Engineering Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor, workshop, project work
Best For: Scouts interested in building, design, problem solving
Hands-On Level: High
Eagle Required: No

Engineering is all around you. Engineers design roads, bridges, buildings, vehicles, computers, medical equipment, and thousands of other products people use every day. As you work on the Engineering merit badge, you will learn how engineers identify problems, develop solutions, and improve the world around them.

This merit badge gives you a chance to explore many different areas of engineering. You will investigate how products work, learn about important engineering achievements, meet an engineer, and study engineering careers. You will also complete hands-on activities and use the engineering design process to create your own solution to a problem.

Along the way, you will practice skills which are useful in Scouting, school, and everyday life. You will learn to observe carefully, ask questions, gather information, and think through problems step by step. Whether you are considering a future career in engineering or simply want to understand how things work, this merit badge will help you see the world from an engineer’s point of view.

The requirements for the Engineering merit badge were updated on January 1, 2026.

Download the Engineering Merit Badge Requirements

Engineering Merit Badge Pamphlet

Engineering Merit Badge Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Engineering Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Engineering Merit Badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: How Things Work
• Requirement 2: Impact on Society
• Requirement 3: Type of Engineers
• Requirement 4: Visit
• Requirement 5: Systems Engineering
• Requirement 6: Applications
• Requirement 7: Professional Engineers
• Requirement 8: Code of Ethics
• Requirement 9: Careers
• More Resources

Requirement 1: How Things Work

What You Need To Do

Choose a manufactured item from your home and investigate how it works. Research the engineering used to design and build the item. Gather information from reliable sources and be prepared to discuss your findings.

Helpful Tips

• Pick an item with moving parts, electronics, or a clear purpose.
• Good choices include a microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, smartphone, vacuum cleaner, or LED light bulb. See below for a couple of examples.
• Identify the main parts of the item and the job of each part.
• Find out what type of energy the item uses, such as electricity, batteries, or mechanical energy.
• Follow the process from input to output. For example, what happens when you press a button or turn it on?
• Research the types of engineers who may have worked on the product.
• Use more than one source of information.
• Keep notes about where you found your information.

Microwave Oven

• A microwave heats food using electromagnetic waves called microwaves.
• Water molecules in food absorb the energy and move rapidly.
• The movement creates heat inside the food.
• Electrical engineers designed the power system and electronic controls.
• Mechanical engineers designed moving parts and safety features.
• Safety systems prevent operation when the door is open.

Refrigerator

• A refrigerator removes heat from inside the cabinet and releases it outside.
• A refrigerant moves through a sealed system.
• The refrigerant absorbs heat from food and air inside the refrigerator.
• The compressor moves the refrigerant through the system.
• Refrigeration engineers designed the cooling process.
• Electrical engineers designed the controls and sensors.

Washing Machine

• A washing machine uses water, detergent, and movement to clean clothing.
• An electric motor turns the drum during wash and spin cycles.
• The spin cycle removes water from clothing.
• Mechanical engineers designed the drum and drive system.
• Electrical engineers designed the controls and sensors.
• Computer systems manage different wash settings.

Smartphone

• A smartphone combines communication, computing, and internet access.
• Processors perform calculations and run applications.
• Antennas send and receive wireless signals.
• Software engineers create operating systems and apps.
• Electrical engineers design circuits and processors.
• Materials engineers select strong and lightweight materials.

Vacuum Cleaner

• A vacuum cleaner uses a motor to create suction.
• Airflow carries dirt into a bag or collection container.
• Filters trap dust before air leaves the machine.
• Mechanical engineers design the airflow and motor systems.
• Electrical engineers design switches and power controls.
• Different attachments help clean different surfaces.

LED Light Bulb

• An LED bulb produces light when electricity passes through a semiconductor.
• LEDs use less electricity than many older bulbs.
• LEDs produce less heat than incandescent bulbs.
• Electrical engineers design the electronic circuits.
• Materials engineers develop the semiconductor materials.
• Many LED bulbs operate for thousands of hours before replacement.

Resources

• How to Fix Small Appliances (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose items they use regularly.
• Help Scouts focus on how the item works instead of simply describing it.
• Suggest reliable sources such as manuals, manufacturer websites, and educational videos.
• Ask questions about the engineering problems solved by the product.

