STEM/Nova Counselors What NOVA counselors should know about the STEM/Nova BSA Program Presented By: Peter R. Everitt CCC STEM Coordinator

STEM/Nova  S.T.E.M. – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is a program to promote interest in these sciences by youth.  STEM is not new to BSA we have had merit badges and activities related to the sciences since the inception of scouting. STEM just adds more program alternatives.  To reward emphasis in this area, the Nova award system was developed by BSA to recognize those scouts that choose to work in more detail in these areas.  Many of the requirements for the Nova awards are requirements for the different scout advancement such as earning belt loops and merit badges.  Units determine the success of the STEM/Nova program by their adoption of the STEM modules and support of Nova Counselors.

Recognition Programs (Nova) While STEM was not developed by BSA, Nova the award program was developed by BSA.  Nova is a program that has three modules for each of the scouting programs – Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting and Venturing  Scouts complete the worksheet for that Nova module with the help of a Unit Nova Counselor.  Once completed, the scout is recognized by the unit and receives a patch or a pin for his accomplishment.

Nova Counselor  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. They must be registered under the new non-unit position and no fee is required. The Nova counselor code is 58. We would like all units to have at least one registered Nova Counselor.  Important: All Nova counselors must have current BSA Youth Protection Training and certification appropriate for the programs being administered (Cub and Boy Scout Y01, Venturing Y02).  Once you have your Youth Protection Training Certificate - fill out an Adult Registration Form using Code 58. Provide both of these to the registrar and you will be registered as a Nova Counselor.

What to expect…  Nova Counselors should meet with the individual (remember two deep leadership) to review the requirements of the Nova module.  The counselor should make sure the scout understand the requirements and is ready to complete the required work.  Once the work is completed, it should be reviewed with the counselor to ensure it was completed satisfactory.  Once the scout has completed all of the requirement, the unit leader and advancement committee member should be informed to ensure the records are updated and the proper recognition is provided.

Best Practice for Nova Counselor  Nova Counselors should work with the Unit leaders to coordinate times when scouts can meet with the counselors to review their progress.  Select one specific week which your unit meets and arrive 30 minutes early or stay thirty minutes late to meet with scouts. (For instance, if your unit meets every Tuesday at 7:00pm, you agree to be available the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm to provide Nova Counseling.)  That's a few hours a month to be a counselor. If there is more than one counselor - all counselors for the unit can agree on the same day, you can have a STEM night starting with counseling and having a guest STEM speaker for your unit.

Sample Nova Requirement Science Everywhere (Cub Scouts) This module is designed to help you explore how science affects your life each day. Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements. Watch an episode or episodes (about one hour total) of a show about anything related to science. Then do the following: Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you watched. 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. Read (about one hour total) about anything related to science. Then do the following: Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read. 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.owlkids.com Do a combination of reading and watching (about one hour total) about anything related to science. Then do the following: Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read and watched. Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor. Complete ONE belt loop or pin from the following list. (Choose one that you have not already earned.)

STEM/Nova Program ScienceTechnologyEngineeringMathematics Cub Scouts, WebelosScience EverywhereTech TalkSwing!1-2-3 Go! Boy Scouts, VarsityShoot!Start Your EnginesWhoosh!Designed to Crunch Venture ScoutsLaunch!Power UpHang On!Numbers Don’t Lie Teacher and Coach Verify requirements for awards are met Verify safety and youth protection

Characteristics and Needs of Scouts ProgramAge and ExperienceGroup StructureLearning Styles Cub Scouts, Webelos Boys 8 – 10 years old Grade 2 – 4 Little math or science contact Generally in Dens of 4 – 8 Scouts adult leader See and do Tactile and visual Structured Learning Open to everything – no preconceived notions Boy Scouts Boys 11 – 18 years old Grade 5 – 12 Some math and science education Small groups of 2 to 8, with a buddy Youth leader See and do Tactile and visual Use EDGE teaching method Eager to explore new worlds Science may be seen as “too hard” Varsity Scouts, Venturers Young Men and /or Women 13 – 20 years old Grades 8+ Groups of 2* or more with a buddy Youth leader See and do Reflection, research, brainstorm Self directed – Counselor is a team leader Emulate adult as role model Science and Math may be seen as “un-cool” * One-on-one contact with Scout is prohibited by Youth Protection Policies

Can you offer Nova Modules to Groups? Yes, as long as you are careful that each youth demonstrates completion of each requirement. Many elements of the Nova Awards are ideal for group activities, especially visits to STEM destinations and participation in hands-on activities. However, each youth must demonstrate completion of each requirement, independent of the other youth in the unit. There are many ways in which group activities derail this intent, so special care must be taken to ensure that each youth has the opportunity to demonstrate his/her own thoughts, work, efforts, and so on. For example, many requirements include the directive "discuss with your Nova Counselor". This means that EACH youth must have a discussion with a Nova Counselor. A group discussion is not okay, because often one kid dominates, the shy kids don't participate, and any kid who speaks up after the first can essentially say, "I agree with Scout A." As another example, some requirements ask the youth to build or design a widget. Again, EACH youth must build or design his/her own widget. If a group of 4 Scouts works together to build a single widget, that does not qualify the 4 Scouts to each have that requirement checked off.

BSA Main STEM Info – Coastal Carolina Web Site – Look for: Activities/’STEM/NOVA’ There is a powerpoint here: “STEM Overview for Unit” Coastal Carolina Facebook Page – Additional Information Additional Questions Contact: Peter R. Everitt – CCC STEM Coordinator