Energy Merit Badge

The Energy merit badge helps Scouts learn about the role energy plays in our world. Energy is something we use every day, from turning on lights to powering our devices. This merit badge teaches Scouts about different types of energy and how they are used. It helps them understand why energy is important and how to use it wisely.

While working on the Energy merit badge, Scouts explore ways to save energy and reduce waste. They learn about energy efficiency and why it matters. This helps Scouts think about how they can make better choices in their homes and communities. It also encourages them to consider the impact of energy use on the environment.

The Energy merit badge also helps Scouts develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. They explore real-world challenges, like finding ways to save energy or choosing better energy sources. These skills will help Scouts not just now, but in the future, as they learn to make thoughtful decisions.

Scouts benefit from earning the Energy merit badge because it teaches them about responsibility and awareness. They see how their choices can make a difference. By learning about energy, Scouts are better prepared to be leaders in their homes, schools, and communities. It’s a great way to build knowledge that will serve them for years to come.

The requirements for this merit badge were updated effective January 1, 2025.

Download the Energy Merit Badge Requirements

Energy Merit Badge Workbook / Worksheet

Energy Merit Badge Printable Requirement Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Energy Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Energy 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: Conservation
• Requirement 2: Energy Conversions
• Requirement 3: Efficiency
• Requirement 4: Home Audit
• Requirement 5: Waste
• Requirement 6: Charts
• Requirement 7: Energy Systems
• Requirement 8: Careers
• More Resources

Exploring Energy and Conservation Online

For requirement 1a of the Energy merit badge, Scouts will use the internet, with a parent or guardian’s permission, to find information about energy use or conservation. This could be a blog, podcast, website, or article. After finding a source, you’ll discuss it with your counselor. Focus on these points:

• What parts of the article were interesting to you?
• Did it raise any questions?
• Were there any ideas or concepts you didn’t understand?

For example, you might explore how renewable energy works or why conserving energy at home is important. These resources can help you understand how energy impacts the environment and our daily lives.

Once you’ve completed the rest of the requirements for the Energy merit badge (requirements 2 through 8), go back to your chosen source. Think about what you’ve learned through the badge activities. When you revisit the article, you might notice new details or better understand the concepts it explains. Share this with your counselor, explaining how the Energy merit badge has deepened your understanding of energy and its conservation.

This requirement teaches you how to gather information, ask questions, and reflect on what you’ve learned, helping you see the bigger picture of energy use and its importance.

Understanding Energy Conversions for the Energy Merit Badge

Energy is all around us, and understanding how it works is an important part of earning the Energy merit badge. Here’s how some common devices use energy and convert it from one form to another. Knowing these examples can help Scouts understand energy and complete the Energy merit badge requirements.

• Toaster: A toaster converts electrical energy into heat energy. The electricity flows through metal wires (heating elements) inside the toaster, making them glow red-hot to toast bread.
• Greenhouse: A greenhouse converts light energy from the sun into heat energy. The glass or plastic panels trap heat inside, keeping plants warm and helping them grow, even in cooler weather.
• Lightbulb: A lightbulb transforms electrical energy into light energy and some heat energy. Modern LED bulbs are more efficient, using less energy to produce more light and less heat.
• Bow Drill: A bow drill uses mechanical energy to create heat energy. By spinning a stick rapidly against another piece of wood, friction generates heat, which can start a fire.
• Cell Phone: A cell phone uses electrical energy stored in its battery and converts it into several forms: light (screen), sound (speaker), and sometimes heat (from the device running).
• Nuclear Reactor: A nuclear reactor converts nuclear energy into heat energy. This heat is used to produce steam, which spins a turbine to generate electricity.
• Sauna: A sauna converts electrical energy or heat from burning wood into heat energy that warms the room. This creates a relaxing, hot environment.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Electric vehicles use electrical energy stored in batteries. This energy is converted into mechanical energy to power the wheels and make the car move.

Understanding how these devices use energy and convert it from one form to another can make it easier to explain energy principles. This knowledge is key to completing the Energy merit badge and learning how energy impacts our daily lives.

Building a System with Energy Conversions

For the Energy merit badge, you need to construct a system that demonstrates at least two energy conversions. This helps you understand how energy changes form to do work.

