STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. From archery to welding, Scouts can't help but enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.

Why STEM?

We live in a time of great opportunity. The spirit of innovation can help us overcome challenges and ensure a prosperous and secure future. To seize this opportunity, we must position ourselves at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological innovation.

Yet our country is falling behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is why many professionals and educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics believe the United States should do more now than ever to encourage students to enter STEM-related fields. These experts say our young people need strong STEM skills to compete in the world market. We must work together to cultivate the next generation of critical thinkers and innovators.

Ten-year employment projections by the U.S. Department of Labor show that of the 20 fastest-growing occupations projected for 2014, 15 of them require significant mathematics or science preparation.

STEM Is the future

Fostering a strong STEM education is our best opportunity to boost the spirit of innovation. It's what we need to help ensure this country continues on a prosperous and secure journey. STEM literacy is also critical because it has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. Nature, space exploration, and any STEM-related interest reveals to us the beauty and power of the world we inhabit.

What Are the Nova Awards?

The Boy Scouts of America developed the Nova Awards program to excite and expand a sense of wonder in our Scouts. By working with an adult counselor or mentor, the various modules allow them to explore the basic principles of STEM and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be. The Supernova awards are offered for those who enjoy a super challenge. For more information about STEM and the Nova Awards program, visit www.scouting.org/stem. Discover how the Nova Awards program helps youth be "Prepared. For Life."