Requirement 2: Impact on Society

What You Need To Do

Choose an engineering achievement that changed the way people live, work, travel, communicate, or solve problems. Research the engineers involved, the challenges they faced, and the impact of the achievement on society.

Helpful Tips

• Choose an engineering achievement with plenty of information available.
• Use books, magazines, websites, and videos to gather facts.
• Find out when and where the achievement was developed.
• Research the engineers who played important roles in the project.
• Look for problems the engineers had to solve during development.
• Find out how the achievement changed daily life, business, transportation, communication, or science.
• Compare life before and after the achievement was introduced.
• Keep track of your sources as you do your research.

The Internet

• Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn developed the basic communication protocols used by the internet.
• Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web.
• Engineers developed ways for computers around the world to communicate.
• Large amounts of information can travel quickly between devices.
• The internet supports communication, education, business, entertainment, and research.
• Billions of people use the internet every day.

The Panama Canal

• The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
• John Stevens and George Washington Goethals helped lead the successful construction effort.
• Engineers cut through difficult terrain and built a system of locks.
• Workers faced challenges from disease, weather, and difficult working conditions.
• The canal reduced shipping distances by thousands of miles.
• Global trade became faster and more efficient.

The Space Shuttle

• NASA engineers designed a reusable spacecraft system.
• Maxime Faget helped develop the shuttle’s basic design.
• Engineers created systems that could survive launch, space travel, and reentry.
• The shuttle launched satellites and scientific experiments.
• Shuttle missions helped build the International Space Station.
• The program expanded knowledge about spaceflight.

The Telephone

• Alexander Graham Bell developed the first practical telephone.
• Engineers converted sound into electrical signals.
• Voices could travel over wires to distant locations.
• Communication became much faster than letters and telegrams.
• Businesses could communicate more efficiently.
• Telephone technology led to many modern communication systems.

Electric Power Distribution

• Thomas Edison developed direct current electrical systems.
• Nikola Tesla promoted alternating current systems.
• Engineers designed methods to generate and deliver electricity safely.
• Power lines brought electricity to homes and businesses.
• Electric lighting increased safety and productivity.
• Modern cities depend on reliable electrical systems.

Skyscrapers

• William LeBaron Jenney designed one of the first skyscrapers.
• Fazlur Rahman Khan developed new structural systems for tall buildings.
• Engineers used steel frames to support greater heights.
• Elevator technology made tall buildings practical.
• Cities could grow upward instead of outward.
• Skyscrapers became symbols of modern urban development.

Resources

• Engineering the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 (video)
• Engineering America (website)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose a topic which matches their interests.
• Help Scouts focus on the engineering challenges involved.
• Ask questions about the impact on society both then and now.
• Remind Scouts to use more than one source of information.

Requirement 3: Types of Engineers

What You Need To Do

Research six different types of engineers and the work they do. Then choose two of those engineering fields and describe how their work is related.

Helpful Tips

• Engineers solve problems by designing products, systems, structures, and processes.
• Different engineering fields focus on different types of problems.
• Many engineering projects require engineers from several specialties to work together.
• Look for examples of products or projects created by each type of engineer.
• Compare the skills and responsibilities of different engineering fields.
• For your two selected engineering fields, identify ways they work together on projects.
• Use examples from everyday life to help explain each type of engineering.
• Research current engineering projects for real-world examples.

Mechanical Engineer

• Mechanical engineers design machines and moving systems.
• They work on engines, appliances, tools, robots, and vehicles.
• They study motion, forces, energy, and materials.
• Many products with moving parts involve mechanical engineers.
• They often work with electrical and software engineers.
• Manufacturing equipment is a common area of work.

Electrical Engineer

• Electrical engineers work with electricity and electronic systems.
• They design circuits, motors, power systems, and communication equipment.
• They help create computers, smartphones, and household electronics.
• Power plants and electrical grids use their designs.
• Safety and reliability are important parts of their work.
• Many modern products depend on electrical engineering.

Civil Engineer

• Civil engineers design infrastructure projects.
• They work on roads, bridges, dams, airports, and buildings.
• They calculate loads, stresses, and safety factors.
• Weather, soil, and traffic patterns affect their designs.
• Public safety is a major responsibility.
• Their projects often last for decades.

Software Engineer

• Software engineers create computer programs and applications.
• They write, test, and improve computer code.
• Software controls many devices and machines.
• They develop mobile apps, websites, and operating systems.
• Many industries depend on software systems.
• Software engineering often works closely with other engineering fields.