Example: A Solar-Powered Fan

You can build a system using a small solar panel and a battery to power a fan. Here’s how it works:

1. First Energy Conversion: The solar panel converts light energy from the sun into electrical energy.
2. Second Energy Conversion: The electrical energy charges a battery or directly powers the fan, which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to make the fan blades spin.

This system shows how energy flows through different forms to create useful work.

Example: A Wind-Powered Water Pump

1. First Energy Conversion: Wind energy turns the blades of a wind turbine, converting wind energy into mechanical energy.
2. Second Energy Conversion: The mechanical energy drives a pump, which lifts water from a well or moves it to a storage tank.

This system shows how renewable wind energy can be used to do practical work, such as providing water for irrigation or livestock.

Example: A Hand-Crank Flashlight

1. First Energy Conversion: Mechanical energy from turning the crank is converted into electrical energy through a generator inside the flashlight.
2. Second Energy Conversion: The electrical energy is then converted into light energy by the flashlight bulb.

This system is a great example of portable energy use, as it doesn’t rely on batteries or external power. It’s especially useful in emergencies.

By building and observing this system, you can see how energy is transformed and used efficiently. This project also helps you think about how renewable energy, like solar power, can reduce reliance on nonrenewable resources.

Completing this requirement for the Energy merit badge will help you understand real-world applications of energy conversion and how these systems power many things we use every day. Discuss your system with your counselor to explain what you learned and how the energy transformations take place.

Understanding Energy Efficiency in Everyday Systems

For the Energy merit badge, you need to explain how energy moves through a system to produce a useful result. This includes identifying the parts of the system, the energy source, the useful outcomes, and any energy losses. Here are three examples to help you understand and complete this requirement.

Example: A Car Engine

• Parts Affected by Energy Movement: The fuel tank, engine, pistons, wheels, and exhaust system.
• Primary Energy Source: Chemical energy in gasoline or diesel fuel.
• Useful Outcomes: The car moves, transporting people or goods.
• Energy Losses: Heat from the engine, friction in the moving parts, and sound from the engine and tires.

This shows how only a portion of the energy in fuel is converted into motion, with a significant amount lost as heat and friction.

Example: A Refrigerator

• Parts Affected by Energy Movement: Compressor, coolant, coils, and insulation.
• Primary Energy Source: Electrical energy.
• Useful Outcomes: Keeps food and drinks cool by removing heat from the inside of the refrigerator.
• Energy Losses: Heat released by the coils into the surrounding air and energy lost through imperfect insulation.

This system illustrates how energy is used to maintain a low temperature but loses efficiency through heat exchange and insulation gaps.

Example: A Home Heating System (Furnace)

• Parts Affected by Energy Movement: Burner, heat exchanger, ducts, and thermostat.
• Primary Energy Source: Chemical energy in natural gas, propane, or heating oil.
• Useful Outcomes: Warms the air in the home for comfort.
• Energy Losses: Heat lost through the ducts, walls, or windows, and inefficiencies in burning the fuel.

This example highlights the importance of energy-efficient insulation and modern heating systems to reduce energy loss.

By analyzing these systems, you’ll better understand energy efficiency and how to reduce energy losses. Completing this for the Energy merit badge will help you think critically about how energy is used and conserved in everyday life.

Conducting a Home Energy Audit for the Energy Merit Badge

For the Energy merit badge, you will perform an energy audit of your home and keep a 14-day log to track what your family does to save energy. This activity helps you learn how energy is used and how small changes can make a big difference.

Steps for the Energy Audit

1. Identify Energy Use: Look at how your family uses energy in your home. Check lighting, appliances, heating and cooling systems, and electronics.
2. Find Opportunities to Save Energy: Look for ways to reduce waste, like turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging unused devices, or using energy-efficient settings on appliances.
3. Keep a Log: For 14 days, write down what actions you and your family take to reduce energy use. Note things like adjusting the thermostat, using less hot water, or shortening shower times.

What to Include in Your Report

• Areas of High Energy Use: Identify where your family uses the most energy, such as heating, cooling, or appliances.
• Actions Taken: List what you and your family did to save energy. For example, you might switch to LED bulbs or use fans instead of air conditioning.
• Energy Savings: Reflect on how these actions may have reduced energy use or improved efficiency.