	Please use the Advancement Report, No.34403, as documentation for the Nova Award. Submit the Supernova Award Application , below, as instructed in the requirements. Submit any questions regarding the Nova or Supernova awards to program.content@scouting.org
	Science Everywhere This module is designed to help you explore how science affects your life each day. 1.      Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements. A.     Watch an episode or episodes (about one hour total) of a show about anything related to science. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you watched. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. Some examples include—but are not limited to—shows found on PBS ("NOVA"), Discovery Channel, Science Channel, National Geographic Channel, TED Talks (online videos), and the History Channel. You may choose to watch a live performance or movie at a planetarium or science museum instead of watching a media production. You may watch online productions with your counselor's approval and under your parent's supervision. B.     Read (about one hour total) about anything related to science. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. Books on many topics may be found at your local library. Examples of magazines include but are not limited to Odyssey, KIDS DISCOVER, National Geographic Kids, Highlights, and OWL or owlkids.com . C.     Do a combination of reading and watching (about one hour total) about anything related to science. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read and watched. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. 2.      Complete ONE belt loop or pin from the following list. (Choose one that you have not already earned.) Astronomy Nutrition Collecting Pet Care Geography Photography Geology Science Map and Compass Weather Mathematics Wildlife Conservation 3.      Act like a scientist! Do EACH of the following: A.     With your counselor, choose a question you would like to investigate. Here are some examples only (you may get other ideas from your belt loop or pin activities): 1.      Why do rockets have fins? Is there any connection between the feathers on arrows and fins on rockets? 2.      Why do some cars have spoilers? How do spoilers work? 3.      If there is a creek or stream in your neighborhood, where does it go? Does your stream flow to the Atlantic or the Pacific ocean? With your parent's or guardian's permission and assistance, you may want to use an online mapping application to follow the streams and rivers to the ocean. Keep track of the names of the streams, lakes, and rivers connecting your stream to the ocean. Is it possible for you to find out the name of your watershed? Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling C. Holling is a fun book on this topic. 4.      Is the creek or stream in your neighborhood or park polluted? You can do a stream sample to find out what kinds of things are living in the water and under the rocks. Some things can survive in polluted water; others can live only in clean water. You can discover if a stream is polluted by finding out what lives there. 5.      What other activity can you think of that involves some kind of scientific questions or investigation? B.     With a parent or your counselor, use the scientific method/process to investigate your question. Keep records of your question, the information you found, how you investigated, and what you found out about your question. You may do 3B with another Cub Scout if you would like, but you need to do and record your own work. C.     Discuss your investigation and findings with your counselor. 4.      Visit a place where science is being done, used, or explained, such as one of the following: zoo, aquarium, water treatment plant, observatory, science museum, weather station, fish hatchery, or any other location where science is being done, used, or explained. A.     During your visit, talk to someone in charge about science. B.     Discuss with your counselor the science done, used, or explained at the place you visited. 5.      Discuss with your counselor how science affects your everyday life.
	Tech Talk This module is designed to help you explore how technology affects your life each day. 1.      Look up a definition of the word technology and discuss the meaning with your counselor. 2.      Discuss EACH of the following with your counselor. A.     How technology is used in EACH of the following fields: 1.      Communication 2.      Business 3.      Construction 4.      Sports 5.      Entertainment B.     Tell why technology is important. 3.      Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements. A.     Watch an episode or episodes (about one hour total) of a show about anything related to technology. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you watched. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. Some examples include—but are not limited to—shows found on PBS ("NOVA"), Discovery Channel, Science Channel, National Geographic Channel, TED Talks (online videos), and the History Channel. You may choose to watch a live performance or movie at a planetarium or science museum instead of watching a media production. You may watch online productions with your counselor's approval and under your parent's supervision. B.     Read (about one hour total) about anything related to technology. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. C.     Do a combination of reading and watching (about one hour total) about anything related to technology. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read and watched. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. Books on many topics may be found at your local library. Examples of magazines include but are not limited to Odyssey, KIDS DISCOVER, National Geographic Kids, Highlights, and OWL or owlkids.com . 4.      Complete ONE belt loop or pin from the following list. (Choose one that you have not already earned.) Astronomy Mathematics BB-gun Shooting Music Bicycling Photography Bowling Snow Ski and Board Sports Computers Video Games Map and Compass   5.      What technology is used in your belt loop or pin? A.     Discuss with your counselor how you think this technology: 1.      Was invented 2.      Could be made better B.     Discuss your ideas about technology with your counselor. 6.      Visit a place where technology is being designed, used, or explained, such as one of the following: an amusement park, a police or fire station, a radio or television station, a newspaper office, a factory or store, or any other location where technology is being designed, used, or explained. A.     During your visit, talk to someone in charge about the following: 1.      The technologies used where you are visiting 2.      Why the organization is using these technologies B.     Discuss with your counselor the technology that is designed, used, or explained at the place you visited. 7.      Discuss with your counselor how technology affects your everyday life.
	Swing! This module is designed to help you explore how engineering and simple machines called levers affect your life each day. 1.      Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements. A.     Watch an episode or episodes (about one hour total) of a show about anything related to motion or machines. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you watched. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. Some examples include—but are not limited to—shows found on PBS ("NOVA"), Discovery Channel, Science Channel, National Geographic Channel, TED Talks (online videos), and the History Channel. You may choose to watch a live performance or movie at a planetarium or science museum instead of watching a media production. You may watch online productions with your counselor's approval and under your parent's supervision. B.     Read (about one hour total) about anything related to motion or machines. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. Books on many topics may be found at your local library. Examples of magazines include but are not limited to Odyssey, KIDS DISCOVER, National Geographic Kids, Highlights, and OWL or owlkids.com . C.     Do a combination of reading and watching (about one hour total) about anything related to motion or machines. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read and watched. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. 2.      Complete ONE belt loop or pin from the following list. (Choose one that you have not already earned.) Badminton Mathematics Baseball Softball BB-gun Shooting Table Tennis Fishing Tennis Golf Ultimate Hockey   3.      Levers A.     Make a list or drawing of the three types of levers. (A lever is one kind of simple machine.) B.     