Chemical Engineer

• Chemical engineers develop products and manufacturing processes.
• They work with chemicals, materials, and industrial systems.
• Common products include medicines, fuels, plastics, and food products.
• Safety is an important part of their work.
• They improve production efficiency and product quality.
• Large factories often employ chemical engineers.

Aerospace Engineer

• Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites.
• They work with aerodynamics, propulsion, and flight systems.
• Safety and performance are major concerns.
• They test designs using computer models and prototypes.
• Their work supports transportation, defense, and space exploration.
• NASA and commercial space companies employ aerospace engineers.

Environmental Engineer

• Environmental engineers work on pollution control and resource protection.
• They design systems for clean water and waste treatment.
• They help improve air and water quality.
• Their projects support public health.
• Many work with government agencies and utility companies.
• Environmental laws influence many of their projects.

Biomedical Engineer

• Biomedical engineers combine engineering and medicine.
• They design medical devices and equipment.
• Examples include artificial joints, imaging equipment, and prosthetics.
• Hospitals use many products developed by biomedical engineers.
• They often work with doctors and scientists.
• Patient safety is a major concern.

Industrial Engineer

• Industrial engineers improve systems and processes.
• They focus on efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• They study how people, equipment, and materials work together.
• Factories often use industrial engineering methods.
• Their work can reduce costs and waste.
• They help organizations operate more effectively.

Resources

• Solve Problems: Be an Engineer (video)
• What is Engineering? (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose engineering fields that interest them.
• Ask Scouts to find examples of projects completed by each type of engineer.
• Help Scouts identify connections between different engineering specialties.
• Focus on real-world examples instead of memorizing definitions.

Requirement 4a: The Engineer’s Work

What You Need To Do

Meet with an engineer and discuss the work they do. Find out what tools, equipment, and software they use as part of their job.

Helpful Tips

• Ask what type of engineer they are.
• Ask what a typical workday looks like.
• Find out what kinds of problems they solve.
• Ask what tools they use most often.
• Many engineers use computers, calculators, measuring devices, and specialized software.
• Some engineers work in offices, while others spend time at construction sites, factories, laboratories, or testing facilities.
• Ask what skills are most important for success in their field.
• Find out what education and training helped prepare them for their career.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts prepare questions before the visit.
• Encourage Scouts to ask follow-up questions.
• Remind Scouts to take notes during the discussion.
• Focus on the engineer’s actual work rather than job titles.

Requirement 4b: A Current Project

What You Need To Do

Ask the engineer about a current project. Find out what the project involves and what responsibilities the engineer has.

Helpful Tips

• Ask about the goal of the project.
• Find out who the project is designed to help or serve.
• Ask what stage the project is currently in.
• Find out what specific tasks the engineer performs.
• Ask who else works on the project.
• Many projects involve engineers, technicians, managers, architects, scientists, and construction workers.
• Ask what challenges the project faces.
• Find out how the team works together to complete the project.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to focus on the engineer’s role.
• Help Scouts identify how teamwork is used.
• Ask Scouts what problems the project is solving.
• Remind Scouts that engineering projects often take months or years to complete.

Requirement 4c: How Engineers Get Results

What You Need To Do

Find out how the engineer performs their work and how successful results are achieved.

Helpful Tips

• Many engineering projects begin with a problem or need.
• Engineers gather information before creating solutions.
• Designs are often created using computer software.
• Testing helps identify problems before final construction or production.
• Engineers use measurements and data to evaluate results.
• Changes are often made after testing.
• Team members review plans and provide feedback.
• Safety, cost, quality, and performance are common project goals.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts connect the engineering process to projects they already know.
• Ask Scouts to identify steps in the design process.
• Encourage questions about testing and problem solving.
• Focus on how engineers use facts and data to make decisions.

Requirement 4d: Engineering Reports

What You Need To Do

Ask to see reports used on the project. Find out why engineers create reports and what information they contain.

Helpful Tips

• Reports help teams share information.
• Reports may include drawings, charts, schedules, budgets, and test results.
• Progress reports track work completed on a project.
• Technical reports describe designs and engineering decisions.
• Test reports record performance and measurements.
• Reports help document problems and solutions.
• Written records help projects stay organized.
• Many reports become part of the permanent project record.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to look beyond the technical details.
• Help Scouts identify the purpose of each report.
• Ask how reports help project teams communicate.
• Focus on the importance of accurate records.