At the end of the 14 days, talk with your counselor about your findings. Share:

• What you learned about how energy is used in your home.
• How small changes made a difference.
• Any challenges you faced in reducing energy use.

This activity shows how energy habits affect your household and the environment. By completing this requirement for the Energy merit badge, you’ll better understand the importance of conserving energy and how to use it wisely.

Tracking the Types of Energy Your Family Uses

For the Energy merit badge, you’ll learn about the energy your family uses in your home or for transportation. This requirement helps you understand where energy comes from, how it’s measured, and how much it costs.

Option 1: Home Energy Use

List the types of energy used in your home. Here are some examples and details to include:

• Electricity: Delivered through power lines and measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The cost appears on your electric bill, usually shown as cents per kWh.
• Natural Gas: Delivered through underground pipelines and measured in cubic feet or therms. Your bill will show the price per therm.
• Heating Oil: Delivered by truck to a storage tank at your home. Measured in gallons, and the cost is based on how much you order.
• Propane (Liquid Petroleum): Delivered by truck to a tank or purchased in smaller containers. Measured in gallons, with costs depending on the supplier and amount.
• Wood: Delivered as logs or purchased in bundles. Measured in cords or bundles, with costs varying by region.

Write down how each type of energy is used, such as for heating, lighting, or cooking. Check your utility bills or receipts to find the cost and how the energy is measured.

Option 2: Transportation Fuel

Track the fuel your family uses for transportation. Include:

• Type of Fuel: Gasoline or diesel.
• Miles Driven: Record the distance traveled over a specific period.
• Miles Per Gallon (MPG): Note your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, which can often be found in the owner’s manual or displayed on the dashboard.
• Trips: Record the number of trips taken and their purposes, such as work, school, or errands.

This activity shows how much energy your family uses and what it costs. It helps you think about ways to save energy, like carpooling, combining trips, or using energy-efficient appliances.

By completing this requirement for the Energy merit badge, you’ll gain a better understanding of your family’s energy consumption and how you can make smarter energy choices. Discuss your findings with your counselor and share what you’ve learned about energy delivery, measurement, and costs.

Using Energy Resources Wisely and Sustainably

For the Energy merit badge, Scouts learn how to use energy resources more wisely and understand sustainable energy sources. This helps you and your family make smarter energy choices in daily life.

Ways to Save Energy at Home

Think about the energy required for everyday activities and find ways to reduce waste:

• Cooking: Use lids on pots to cook food faster and reduce heat loss. Use energy-efficient appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens for small meals.
• Showering: Take shorter showers and use a low-flow showerhead to save water and energy used to heat it.
• Lighting: Turn off lights when leaving a room and switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs.
• Electronics: Unplug devices when not in use or use a power strip to turn off multiple items at once. Set computers and TVs to energy-saving modes.
• Driving: Combine trips to save fuel and reduce emissions. Use fuel-efficient driving habits, like avoiding rapid acceleration and braking.

Understanding Sustainable Energy Sources

Sustainable energy comes from resources that can be replenished naturally and don’t run out, such as:

• Solar Power: Uses sunlight to generate electricity or heat water.
• Wind Power: Converts wind energy into electricity using turbines.
• Hydropower: Uses flowing water to generate electricity.

These energy sources are better for the environment because they reduce pollution and don’t rely on nonrenewable resources like coal or oil.

Reuse and Recycling for Energy Savings

Reusing and recycling items can reduce energy consumption in manufacturing and waste processing:

• Reuse: Instead of throwing away containers or bags, find ways to use them again. Donate old electronics or clothes instead of discarding them.
• Recycling: Recycling paper, plastic, metal, and glass reduces the energy needed to make new products from raw materials.

Making small changes in how you and your family use energy can add up to big savings and help protect the environment. Completing this requirement for the Energy merit badge teaches you how to be more mindful of energy use and how sustainable practices can make a positive impact. Share your ideas with your counselor and discuss how you’ve started using energy more wisely in your daily life.

Reducing Energy Waste in Your School or Community

For the Energy merit badge, identifying energy waste and suggesting solutions helps you understand how small changes can make a big difference. Here’s how to complete this requirement and address energy waste in your school or community.

