Knox Trail Council Roundtable The BSA STEM Program Presented by the Viking District

Overview What is STEM? STEM Ideas Using STEM in Scouting Science With a Purpose Resources

STEM Overview What is STEM?… An Acronym –Science –Technology –Engineering –Math In the BSA, –Boy Scouts of America initiative

Why STEM? From St. Louis Council –These disciplines are considered by many to be the foundation of an advanced society. In many forums - - including political, governmental, and academic -- the strength of the STEM workforce is viewed as an indicator of a nation's ability to sustain itself. From the BSA –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

The Vision BSA Vision for the STEM program –Encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about STEM fields through existing programs. Knox Trail Vision for STEM –Incorporate STEM program into Council Activities

STEM Program Overview Positions –Nova Counselor (non-unit position) Adult 21+ –Mentor (non-unit position) Subject Matter Expert Complete an application Working with more than one youth Awards –Nova –Supernova

STEM Nova Awards Age Appropriate Activities –Cub Scouts / Webelos –Boy Scouts –Venturers Four Modules –Covers each area in STEM –Receive the Nova Patch+ 3 π(pi) pins

Nova Samples Cub Scout / Webelos - Nova –Watch an episode of a show about anything related to science (1 hour). –Complete ONE belt loop or pin from the list –Choose a question you would like to investigate –Investigate –Discuss –Visit a place where science is being done –Discuss how technology affects your life.

STEM Supernova Awards More rigorous than Nova –Separate Webelos Supernova award Designed to motivate more in-depth and advancement in STEM related fields –Recommend Cub Scouts/Webelos earning at least 2 Nova awards prior to Supernova –Boy Scouts/Venturers Require 3-4 for Supernova –Two Levels for Boy Scouts (Bronze / Silver) –Three Levels for Venturer (Bronze / Silver / Gold) Complete requirements and submit application for awards for committee approval

Supernova Samples Venturers - Sally Ride Award (Bronze) –Complete 3 Nova Awards –Maintain a B Average in school –Discuss with your mentor 2 research situations –Complete STEM explorations for four of the topics –Show that you have taken part in a scholarly activity –Write a 500 word argument about reporting cheating –Complete 2 Supernova activity topics –Participate in a STEM competition –Spend a day shadowing a scientist or engineer –Present Nova award to Cub Scout –Analyze two competing theories and create a presentation –Submit an application

Opportunities for Improvement BSA STEM Web site

STEM Ideas (1 of 3) Guest Speakers –Local Technology Companies –Unit Parents / Leaders Group Activities –Kits Rockets / Pinewood Derby / Rain Gutter Regatta

STEM Ideas (2 of 3) Group Activities –DIY (Do It Yourself) Hovercraft Soapbox Derby / Go Cart Bottle Rockets Stomp Rockets –Puzzles Hanging Nails Rubik’s Cube

STEM Ideas (3 of 3) Humor –There are 10 types of people, those who understand binary, those who don’t and those who didn’t expect this joke to be about base 3. –Three statisticians duck hunting –Infinite number of Mathematicians ordering a drink. –Why did the chicken cross the Mobius Strip?

Focus on STEM Everyday Why are STEM disciplines desired? –Problem solving -- Using generic or ad hoc methods, in an orderly manner, for finding solutions to problems Examine activities looking for opportunities to apply problem solving techniques

Problem Solving Examples Tiger Badge –Leaf analysis –Weather observation Wolf –Start a collection (Dmitri Mendeleev)

STEM Everywhere (1 of 3) Cooking –Chemistry –Physics –Following Directions

STEM Everywhere (2 of 3) Campfire (What-if) –Paper Cup w/ Water –Other items Flour Sugar Coffee-mate Corn Starch –Remember to ask, “Why!”

STEM Everywhere (3 of 3) Build it –Shelter –Bridge –Tower Review underlying Principles Other innovations –Bucket Brigade

STEM with a Purpose Team Building Leadership Training

Resources BSA STEM Website Knox Trail Council - M. Casey / STEM Guidebook Google You Tube –Minute Phyisics –Veritasium –Numberphile –Smarter Everyday –Khan Academy