Requirement 4e: What Engineering Is Really Like

What You Need To Do

Review what you discovered during your visit. Consider the engineer’s work, projects, tools, and responsibilities.

Helpful Tips

• Engineering combines problem solving, planning, and teamwork.
• Most engineers work with other people rather than alone.
• Communication is an important part of engineering.
• Engineers use math, science, technology, and practical experience.
• Testing and improvement are common parts of projects.
• Safety is important in many engineering fields.
• Different engineering specialties often work together.
• Engineering projects can affect thousands or even millions of people.

Leader Tips

• Ask Scouts what surprised them during the visit.
• Encourage discussion about different engineering careers.
• Help Scouts connect the visit to the earlier requirements.
• Focus on the real-world impact of engineering.

Requirement 5: Systems Engineering Design

What You Need To Do

Use the systems engineering approach to design an original piece of patrol equipment, a toy, or a useful device. Create a design, test your ideas, and make improvements based on what you discover.

Helpful Tips

• Systems engineering is a step-by-step method used to solve problems and create useful products.
• Start by identifying a need or problem.
• Make a list of requirements your design must meet.
• Consider size, weight, cost, safety, durability, and ease of use.
• Create several possible solutions before choosing one.
• Draw sketches to help organize your ideas.
• Build a model or prototype if possible.
• Test your design under realistic conditions.
• Record any problems you discover during testing.
• Make changes to improve the design.
• Engineers often repeat the design and testing process many times.
• Feedback from users can help improve a design.

Portable Camp Kitchen Station

• Provides a cooking and food preparation area for a patrol.
• May include shelves, storage compartments, and a work surface.
• Lightweight materials make transportation easier.
• Folding parts reduce storage space.
• Adjustable legs can improve stability on uneven ground.
• Weather resistance is important for outdoor use.

Desk Organizer

• Helps organize papers, pens, phones, and other supplies.
• Multiple compartments improve organization.
• Cable management can reduce clutter.
• Compact designs save desk space.
• Durable materials increase product life.
• Easy access improves usability.

Garage Tool Holder

• Stores tools in a single location.
• Hooks and shelves keep tools organized.
• Wall-mounted designs save floor space.
• Adjustable sections allow storage of different tool sizes.
• Strong materials support heavier tools.
• Clear organization makes tools easier to find.

Common Systems Engineering Steps

1. Identify the need.
2. Define requirements.
3. Develop possible solutions.
4. Select the best solution.
5. Create a design.
6. Build a prototype.
7. Test the prototype.
8. Evaluate the results.
9. Improve the design.
10. Repeat the process as needed.

Resources

• The Engineering Process (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose a project related to a real need.
• Help Scouts focus on the design process rather than the final product.
• Ask questions about testing and improvements.
• Remind Scouts that redesign and revision are important parts of engineering.

Requirement 6a: Transforming Motion

What You Need To Do

Build a simple model that demonstrates motion. Use basic mechanical elements such as levers, inclined planes, or other simple machines and explain how they create movement.

Helpful Tips

• Common materials such as cardboard, rulers, toy cars, balls, and blocks can be used for this project.
• A lever uses a fulcrum to lift or move an object.
• An inclined plane is a ramp that reduces the force needed to move an object.
• Other simple machines include wheels and axles, pulleys, wedges, and screws.
• Motion occurs when a force causes an object to move.
• A wheelbarrow combines a wheel and axle with a lever.
• Construction equipment often uses several simple machines together.
• Draw a diagram of your model to help explain how it works.

Resources

• Transforming Motion – Rube Goldberg Machines (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to build simple models rather than complicated ones.
• Help Scouts identify the simple machines in their designs.
• Ask questions about how force creates motion.
• Focus on how the model demonstrates engineering principles.

Requirement 6b: Using Electricity

What You Need To Do

Make a list of 10 electrical appliances in your home and estimate how much electricity they use. Find out how electricity use affects your utility bill and identify ways to conserve energy.

Helpful Tips

• Electricity use is commonly measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
• Utility bills show how much electricity a household uses during a billing period.
• Large appliances usually use more electricity than small appliances.
• Air conditioners, water heaters, dryers, and refrigerators are often among the biggest energy users.
• Energy labels and owner’s manuals may list power consumption.
• Heavy electricity use often occurs during very hot or very cold weather.
• LED light bulbs use less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
• Turning off unused devices can reduce electricity use.
• Energy-efficient appliances often lower operating costs.
• Conserving electricity can reduce both costs and resource use.

