STEM in Scouting Past, Present and Future Mark L. Stolowitz, Ph.D. Chair, National STEM/Nova Committee

Scouting has always taught survival skills, but today’s youth need STEM literacy to survive in the future. STEM in Scouting offers the unique opportunity to experience science, technology, engineering and mathematics in tandem with character development, leadership training, and ethical decision-making. Within the framework of the Aims and Methods of Scouting, STEM encourages exploration of future career opportunities, hobbies and interests. Councils that embrace STEM in their core scouting programs attract more members with greater diversity and promote new and expanded community partnerships. As a consequence of these partnerships, increasing sources of membership, leadership, community and financial support can be realized. STEM in Scouting – Survival Skills for the Future

Learning Objectives:  The STEM problem  The BSA Response  The NOVA and Supernova Programs  Impact of STEM upon recruiting  Impact of STEM upon community involvement  STEM at BSA’s National Bases  A Scout Executive’s View 4 STEM in Scouting

The STEM Problem The USA has fallen behind in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)  In 2010, only 43% of U.S. high school graduates were ready for college work in math and only 29% were ready in science  STEM education is an economic imperative  Experts say that technological innovation accounted for almost half of all U.S. economic growth over the past 50 years, and almost all of the 30 fastest- growing occupations in the next decade will require at least some background in STEM  The National Science Foundation projects that 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require math and science skills  STEM literacy has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives 5

STEM in Scouting STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics  Advancement in Scouting has always included STEM-related content, but this content was often hidden in other activities  Scouting focuses on the outdoor program, and STEM is part of the outdoor program as well (e.g., Environmental Science, Botany, Astronomy, Weather, etc.) 6

Science: Astronomy Engineering Math: Geometry Science: Chemistry Technology: Ax Can you locate the STEM in Scouting?

The BSA Response The BSA created the Nova and Supernova Awards Programs to encourage youth participants to explore opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics  Awards introduced in July 2012  Supported by Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Venturer guidebooks  Require adult participation as Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors 8

What Are Nova Awards? 9

Nova and Supernova Programs Nova Program  Based on accomplishment of existing program activities (adventures, merit badges, Venturing activity areas)  Extends and enhances existing program activities  Adult counselors familiar with STEM topics guide explorations and provide advancement quality control Supernova Program  Significant accomplishment, extending program activities  Learn some fundamentals of the topic areas  Do original STEM investigations and projects  Adult mentors who are accomplished STEM practitioners guide explorations and provide advancement quality control 10

STEM - Nova Awards (so far!) 11 ScienceTechnologyEngineeringMathematics Cub Scouts, Webelos Science Everywhere Down & Dirty NOVA Wild! Out of this World Tech TalkSwing!1-2-3 Go! Boy Scouts, Varsity Shoot!Start Your Engines Whoosh!Designed to Crunch Venture & Sea Scouts Launch!Power UpHang On!Numbers Don’t Lie

NOVA Program Activities – An Example “Shoot” Nova Award Activities: 1.Watch TV or read about science, collect questions and ideas, discuss with counselor (3 hours) 2.Complete ONE Merit Badge: Archery, Astronomy, Athletics, Aviation, Rifle Shooting, Robotics, Shotgun Shooting, Space Exploration, Weather 3.Discover (study) or use a computer simulation to study projectile velocity 4.Visit an observatory or flight, aviation or space museum; Find a satellite and observe it 5.Build a catapult; Design a pitching machine; Design and build a marble run. Discuss your design, data, and experiments with your counselor. 6.Discuss with counselor how science affects your life. “Shoot” Nova Award Activities: 1.Watch TV or read about science, collect questions and ideas, discuss with counselor (3 hours) 2.Complete ONE Merit Badge: Archery, Astronomy, Athletics, Aviation, Rifle Shooting, Robotics, Shotgun Shooting, Space Exploration, Weather 3.Discover (study) or use a computer simulation to study projectile velocity 4.Visit an observatory or flight, aviation or space museum; Find a satellite and observe it 5.Build a catapult; Design a pitching machine; Design and build a marble run. Discuss your design, data, and experiments with your counselor. 6.Discuss with counselor how science affects your life.

