Chemistry merit badge. They learn about lab safety and investigate by doing experiments. Scouts also learn about careers in fields related to chemistry.

Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Helps and Documents

The Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award is the bronze (first) level Supernova Award for Scouts BSA. To earn this award, Scouts must earn three Nova awards, the Scholarship merit badge, and four Nova approved STEM related merit badges. They must also complete two Supernova activities.

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.

Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While working on the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge, Scouts learn about the identifying characteristics of alligators, crocodiles, toads, frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes and more. They also maintain their own reptiles or amphibians or observe them at a zoo. Scouts investigate which species are dangerous and which make good pets.

Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Working on the Soil and Water Conservation merit badge helps Scouts learn about things like erosion, watersheds, aquifers, water pollution, and water treatment. They also learn about the importance of plants in soil and water conservation.

Scouts BSA Nova Awards and Supernova Awards

Nova Awards are the BSA Awards focused on STEM - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Nuclear Science Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about the uses and hazards of radiation while working on the Nuclear Science merit badge. They explore how matter and forces interact and also learn about different careers in fields related to radiation safety and nuclear science.

Thomas Edison Supernova Award Helps and Documents

The Thomas Alva Edison Supernova Award is the silver (second) level Supernova Award for Scouts BSA. To earn this award, Scouts must earn the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova award, one additional Nova award, and four additional Nova approved STEM related merit badges. They must also complete two additional Supernova activities.

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.

Geology Merit Badge Helps and Documents

While doing the requirements for the Geology merit badge, Scouts learn about rocks and resources. They can focus on sedimentary processes, energy resources, mineral resources, or earth history while working on this merit badge. Scouts also research career opportunities related to geology.

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.

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.

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.

Splash! Scouts BSA Nova Award (Science) Helps and Documents

Splash! is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for investigating water science. To earn this award, Scouts must complete one of their science related merit badges and learn about related topics such as pollution, health, water cycle, and waste treatment. Scouts also learn how water is processed and consumed.

Shoot! Scouts BSA Nova Award (Astronomy and Projectile Science) Helps and Documents

Shoot! is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for investigating astronomy and projectile science. To earn this award, Scouts must complete one of their science related merit badges and learn about related topics such as space, aviation, and weather. Scouts also visit a museum or build a catapult, pitching machine, or marble run.

Oceanography Merit Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts find out about life in the sea by doing the requirements for the Oceanography merit badge. Topics include the properties of seawater, waves, underwater topography, and the importance of the oceans. Scouts will also do a hands-on activity and will learn how marine scientists study the oceans.

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.

Space Exploration Badge Helps and Documents

Scouts learn about spacecraft and the history of their use while doing the requirements for the Space Exploration merit badge. They investigate the many aspects of venturing into space and consider how mankind might continue to explore the universe beyond our planet. They also find out about career opportunities related to space exploration.

Let It Grow Scouts BSA Nova Award (Food and Agriculture Science) Helps and Documents

Let It Grow is the Scouts BSA Nova Award for investigating agriculture science. To earn this award, Scouts must complete one of the merit badges related to raising livestock or growing crops. Scouts will learn about where their food comes from and explore topics like weather, seeds, and microorganisms.

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.