Resources

• AMAZING Ways to Save Electricity at Home (video)
• Understanding Home Energy Electric Use (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts locate information on appliance energy use.
• Show Scouts how to read an electric bill.
• Encourage Scouts to compare different appliances.
• Discuss practical ways families can reduce electricity use.

Requirement 6c: Understanding Electronics

What You Need To Do

Use a smartphone, tablet, or similar device to investigate how sound, video, text, or images travel from one location to another. Explore features that make the device easy to use and durable.

Helpful Tips

• Electronic devices convert information into digital data.
• Digital data travels through cellular networks, Wi-Fi networks, or the internet.
• Microphones convert sound into electronic signals.
• Cameras convert images into digital information.
• Screens convert digital information into images and video.
• Processors handle calculations and manage device functions.
• Touchscreens allow users to control the device through gestures.
• Strong glass and durable materials help protect the device.
• Waterproof seals may protect devices from moisture.
• Software and hardware work together to perform tasks.

Resources

• How Does Your Mobile Phone Work? (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to focus on one device.
• Help Scouts identify both hardware and software features.
• Discuss how information travels through networks.
• Ask Scouts to identify design features that improve usability.

Requirement 6d: Using Materials

What You Need To Do

Perform experiments that compare the strength and heat conductivity of wood, metal, and plastic. Record your observations and compare the results.

Helpful Tips

• Strength measures how much force a material can handle.
• Heat conductivity measures how easily heat moves through a material.
• Metal is often stronger than wood and many plastics.
• Wood is commonly used when insulation is important.
• Plastic comes in many forms with different properties.
• Metals usually conduct heat more efficiently than wood or plastic.
• Engineers choose materials based on the needs of a project.
• Cost, durability, weight, and safety often affect material choices.
• Record measurements and observations during testing.
• Repeat tests when possible for more accurate results.

Resources

• Engineering Material Properties (video)

Leader Tips

• Emphasize safety during experiments.
• Encourage Scouts to record observations carefully.
• Help Scouts compare results between materials.
• Connect material properties to real-world products.

Requirement 6e: Converting Energy

What You Need To Do

Perform an experiment showing energy changing from one form to another. Identify the forms of energy involved and describe how the conversion takes place.

Helpful Tips

• Energy is the ability to do work or cause change.
• Common forms include mechanical, electrical, heat, chemical, and solar energy.
• A solar panel converts solar energy into electrical energy.
• An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
• Batteries store chemical energy.
• A flashlight converts chemical energy into electrical energy and then light energy.
• Food contains chemical energy used by the human body.
• Energy conversions occur throughout daily life.
• Engineers design systems that efficiently convert energy.
• Energy losses often occur as heat.

Resources

• STEM Experiment: Energy Conversion (video)
• 1st Place Mousetrap Car Ideas (video)
• Chemical Powered Cars (video)
• 2018 Official Chem-E-Car Competition® (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose simple experiments.
• Help Scouts identify each energy conversion step.
• Discuss examples of energy conversion in daily life.
• Focus on clear observations and explanations.

Requirement 6f: Moving People

What You Need To Do

Study how people travel to work in your community and observe traffic flow during both heavy and light traffic periods. Consider ways transportation could be improved.

Helpful Tips

• People may travel by car, bus, train, bicycle, walking, or ride-sharing services.
• Traffic flow refers to the movement of vehicles through an area.
• Rush hour often has the highest traffic volume.
• Heavy traffic can reduce vehicle speeds.
• Traffic engineers study congestion and travel patterns.
• Traffic signals help manage vehicle movement.
• Public transportation can reduce the number of vehicles on roads.
• Bike lanes and sidewalks provide additional travel options.
• Road design affects safety and efficiency.
• Transportation improvements often require engineering studies.

Resources

Moving People Can Be Complicated (video)
Engineering Traffic (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose safe locations for observations.
• Encourage Scouts to collect information at different times of day.
• Discuss possible causes of traffic congestion.
• Ask Scouts to suggest realistic improvements.

Requirement 6g: Building an Engineering Project

What You Need To Do

Participate in a science fair, engineering fair, or similar competition. Be prepared to discuss your project, answer questions, and describe what your project demonstrates.