13 Supernova Awards

SUPERNOVA Program Activities – An Example 14 Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award Activities: 1.Must be First Class Scout or higher rank 2.Earn at least three Boy Scout NOVA awards 3.Earn Scholarship Merit Badge and four Merit Badges from approved list 4.Complete two Supernova activity topics: Each topic includes research, preparation, set up, coordination, organization, analysis, reflection, reporting 5.Participate in science fair or math competition 6.Shadow science professional or explore a science career and present 7.Present NOVA program to Cub Scout den or other youth group 8.Review scientific method and use it to examine a selected topic Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award Activities: 1.Must be First Class Scout or higher rank 2.Earn at least three Boy Scout NOVA awards 3.Earn Scholarship Merit Badge and four Merit Badges from approved list 4.Complete two Supernova activity topics: Each topic includes research, preparation, set up, coordination, organization, analysis, reflection, reporting 5.Participate in science fair or math competition 6.Shadow science professional or explore a science career and present 7.Present NOVA program to Cub Scout den or other youth group 8.Review scientific method and use it to examine a selected topic

Present the Award Nova awards are typically presented at Pak Meeting or Court of Honor Supernova awards are typically presented at District or Council recognition events 15

STEM and the Aims and Methods of Scouting Character Citizenship Fitness 16

Character Improve intellectual curiosity Improve self-reliance Impart skills to help others Citizenship Fitness 17 STEM and the Aims and Methods of Scouting

Character Citizenship As a pathway to building a better community To help ensure the economic and technological security of our nation Fitness 18 STEM and the Aims and Methods of Scouting

Character Citizenship Fitness By increasing mental acuity and leadership 19 STEM and the Aims and Methods of Scouting

The Methods of Scouting Ideals of Scouting (Oath, Law, Motto, etc.) Patrol (Den, Crew) Method Outdoor Program Advancement Association with Adults Personal Growth Leadership Development Uniform Nova Program 20

Potential impact of STEM upon Recruiting 21 The inclusion of STEM-related activities at the Unit, District and Council level:  Broadens Scouting’s appeal amongst parents focused on preparing their children to be competitive in the future  Enables youth to explore future career opportunities in high growth industries  Has the impact of broadening Scouting’s program to include additional content perceived to be of contemporary relevance  Provides a STEM experience that includes elements of character development, leadership training and ethical decision making

Potential impact of STEM upon Councils The Inclusion of STEM-related activities at the District and Council level:  Provides opportunities to engage with high tech product development and manufacturing companies  Provides opportunities to develop partnerships with local middle and high schools with STEM-based programs  Provides opportunities to develop partnerships with engineering, science and mathematics departments at colleges and universities  Provides opportunities to develop partnerships with local chapters of professional societies

How to get started How to get started:  Organize a Council STEM Committee Requires authorization from Council Executive Board STEM is a Program Committee under Council VP for Program  Organize District or Council STEM-related activities around Nova Awards  Include STEM-related activities at Camp Nova Awards STEM-related Merit Badges  Recruit and provide training for Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors  Recognize recipients of Nova and Supernova Awards at District and Council and recognition events

How the BSA can help New support publications available soon:  District and Council STEM Guide  Cub Scout Pack STEM Guide  Boy Scout Troop STEM Guide Training available at National Bases:  Philmont Training Center  Summit Bechtel Reserve  Florida Sea Base

STEM in Scouting:  Addresses the STEM problem  The BSA Response - NOVA and Supernova Programs  Impact of STEM upon Recruiting  Impact of STEM upon Councils  How to get started  How the BSA can help  A Scout Executive’s View… 25 Summary - STEM in Scouting

A Scout Executive’s View Ron Green Scout Executive/CEO Greater St. Louis Area Council