Examples of Energy Waste and Solutions

• Leaving Lights On in Empty Rooms
  • Waste: Lights are often left on in classrooms, hallways, or bathrooms when no one is using them.
  • Solution: Install motion sensor lights or remind people to turn off lights when leaving.
• Inefficient Heating or Cooling
  • Waste: Windows are left open when the heat or air conditioning is on, or thermostats are set too high or low.
  • Solution: Encourage closing windows and setting thermostats to energy-efficient levels. Use weatherstripping to seal drafts.
• Idle Electronics
  • Waste: Computers, printers, and other electronics are left on or in standby mode overnight.
  • Solution: Set devices to shut down automatically or unplug them when not in use.
• Water Waste
  • Waste: Faucets in schools or community centers are left running unnecessarily, wasting energy to heat water.
  • Solution: Install low-flow faucets and encourage turning off taps when not in use.
• Inefficient Outdoor Lighting
  • Waste: Outdoor lights are left on during daylight hours.
  • Solution: Use timers or light sensors to turn outdoor lights on only when needed.

Trade-offs in energy use involve balancing convenience, cost, and habits with energy-saving measures. For example:

• Installing motion sensors saves energy but may require an upfront cost.
• Turning down the thermostat reduces heating bills but may require wearing warmer clothing indoors.

Benefits of Changes

• Lower Costs: Using less energy reduces utility bills.
• Reduced Pollution: Conserving energy cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
• Improved Community: Efficient energy use makes schools and public spaces more sustainable and sets a positive example.

People might resist changes because they disrupt routines or require extra effort. For example:

• Teachers or students may forget to turn off lights.
• Staff may worry about the cost or hassle of installing new systems.

Educating others about the benefits of reducing energy waste can help overcome resistance. Completing this requirement for the Energy merit badge shows how energy conservation benefits everyone and encourages practical solutions for your community.

Creating Pie Charts for Energy Merit Badge Requirements

For the Energy merit badge, you’ll create pie charts to represent energy data and explain their meaning. This helps you understand how energy is produced, used, and shared in the U.S. and globally. To complete this requirement, follow these tips to find reliable information for your charts.

Where to Find Current Data

• Energy Resources Supplying U.S. Energy: Check the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) website. Look for the “Primary Energy Consumption” breakdown by source, such as petroleum, natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables.
• Energy Resources from Other Countries: Use the EIA’s “Energy Imports and Exports” data. It includes the share of imported petroleum, natural gas, and other resources used in the U.S.
• Energy Use by Homes, Businesses, Industry, and Transportation: Look for the EIA’s “Consumption by Sector” section. This breaks down energy use into residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation categories.
• Fuels Used to Generate Electricity: Visit the EIA’s “Electricity Explained” pages. They show the fuel mix for electricity generation, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, and other renewables.
• Global Energy Reserves: Check the BP Statistical Review of World Energy or similar reports. They provide data on the world’s reserves of coal, oil, natural gas, and renewables.

Tips for Explaining Your Pie Charts

• Highlight Key Trends: Use your charts to show major trends, like reliance on fossil fuels, growing use of renewables, or import dependency.
• Discuss Cost and Alternatives: Explain how the cost of nonrenewable energy, like oil or coal, can drive the adoption of alternatives, such as wind or solar, which are becoming cheaper.
• Use Reliable Sources: Always cite where your data came from, such as government websites or credible energy reports.

By creating these charts and discussing them with your counselor, you’ll gain a better understanding of energy production and consumption. This activity for the Energy merit badge will help you think critically about energy use and sustainability.

Improving Energy Systems for Better Efficiency and Usability

For the Energy merit badge, understanding how energy systems are being improved is important. Here’s an overview of efforts to make various energy systems more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, along with the challenges they face.

Biomass Digesters or Waste-to-Energy Plants

• Technology: Converts organic waste into biogas or energy.
• Cost: Moderate setup costs, but ongoing savings from waste disposal and energy production.
• Environmental Impacts: Reduces landfill waste and methane emissions, but some emissions may occur during combustion.
• Safety Concerns: Proper handling of gases to prevent leaks or explosions.

Cogeneration Plants

• Technology: Produces electricity and captures waste heat for heating or industrial use.
• Cost: High initial cost, but efficient use of fuel reduces long-term energy expenses.
• Environmental Impacts: Improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions compared to separate heat and power systems.
• Safety Concerns: Requires careful maintenance to ensure heat recovery systems work safely.