Helpful Tips

• Engineering projects often focus on solving a problem.
• A project should include planning, testing, and evaluation.
• Keep clear records during the project.
• Display boards help organize information for visitors.
• Visitors often ask about goals, methods, and results.
• Practice explaining your project before the event.
• Be prepared to discuss challenges and improvements.
• Engineers regularly present their work to others.
• Questions from visitors can provide useful feedback.
• Communication skills are important in engineering careers.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to choose projects that interest them.
• Help Scouts prepare short explanations of their work.
• Practice question-and-answer sessions before the event.
• Focus on both engineering skills and communication skills.

Requirement 7: Professional Engineers

What You Need To Do

Find out what it means to be a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.). Research the types of engineering work where a P.E. license is especially important.

Helpful Tips

• P.E. stands for Professional Engineer.
• A Professional Engineer holds a state-issued engineering license.
• Engineers usually earn an engineering degree before seeking licensure.
• The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is often the first licensing exam.
• Work experience under the supervision of licensed engineers is usually required.
• The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam is typically the final licensing exam.
• Licensed Professional Engineers can approve engineering plans and documents.
• Professional Engineers accept responsibility for the safety and accuracy of their work.
• Public safety is a major reason for engineering licensure.
• Civil engineers often need a P.E. license for roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Structural engineers commonly need a P.E. license because they design structures that support people and property.
• Environmental engineers may need a P.E. license for projects involving water systems and pollution control.
• Electrical engineers working on power systems often require licensure.
• Mechanical engineers may need licensure when designing systems used by the public.
• Government agencies and many engineering firms require licensed engineers for certain projects.

Resources

How To Become an Engineer & Types of Engineering Careers (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts understand the connection between licensure and public safety.
• Encourage Scouts to research engineering licensing requirements in their state.
• Discuss engineering projects that require official approval.
• Emphasize the responsibility that comes with professional licensure.

Requirement 8: Engineering Ethics

What You Need To Do

Study the Engineer’s Code of Ethics and compare it to the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Look for shared values and responsibilities.

Helpful Tips

• A code of ethics is a set of rules that guides professional behavior.
• Engineers have a responsibility to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
• Engineers must provide accurate information and honest work.
• Engineers should only accept work they are qualified to perform.
• Engineers are expected to continue improving their knowledge and skills.
• Professional engineers are responsible for the quality of their work.
• Trust is important in engineering because people depend on safe designs and accurate information.
• The Scout Law states that a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.
• The Engineer’s Code of Ethics and the Scout Law both emphasize honesty and responsibility.
• The Scout Oath includes helping other people at all times, which relates to protecting public safety.
• Being trustworthy is important for both Scouts and engineers.
• Being responsible for your actions is important in both engineering and Scouting.
• Following ethical standards helps build trust and confidence.

Resources

• The Scout Oath (website)
• The Scout Law (website)
• Ethics and Conduct for Professional Engineers (video)
• Engineering Code of Ethics (website)
• Engineering Ethics (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to compare specific points from the Code of Ethics and the Scout Law.
• Discuss why public safety is important in engineering.
• Ask Scouts for examples of ethical behavior in everyday life.
• Focus on the shared values of responsibility, honesty, and service.

Requirement 9: Engineering Careers

What You Need To Do

Research three engineering careers and choose one for a closer investigation. Find out about the education, training, experience, job duties, and career opportunities for that profession.

Helpful Tips

• Engineering careers involve designing, building, testing, improving, and maintaining products, systems, and structures.
• Different engineering fields focus on different types of problems and projects.
• Research the education required for each career.
• Find out whether a college degree, certifications, or professional licenses are needed.
• Look for information about daily job duties.
• Research typical work environments such as offices, laboratories, factories, construction sites, hospitals, or research facilities.
• Find out how much experience is needed for advancement.
• Research salary ranges and job growth projections.
• Look for examples of real projects completed by professionals in the field.
• Consider which engineering careers match your interests and skills.

Engineering Careers To Consider

• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Biomedical Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Environmental Engineer
• Industrial Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Computer Engineer
• Agricultural Engineer
• Marine Engineer
• Nuclear Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Transportation Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Petroleum Engineer

Questions To Research

• What does this engineer do each day?
• What types of projects does this engineer work on?
• What education is required?
• What training is required after college?
• Is a Professional Engineer license needed?
• What skills are important for success?
• Where do people in this profession work?
• What is the typical salary range?
• What opportunities exist for advancement?
• What part of this career sounds most interesting to you?

