National Capital Area Council 11/4/2017 S T E M Nova Awards Supernova Awards National Capital Area Council

Review of the BSA STEM Initiative: The Nova / Supernova Awards Program 11/4/2017 Content STEM – What and Why? Review of the BSA STEM Initiative: The Nova / Supernova Awards Program NCAC Implementation & Value-Added Initiatives

STEM in Scouting It’s always been there!

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics 11/4/2017 WHAT is STEM? Science Technology Engineering Mathematics New approach to education Revolutionize the teaching mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum STEM is a meta-discipline “Interdisciplinary” is a more common term Brings together science, technology, engineering, and math Offers a student-centered, inquiry-based method of addressing and solving problems Deepens the understanding of concepts by presenting them in a real-world context STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics. It is a new approach and has revolutionize the teaching of mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum STEM is a meta-discipline (beyond) “Interdisciplinary” is a more common term Brings together science, technology, engineering, and math Offers a student-centered, inquiry-based method of addressing and solving problems in a more real word context.

Why Suddenly STEM? The STEM Education Decision 11/4/2017 Why Suddenly STEM? The STEM Education Decision 80% of STEM college students made the decision to study STEM in high school or earlier 20% of STEM college students decided to study STEM in middle school or earlier 61% of male STEM college students say that games or toys sparked their interest in STEM—the top factor for men STEM Perceptions: Student & Parent Survey Harris Interactive online survey of 500 STEM college students and 854 parents of K-12 students, May 2011 80% of STEM college students made the decision to study STEM in high school or earlier 20% of STEM college students decided to study STEM in middle school or earlier 61% of male STEM college students say that games or toys sparked their interest in STEM—the top factor for men

Why Suddenly STEM? Outside the Classroom 11/4/2017 Why Suddenly STEM? Outside the Classroom Strong correlation between a continuing interest in science and children’s early engagement with science outside of an instructional setting [emphasis added] Results did not significantly differ by gender Math And Science Motivation: A Longitudinal Examination Of The Links Between Choices And Beliefs. Simpkins, S. D., Davis-Kean, P. E. & Eccles, J. S. Dev. Psych. 42,70–83 (2006) as cited in Homemade Chemists, Michelle Francl, Nature Chemistry 4, 687 (2012) 2006 Research study by SD Simpkins and others, they found a strong correlation between a continuing interest in science and children’s early engagement with science outside of school. ng. Results did not significantly differ by gender

The BSA STEM Initiative 11/4/2017 The BSA STEM Initiative The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) launched on June 1, 2012, a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiative to bring these areas to the everyday living of its youth members and their families. Our organization believes STEM is the future of the United States. Fostering a strong STEM education is our best opportunity to boost the spirit of innovation

Nova and Supernova Awards 11/4/2017 Nova and Supernova Awards Nova Awards Based on accomplishment of existing program activities (belt loops and pins, 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 Awards Significant accomplishment extending program activities Learn some fundamentals of the topic areas Original STEM investigations and projects Adult mentors who are accomplished STEM practitioners guide explorations and provide advancement quality control The NOVA Awards Program was developed to stimulate interest in the STEM fields among the BSA youth members with requirements and activities that make it fun to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while getting recognition for participation. Cub Scouts, 8 years and older, Boy Scouts, and Venturers may earn the NOVA awards and the more advanced Supernova Awards. Adult counselors and mentors help Scouts to pursue the various module of the NOVA Awards and allow them to explore basic principles of STEM and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be.

Nova and Supernova Awards 11/4/2017 Nova and Supernova Awards Description of every Nova and Supernova Award Internet references Detailed guide for Nova Award counselors and Supernova Award mentors http://www.scouting.org/stem/Awards The Nova Awards guidebook is a wonderful resource. It has a built in support system for adults to guide Scouts as they fulfill each award. There is a counselor section in each guidance offers basic information on each requirements and resources to help you along the way.

Characteristics and Needs of Scouts Program Age and Experience Group Structure Learning 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, 11 – 18 years old Grade 5 – 12 Some math and science education Small groups of 2 to 8, with a buddy Youth leader 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 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

