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.

Below are a number of advancement and recognition opportunities and ideas for Scouts who are interested in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Nova Awards are the BSA Awards focused on STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Supernova Awards recognize Scouts who go further in their explorations.

Cub Scout Nova Awards and Supernova Awards

• Science Everywhere (Science)
• Down and Dirty (Earth Science)
• Nova WILD! (Nature and Wildlife Science)
• Out of This World (Space Exploration Science)
• Uncovering the Past (Archaeology)
• Tech Talk (Technology)
• Cub Scouts Can Code (Computer Technology)
• Swing! (Engineering)
• Up and Away (Fluid Dynamics)
• 1-2-3 Go! (Mathematics)
• Fearful Symmetry (Mathematics)
• Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award: for Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts
• Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award: for Webelos

Scouts BSA Nova Awards and Supernova Awards

• Shoot! (Astronomy and Projectile Science)
• Let It Grow (Food and Agriculture Science)
• Splash! (Science)
• Mendel’s Minions (Genetic Science)
• Start Your Engines! (Technology)
• Hello World (Programming and Coding Technology)
• Whoosh! (Engineering)
• Up and Away (Fluid Dynamics)
• Next Big Thing (Product Design)
• Designed to Crunch (Mathematics) s
• Thomas Edison Supernova Award
• Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award

Venturing Nova Awards and Supernova Awards

• Power Up (Technology)
• Launch! (Astronomy and Projectile Science)
• Wade! (Water and Science)
• What a Life (Life Science)
• Numbers Don’t Lie (Mathematics)
• Hang On (Engineering)
• Up and Away (Fluid Dynamics)
• Execute! (Programming and Digital Technology)
• Something From Nothing (3D Printing)
• Dr. Sally Ride Supernova
• Wright Brothers Supernova
• Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova

Build It Up, Knock It Down

For the Build It Up Knock It Down adventure, Lions learn about building up structures and people.

Gizmos and Gadgets

For the Gizmos and Gadgets adventure, Lions learn some really basic science and engineering concepts.

Ready Set Grow

Lion Cub Scouts learn about gardening and where food comes from while working on the Ready Set Grow adventure. They also plant their own container garden.

My Tiger Jungle

For the My Tiger Jungle Adventure, Cub Scouts get outside. They take a short walk and observe insects, birds, and other wildlife. They also plant a tree or make a birdhouse.

Sky Is the Limit

For the Sky is the Limit adventure, Tiger Cubs and their adult partners learn about astronomy and do some star gazing.

Air of the Wolf

For the Air of the Wolf adventure, Wolves learn about activities which can be done using air – paper airplanes, balloons, music, kites, and more.

Code of the Wolf

Wolf Cub Scouts learn about numbers, measuring, shapes, and math for the Code of the Wolf adventure. They also get to try sending a message using code.

Digging in the Past

For the Digging in the Past adventure, Wolves learn about dinosaurs and fossils.

Germs Alive!

Wolf Cub Scouts learn about good hygiene while working on the Germs Alive! adventure. They learn how diseases spread and how good habits, like hand washing and covering your mouth when you sneeze, can help keep everyone healthy.

Spirit of the Water

While working on the Spirit of the Water adventure, Wolves learn about water pollution and conservation. They also develop swimming and boating skills. Here are a few ideas to help you with this achievement.

Fur, Feathers, and Ferns

Bear Cub Scouts observe wildlife and plants when they work on the Fur, Feathers, and Ferns adventure. They find out about endangered species and gardening.

Forensics

For the Bear Forensics adventure, Cub Scouts learn about law enforcement methods which are used to solve crimes. Bears will learn how to fingerprint. They also explore chromatography, analysis, and other crime-solving techniques.

Super Science

Bear Cub Scouts will learn about static electricity and buoyancy while working on the Super Science adventure. They will also investigate color-morphing and color-layering.

Earth Rocks!

Youth learn all about geology and the earth while doing the Earth Rocks! adventure. They will find out more about rocks and minerals. And they will learn how to identify geological features on a map.

Engineer

For the Engineer adventure, youth learn about how engineers design new things and make two projects of their own.

Into the Wild

Youth working on the Into the Wild adventure learn all about nature. They can choose to observe insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, or birds. They also find out about ecosystems and the balance of nature.

Into the Woods

Youth learn about forestry while doing the Into the Woods adventure. They will study different types of trees and how they grow. They will also consider why trees are important and learn about ecosystems.

Almost all of the merit badges have some requirements related to science and technology. Here are a few which are really STEM focused. See all merit badges.

Environmental Science

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

Sustainability

Scouts learn to conserve energy at home and think about how their food, housing, and consumption choices impact society at large. They make a plan to use the Earth’s resources more wisely. They also learn how the Scout Law and the Scout Oath promote more sustainable communities.

Chess

Scouts develop their critical thinking and strategy skills, which are necessary for STEM fields. They learn the history of chess, and chess notation. Scouts familiarize themselves with the tactics, board, pieces, and moves. Then they demonstrate their skills by playing some games of chess.

Archaeology

Scouts find out how sites and artifacts from the past help us develop a more accurate picture of how our ancestors lived. They learn about the laws and regulations which protect archaeological sites. They do some hands-on research and explore careers related to archaeology.

Chemistry

Scouts learn about substances and how they interact. They learn about lab safety and investigate by doing experiments. Scouts also learn about careers in fields related to chemistry.

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.

Digital Technology

Scouts learn how digital information is stored and transmitted. They explore how digital technology has changed over the years. They also investigate the practical aspects of digital technology and explore careers in the field.

Electricity

Scouts learn about the many uses of electricity, including electromagnets, batteries, home lighting, motors, and more. They find out how to safely use electricity and avoid hazards. Scouts get some hands on experience with some simple electric circuits and devices.

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.

Energy

Scouts learn about energy and conservation. 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.

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.

Geology

This is one of the merit badges related to natural science. 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.

Nature

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. This is one of the merit badges which is often offered at summer camp.

Nuclear Science

Scouts learn about the uses and hazards of radiation. They explore how matter and forces interact and also learn about different careers in fields related to radiation safety and nuclear science. This is one of many STEM focused merit badges.

Oceanography

In this STEM merit badge, Scouts find out about life in the sea. 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.

Plant Science

Scouts learn to propagate and grow plants . 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.

Programming

Scouts learn about the history of programming and programming languages. They explore the applications of programming and how to modify code. They also investigate careers related to programming.

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.

Space Exploration

Scouts learn about spacecraft and the history of their use. 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.

Weather

Scouts learn about meteorology. They learn about weather hazards, high and low pressure systems, the science of weather, and the water cycle. They explore climates and the way humans alter their environment. They make a weather instrument and find out about careers related to weather.

Conservation Ranger Core Requirement

To complete the Conservation core requirement for the Venturing Ranger award, Venturers must carry out a conservation project. Then they must encourage others to get involved in conservation.

Ecology Elective

To earn complete the Ecology elective, Venturers must learn about natural systems and study the environment. Then they must teach others about what they learned.

Plants and Wildlife Elective

To complete the Plants and Wildlife elective, Venturers must learn about the balance of nature, study specific species, learn about conservation, and teach others about the subject.