Fossil Fuel Power Plants

• Technology: Advanced turbines and carbon capture technology are being developed.
• Cost: Retrofitting for carbon capture can be expensive.
• Environmental Impacts: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions but still relies on nonrenewable resources.
• Safety Concerns: Pollution and the risk of accidents during extraction and transport of fuels.

Fuel Cells

• Technology: Converts hydrogen into electricity through an electrochemical process.
• Cost: Expensive due to the need for high-purity hydrogen and advanced materials.
• Environmental Impacts: Produces water as a byproduct; clean if hydrogen comes from renewable sources.
• Safety Concerns: Hydrogen storage and transport must prevent leaks and explosions.

Geothermal Power Plants

• Technology: Extracts heat from the earth using advanced drilling and heat exchange systems.
• Cost: High upfront costs but low operating costs.
• Environmental Impacts: Minimal emissions, but drilling can affect land stability and groundwater.
• Safety Concerns: Potential for earthquakes in some areas.

Nuclear Power Plants

• Technology: Improvements in reactor designs, including small modular reactors and fusion research.
• Cost: High construction and decommissioning costs, but low operating costs.
• Environmental Impacts: No greenhouse gas emissions, but radioactive waste disposal is a concern.
• Safety Concerns: Risk of accidents and long-term waste storage issues.

Solar Power Systems

• Technology: Advances in photovoltaic efficiency, battery storage, and concentrated solar power.
• Cost: Installation costs are falling, and incentives are available.
• Environmental Impacts: Clean energy, but manufacturing solar panels involves some environmental costs.
• Safety Concerns: Minimal safety risks during operation.

Tidal, Wave, or Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Devices

• Technology: Harness energy from ocean movements or temperature differences.
• Cost: High due to the complexity of installations in marine environments.
• Environmental Impacts: May affect marine ecosystems.
• Safety Concerns: Challenges with durability and maintenance in saltwater conditions.

Wind Turbines

• Technology: Larger, more efficient turbines and offshore installations.
• Cost: Costs are decreasing, especially for large-scale projects.
• Environmental Impacts: Clean energy, but may affect bird and bat populations.
• Safety Concerns: Structural safety during extreme weather conditions.

By learning about these improvements for the Energy merit badge, you’ll see how technology, cost, and environmental considerations shape energy systems. Discuss these factors with your counselor to understand the trade-offs involved in energy production and use.

Exploring Careers in Energy

For the Energy merit badge, Scouts can explore various career opportunities in the energy field. These careers focus on producing, managing, and conserving energy and are important for meeting the world’s growing energy needs. Here are some paths to consider:

• Renewable Energy Technician: Work with solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable systems to install, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Energy Engineer: Design and develop technologies to improve energy efficiency or create new energy systems.
• Environmental Scientist: Study the effects of energy production on the environment and help develop cleaner energy practices.
• Utility Worker: Maintain and operate the power grid, ensuring reliable electricity delivery to homes and businesses.
• Nuclear Technician or Engineer: Support the operation of nuclear power plants or research advancements in nuclear energy.
• Geothermal Specialist: Explore and develop geothermal energy projects to harness heat from the earth.
• Energy Policy Analyst: Research and develop policies that promote sustainable energy use and conservation.
• Energy Auditor: Help businesses and homeowners identify ways to save energy and lower costs.
• Petroleum or Natural Gas Engineer: Develop methods for extracting and refining oil or natural gas more efficiently.

Energy careers are growing fields with many opportunities for innovation and advancement. Learning about these paths during the Energy merit badge can help Scouts identify roles that match their interests in technology, science, or the environment.

Discuss these options with your counselor as part of completing the Energy merit badge and explore how your skills and interests might fit into this exciting and important field.

Science Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Science troop program feature helps Scouts explore how science impacts our world. Through hands-on activities, group investigations, and exciting Main Events, Scouts learn to ask questions, form hypotheses, and test their ideas. This program builds critical thinking skills and encourages curiosity about topics like chemistry, physics, and life science. Scouts can also engage with fun games, discussions about science fiction, and challenges that deepen their understanding of real-world science.