The Nova Awards S T E M Cub Scouts Boy Scouts Venturing 11/4/2017 The Nova Awards Cub Scouts Boy Scouts Venturing S “Science Everywhere” “Shoot!” “Launch!” T “Tech Talk” “Start Your Engines!” “Power Up” E “Swing!” “Whoosh!” “Hang On!” M “1-2-3 Go!” “Designed to Crunch” “Numbers Don’t Lie” There are four Nova awards for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Cub Scout: “Science Everywhere” 11/4/2017 Nova Award Example Cub Scout: “Science Everywhere” Must be a Wolf, Bear, or Webelos Watch TV or read about science, collect questions and ideas.* Complete 1 belt loop: Astronomy, Collecting, Geography, Geology, Map and Compass, Mathematics, Nutrition, Pet Care, Photography, Science, Weather, or Wildlife Conservation. Act like a scientist. Pick a question to study. Investigate answers.* Visit a place where science is being done or used. Talk to someone in charge about science. * (*) Discuss with counselor. Cub Scout Nova Award Science Everywhere – module is designed to help explore how science affects your life every day. Watch TV episode or read an hour about anything related , make list of two or more questions or ideas of the TV episode you watch, discuss with counselor. Complete one belt loop. Act like scientist. Why does a rocket have fins, why does a car have spoilers, where does Rock Creek begin, etc. Go an aquarium, water treatment plant, fish hatchery, etc.

Nova Awards First Award – get Nova patch e.g. “Science Everywhere” 11/4/2017 Nova Awards First Award – get Nova patch e.g. “Science Everywhere” Next Awards – get Nova pins for patch e.g. “Tech Talk” | “Swing!” | “1-2-3 Go!” For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the distinctive Nova award patch. After that, a Scout can earn three more Nova awards, each one recognized with a separate pi (π) pin-on device that attaches to the patch. The patch and the three devices represent each of the four STEM topics—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Enter Nova Awards via Internet Advancement Print Advancement Report Purchase patches and pins a the Scout Shop

Supernova Awards Cub Scouts Boy Scouts Venturing Dr. Luis W. Alvarez 11/4/2017 Supernova Awards Cub Scouts Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Wolf / Bear Dr. Charles H. Townes Webelos Boy Scouts Dr. Bernard Harris (Bronze Medal) Thomas Alva Edison (Silver Medal) Venturing Dr. Sally Ride (Bronze Medal) Wright Brothers (Silver Medal) Dr. Albert Einstein (Gold Medal) Luis (Loo-ess) Alvarez For Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts: Dr. Louis Alvarez Supernova Award For Webelos Scouts: Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award For Boy Scouts: Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Bronze Award, Thomas Edison Supernova Silver Award For Venturers: Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Bronze Award, Wright Brothers Supernova Silver Award, Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Gold Award

Supernova Award Example 11/4/2017 Supernova Award Example Cub Scout Supernova: Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Award Earn the Science AND Mathematics Cub Scout academic pins. Earn THREE Cub Scout academic pins: Astronomy, Computers, Geography, Geology, Map and Compass, Nutrition, Pet Care, Photography, Reading and Writing, Video Games, Weather, or Wildlife Conservation. Find interesting facts about Dr. Luis W. Alvarez and his famous theory about dinosaurs.* Find out about three other famous STEM persons approved by your mentor. * Speak with their teacher(s) OR a Cub Scout leader about your interest in earning the Cub Scout Supernova award. *

Supernova Award Example 11/4/2017 Supernova Award Example Cub Scout Supernova: Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Award (cont’d) Participate in a science project or experiment in the classroom or school. * Do ONE of the following: Visit with someone who works in a STEM-related career.* Learn about a STEM career.* Learn about the scientific method (or scientific process). Perform a simple demonstration involved the method or process.* Participate in a Nova- or other STEM-related activity in your Cub Scout den or pack meeting.* (*) Discuss with mentor

Supernova Paperwork Example Submit paperwork to the District STEM Coordinator

Becoming a Counselor or Mentor The submission process to be a counselor and mentor are separate. Adult volunteer forms are required for each since they have separate codes. Requirement Nova Counselors Supernova Mentor Register annually (no fee, Counselors use position code 58, Mentors use position code 52, not a unit position) Y Be at least 21 years old Be of good character Current Youth Protection trained Be knowledgeable in the award subject by vocation, hobby, education Familiar, can research and discuss unfamiliar topics Able to work with Scouts-age youth Submit SuperNova Mentor application N Be approved by district/council advancement committee

Nova Counselors Similar to Merit Badge (MB) Counselor 11/4/2017 Nova Counselors Similar to Merit Badge (MB) Counselor Assist the Scout as he plans the assigned projects and activities to meet the requirements. Coach the Scout through interviews and demonstrations. Certify the Scout to unit leaders when the Scout has met the requirements. Registered Adult or Parent, ≥ 21 years old Approved by the Scout Unit. This is a non-unit position and requires no fee.

11/4/2017 Nova Counselors No Science Background Required You need to understand the material well enough to work with Scouts. Parents may not serve as NOVA Counselors with their own children unless working with more than one Scout in a group setting.