Resources

• How To Become an Engineer (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to research careers related to their interests.
• Help Scouts find information from reliable sources.
• Ask Scouts to compare several engineering careers before choosing one.
• Focus on both job responsibilities and career preparation.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Engineering merit badge gives Scouts a simple way to learn how ideas become real structures and machines. It fits well within the full merit badge program because it adds a strong STEM option to a list that includes trades, arts, outdoor skills, and hobbies. Scouts explore basic principles, designs, and problem-solving. This helps balance the wide range of choices by offering a hands-on look at how things are planned and built.

It also connects to badges like Inventing, Robotics, and Electricity. Scouts who enjoy creating or understanding how things work often find Engineering a natural next step. It supports the program’s goal of encouraging many interests.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Engineering merit badge supports the larger goals of Scouts BSA by teaching planning, teamwork, and careful thinking. These skills help Scouts grow as steady and capable leaders.

It also ties into fitness, citizenship, and personal development. Understanding how engineering affects communities builds awareness and service. Working through design challenges strengthens confidence and good judgment.

What is the Engineering merit badge about?

The Engineering merit badge teaches Scouts about different types of engineering, how engineers solve problems, and how to create and test designs. It’s a hands-on badge that helps you explore engineering as a possible career.

What are some activities I need to do for the Engineering merit badge?

You will need to do things like design and build a simple model, investigate how household items work, and learn about energy conversion. You’ll also need to talk to an engineer and explore different engineering careers.

Do I need to know a lot about engineering before starting the Engineering merit badge?

No, you don’t need to have any prior knowledge. The Engineering merit badge is designed to introduce you to basic concepts and let you learn through fun activities and experiments.

How do I find an engineer to talk to for the Engineering merit badge?

You can ask your Scout leader, a parent, your Engineering merit badge counselor, or someone you know who works in engineering. Schools, local businesses, or engineering organizations might also help you find someone.

What kinds of projects can I do for the Engineering merit badge?

Projects for the Engineering merit badge can include building a model to demonstrate motion, experimenting with different materials, or creating a simple device for your home. The goal is to use engineering principles to solve problems.

How does the Engineering merit badge relate to real-life careers?

The Engineering merit badge helps you understand what engineers do and what it takes to become one. You’ll learn about different engineering fields, like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering, which can help you decide if a career in engineering is right for you.

Can I work on the Engineering merit badge with other Scouts?

Yes, you can work on some of the Engineering merit badge activities with other Scouts, especially when building models or doing experiments. Collaboration is an important part of engineering, so working together can be helpful. However, you must complete the requirements as an individual.

How long does it take to earn the Engineering merit badge?

The time required for the Engineering Merit Badge can vary. It depends on how much time you spend on the activities and projects. It’s a good idea to work at your own pace and make sure you understand each part before moving on.

Why is the Engineer’s Code of Ethics important in the Engineering merit badge?

The Engineer’s Code of Ethics is important because it teaches you about the responsibility and honesty required in engineering. It’s similar to the Scout Oath and Law, which also guide you to act with integrity and care for others.

What should I do if I have questions while working on the Engineering merit badge?

If you have questions, ask your Engineering merit badge counselor or Scout leader. They can help you understand the requirements and guide you through the activities.

The Engineering merit badge is a hands-on adventure into the world of problem-solving and design. It introduces Scouts to the different branches of engineering, such as mechanical, civil, electrical, and more. By working on this badge, you will learn how engineers think and how they create solutions to everyday problems. You’ll get to build models, conduct experiments, and even talk to a real engineer to understand their work and the tools they use.

One of the most exciting parts of the Engineering merit badge is the opportunity to create and test your own designs. Whether it’s building a simple machine or experimenting with materials, you’ll see how engineering principles work in real life. You’ll also learn about energy, materials, and how different types of engineers contribute to our world. This badge is not just about learning from books; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in the engineering process.

The Engineering merit badge also helps you explore careers in engineering. You’ll learn what education and training are needed to become an engineer, and you’ll discover how engineers make a difference in our everyday lives. By the end of the badge, you’ll have a deeper understanding of engineering and maybe even a new interest in pursuing it as a career. This badge is a great way to combine creativity with practical skills, giving you a taste of what it means to be an engineer.