Participating in the Science troop program feature can connect Scouts to other opportunities, like earning the Energy merit badge. Exploring science helps Scouts appreciate the role of energy in our lives and how different technologies work. The program also supports advanced experiences, such as assisting with research or debating scientific theories. By combining practical experiments and creative problem-solving, Scouts gain skills that are useful for the Energy merit badge and future learning.

More Merit Badge Resources

Merit badges let Scouts explore a wide range of interests, from outdoor skills and science to hobbies and future careers. With more than 100 merit badges to choose from, Scouts can learn about sports, crafts, business, and more. You don’t need to have advanced in rank to start earning merit badges, so any Scout can dive into topics that spark curiosity. For example, the Energy merit badge helps Scouts explore how energy works, its environmental impact, and ways to use it wisely.

Earning merit badges like the Energy merit badge gives Scouts hands-on experience and practical knowledge they can use in everyday life. Whether learning about nature, technology, or creative skills, merit badges help Scouts grow in confidence and discover new passions. Talk to your Scoutmaster to learn more about available badges and find ones that match your interests.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA is a program for youth aged 11 to 17 that focuses on building character, leadership, and life skills. Scouts participate in activities like camping, hiking, and service projects while learning teamwork and responsibility through the patrol system. They also explore new interests by earning merit badges, such as the Energy merit badge, which teaches about energy use and conservation. The program helps Scouts grow in confidence and prepare for the future.

Advancement is a key part of Scouts BSA, encouraging youth to learn new skills and progress through the ranks. Along the way, Scouts can earn badges like the Energy merit badge, which connects science and practical problem-solving. Whether through outdoor adventures, leadership opportunities, or service projects, Scouts BSA helps young people gain knowledge and develop the values of the Scout Oath and Law, preparing them for success in life.

What is the Energy merit badge about?

The Energy merit badge helps Scouts learn how energy is produced, used, and conserved. It teaches about different energy sources, how energy affects the environment, and ways to use energy more wisely.

What are the main requirements for the Energy merit badge?

Scouts complete activities like tracking energy use at home, exploring energy conversions, and learning about energy careers. They also create charts, do an energy audit, and discuss ways to save energy.

Do I need to know a lot about science to earn the Energy merit badge?

No, you just need to be curious and willing to learn. The badge introduces energy concepts in a way that’s easy to understand.

What kinds of activities are part of the Energy merit badge?

Activities include keeping a log of energy use, building a system that shows energy conversions, and creating pie charts about energy resources. You’ll also research careers and explore ways to save energy.

How does the Energy merit badge help Scouts?

It helps Scouts understand how energy works in everyday life. It also teaches practical skills like conserving energy, analyzing data, and thinking critically about energy choices.

What is an example of an energy system for the Energy merit badge?

An example is a solar-powered fan. The system converts sunlight into electricity with a solar panel, then the electricity powers the fan to create airflow.

Why is it important to save energy?

Saving energy lowers costs, reduces pollution, and helps protect the environment. Scouts learn about these benefits while working on the Energy merit badge.

What careers can Scouts explore for the Energy merit badge?

Careers include renewable energy technician, energy engineer, utility worker, and environmental scientist. Scouts can research these paths to find one that matches their interests.

Where can I find information to complete the Energy merit badge?

You can use websites like the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) or visit local energy facilities, such as power plants or solar farms. Your counselor can also provide guidance.

What do I learn about renewable energy in the Energy merit badge?

You’ll learn how renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal energy work. You’ll also explore how they reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.

The Energy merit badge teaches Scouts about the power that runs our world. It’s all about learning where energy comes from, how we use it, and how to save it. Scouts explore different energy sources like coal, solar, wind, and nuclear power. They also learn about the environmental impact of energy use and why renewable energy is so important.

This badge includes hands-on activities like tracking energy use at home, building a system to show energy conversions, and making charts to explain energy facts. Scouts investigate energy waste, suggest solutions, and learn how small changes can make a big difference.

Earning the Energy merit badge also introduces Scouts to energy-related careers. They explore jobs in renewable energy, engineering, and environmental science. Along the way, Scouts develop skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis.

The Energy merit badge helps Scouts understand how energy connects to everything they do. It’s a fun and practical way to learn how to conserve energy and protect the environment.