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

2. 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

3. STEM in Scouting It’s always been there!

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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, (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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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
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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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. *

16. 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

17. Supernova Paperwork Example
Submit paperwork to
the District STEM Coordinator

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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 (Also visit NCAC STEM Webpage)
Submit to
District STEM Program Coordinator

22. 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.

23. 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 (Also visit NCAC STEM Webpage)
Submit to
District STEM Program Coordinator

24. 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

25. 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:
Scouting Opportunities
Develop Supernova Mentors
Refine Supernova Intake Process
Identify Resources and Candidates
Recruit
Resource List (like MB counselor list)

26. 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.

27. 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

28. NCAC Initiatives STEM Lab
11/4/2017
NCAC Initiatives STEM Lab
Dedicated 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.)

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

30. 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

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

32. 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

33. 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
to/build-catapult-out-rubber-bands-wire- hanger / (instructions)
How Far Can You Toss Your Balls?