Nova Counselor Registration 11/4/2017 Nova Counselor Registration Complete a NOVA Counselor application Complete adult application (indicating Code 58) Copy Youth Protection Training certificate Note: Specific position training is available at http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx (Also visit NCAC STEM Webpage) Submit to District STEM Program Coordinator

Supernova Mentor Supernova program is more complex & demanding 11/4/2017 Supernova Mentor Supernova program is more complex & demanding Requires qualified adult Mentor, ≥ 21 years old Career in a STEM field --or-- Subject-matter expertise, avocation, or other special training This is a non-unit position and requires no fee. Works closely with the Scout for weeks or months, providing significant input and guidance to the Supernova candidate Parents may not serve as Supernova mentors with their own children unless working with more than one Scout in a group setting. Avocation = occupation or hobby.

Supernova Mentor Registration 11/4/2017 Supernova Mentor Registration Complete a Supernova Mentor application Complete adult application (indicating Code 52) Copy Youth Protection Training certificate Note: Specific position training is available at http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx (Also visit NCAC STEM Webpage) Submit to District STEM Program Coordinator

Supernova Nova Process Summary Submit Counselor Form, Adult Application, and proof of YPT to District STEM Chair Work with youth to earn Nova Patch Submit Nova Award to District STEM Chair Work to earn Nova Pi Pin in other STEM disciplines or work with additional youth Supernova Submit Mentor Form, Adult Application , and proof of YPT to District STEM Chair (they will forward to the Council) Work with youth to earn Supernova Medal Submit Supernova Award Application along with comment sheet to District STEM Chair (they will forward to the Council) Pick up Supernova Certificate once the Council has approved the application in order to purchase the medal. 10/25/2013 NCAC

Implementation Plan in NCAC 11/4/2017 Implementation Plan in NCAC Organize STEM Committee Promote the Nova/Supernova Program Roundtable Presentations University of Scouting Program Launch Flyers Scouter Digest Articles Website: http://www.ncacbsa.org/STEM Scouting Opportunities Develop Supernova Mentors Refine Supernova Intake Process Identify Resources and Candidates Recruit Resource List (like MB counselor list)

Organization in NCAC District representatives NCAC Staff Advisor: 11/4/2017 Organization in NCAC NCAC Staff Advisor: James Hamlin, Assistant Director of Field Service STEM Committee Chair Dr. Nicholas C. Maliszewskyj District representatives Goal: One per district Promote STEM within district Works with the District Advancement and Recognition Chair Dr. Nicholas Maliszewskyj, a physicist National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Our District Advancement and Recognition Chair is John Wnek. Coordinators in each district serve as a local resource to scouting units and match scouts working on the Supernova awards with mentors.

NCAC Initiatives STEM Van 11/4/2017 NCAC Initiatives STEM Van Ford E250 $75k anonymous donation “Rolling Billboard” Major sponsors: — Meg & Norm Augustine — BSA National Foundation — General Dynamics — Lincoln Electric Mobile classroom Full A/V system Portable generator Packaged STEM projects suitable for Cub Scout Day Camp, etc. Contact District STEM Coordinator for event coordination

NCAC Initiatives STEM Lab 11/4/2017 NCAC Initiatives STEM Lab Dedicated room @ Camp Snyder’s Hilton Training Center Packaged STEM projects suitable for Scouts Physical Science (Rockets, Thermodynamics, Motion, Chemistry) Life Science (Insects, Nature, Medicine, Genetics) Earth Science (Geology, Make a Wind Measure, Solar Cooking) Technology (Robotics, Computers, Engines, etc.) Engineering (Bridges, Inventions, Levers, etc.)

NCAC Initiatives STEM Lab 11/4/2017 NCAC Initiatives STEM Lab

NCAC Initiatives STEM-related Unit Activities 11/4/2017 NCAC Initiatives STEM-related Unit Activities The National Cryptologic Museum, run by the National Security Agency

References ncacbsa.org/STEM scouting.org/stem.aspx 11/4/2017 Nova News Requirements Cool Stuff Council Support What is STEM and Nova?

Questions? Why science teachers don’t monitor recess 11/4/2017 Questions? I think you should be more explicit in step two Why science teachers don’t monitor recess

Roundtable Exercise Catapult – Class 3 Lever 11/4/2017 Roundtable Exercise Catapult – Class 3 Lever Cub Scout SWING! A wire clothes hanger Rubber bands (two No. 64 size bands work well) One plastic spoon 12x12” aluminum foil sheet to make small balls to toss from the catapult Measuring tape, pencil, and paper http://science.wonderhowto.com/how- to/build-catapult-out-rubber-bands-wire- hanger-321541/ (instructions) How Far Can You Toss Your Balls?