Be able to tell your counselor: 1.      The class of each lever 2.      How each lever works C.     With your counselor, discuss: 1.      The type of lever that is involved with the motion for the belt loop or pin you chose for requirement 2 2.      What you learned about levers and motion from earning your belt loop or pin 3.      Why we use levers 4.      Do the following: A.     Visit a place that uses levers, such as a playground, carpentry shop, construction site, restaurant kitchen, or any other location that uses levers. B.     Discuss with your counselor the equipment or tools that use levers in the place you visited. Visitations to places like carpentry shops, construction sites,restaurant kitchens, etc., will require advance planning by the counselor. The counselor should call ahead to make arrangements, and make plans to have appropriate supervision of all Scouts. The site will very likely have rules and instructions that must be followed. The counselor should help ensure that all the participants are aware of and follow those rules. This may include safety procedures and other instructions. 5.      Do EACH of the following: A.     On your own, design, including a drawing, sketch, or model, ONE of the following: 1.      A playground fixture that uses a lever 2.      A game or sport that uses a lever 3.      An invention that uses a lever B.     Discuss with your counselor how the lever in your design will move something. 6.      Discuss with your counselor how levers affect your everyday life.
	1-2-3 Go! This module is designed to help you explore how math affects your life each day. Math and physics are used in almost every kind of invention,including cars, airplanes, and telescopes. Math also includes cryptography,the use of secret codes. 1.      Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements. A.     Watch an episode or episodes (about one hour total) of a show that involves math or physics. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you watched. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. B.     Read (about one hour total) about anything that involves math or physics. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. Some examples include—but are not limited to—shows found on PBS ("NOVA"), Discovery Channel, Science Channel, National Geographic Channel, TED Talks (online videos), and the History Channel. You may choose to watch a live performance or movie at a planetarium or science museum instead of watching a media production. You may watch online productions with your counselor's approval and under your parent's supervision. Books on many topics may be found at your local library. Examples of magazines include but are not limited to Odyssey, KIDS DISCOVER, National Geographic Kids, Highlights, and OWL or owlkids.com . C.     Do a combination of reading and watching (about one hour total) about anything that involves math or physics. Then do the following: 1.      Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read and watched. 2.      Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. 2.      Complete the Mathematics OR Computers pin. 3.      Choose TWO options from A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements for those options. Keep your work to share with your counselor. The necessary information to make your calculations can be found in a book or on the Internet. (See the Helpful Links box for ideas.) You may work with a parent or your counselor on these calculations. A.     Choose TWO of the following places and calculate how much you would weigh there. 1.      On the sun or the moon 2.      On Jupiter or Pluto 3.      On a planet that you choose B.     Choose ONE of the following and calculate its height: 1.      A tree 2.      Your house 3.      A building of your choice C.     Calculate the volume of air in your bedroom. Make sure your measurements have the same units—all feet or all inches—and show your work. Volume = Length × Width × Height 4.      Secret Codes A.     Look up, then discuss with your counselor each of the following: 1.      Cryptography 2.      At least three ways secret codes or ciphers are made 3.      How secret codes and ciphers relate to mathematics B.     Design a secret code or cipher. Then do the following: 1.      Write a message in your code or cipher. 2.      Share your code or cipher with your counselor. 5.      Discuss with your counselor how math affects your everyday life.
	Cub Scout Supernova Award To earn the Cub Scout Supernova award, you must be a Bear or Wolf Cub Scout who is active with a den. With your parent's and unit leader's help, you must select a council-approved mentor who is a registered Scouter. You may NOT choose your parent or your unit leader (unless the mentor is working with more than one youth). A Note to the Counselor The Cub Scout Supernova award recognizes superior achievement by a Cub Scout in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). All experiments or projects should be conducted using the highest level of safety protocol and always under the supervision of a qualified, responsible adult. Tiger Cubs are not eligible to earn the Cub Scout Supernova award. Although it is not a requirement, it is recommended that you earn at least two of the four Nova awards for Cub Scouts before earning the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award. Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award For Cub Scouts This Supernova award can be earned by Cub Scouts like you who want to soar in science. Requirements 1.      Earn the Science AND Mathematics Cub Scout academic pins. 2.      Earn THREE of the following Cub Scout academic pins: Astronomy, Computers, Geography, Geology, Map and Compass, Nutrition, Pet Care, Photography, Reading and Writing, Video Games, Weather, and Wildlife Conservation. 3.      Find interesting facts about Dr. Luis W. Alvarez using resources in your school or local library or on the Internet (with your parent's or guardian's permission and guidance). Then discuss what you learn with your mentor, including answers to the following questions: What very important award did Dr. Alvarez earn? What was his famous theory about dinosaurs? 4.      Find out about three other famous scientists, technology innovators, engineers, or mathematicians approved by your mentor. Discuss what you learned with your mentor. 5.      Speak with your teacher(s) at school (or your parents if you are home-schooled) OR one of your Cub Scout leaders about your interest in earning the Cub Scout Supernova award. Ask them why they think math and science are important in your education. Discuss what you learn with your mentor. 6.      Participate in a science project or experiment in your classroom or school OR do a special science project approved by your teacher. Discuss this activity with your mentor. 7.      Do ONE of the following: A.     Visit with someone who works in a STEM-related career. Discuss what you learned with your mentor. B.     Learn about a career that depends on knowledge about science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Discuss what you learned with your mentor. 8.      Learn about the scientific method (or scientific process). Discuss this with your mentor, and include a simple demonstration to show what you learned. 9.      Participate in a Nova- or other STEM-related activity in your Cub Scout den or pack meeting that is conducted by a Boy Scout or Venturer who is working on his or her Supernova award. If this is not possible, participate in another Nova- or STEM-related activity in your den or pack meeting. 10.   Submit an application for the Cub Scout Supernova award to the district Nova or advancement committee for approval.

 

 

Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors

With the introduction of the new Nova and Supernova awards comes a fresh opportunity for volunteer positions. A Nova counselor can be any registered adult age 21 or older. Supernova mentors must be 21 or older and be subject matter experts in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field and be registered under the new Supernova Mentor position code 52. This is a nonunit position and requires no fee. In addition to the BSA Adult Registration form, mentors must complete the Supernova Awards Mentor Information application.

All Nova counselors and Supernova mentors must have current BSA Youth Protection training and certification appropriate for the programs being administered (Cub and Boy Scout Y01, Venturing Y02).

This training can be taken online at http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx.

For more information on the Nova counselor and Supernova mentor positions, click on this link to view a PowerPoint presentation.

Questions may presented to program.content@scouting.org.