1. Course 120 What is STEM. NOVA / Supernova Counselor training (D83)
Program Training Conference 2016
Chief Seattle Council, Seattle WA
Course What is STEM NOVA / Supernova Counselor training (D83)
We will walk through the program from the background of BSA’s NOVA / Supernova, to registering adults, requirements for the Scouts, ideas for the activities and the paperwork. Course 220: You will earn the NOVA badge (for Cubs) while learning about the program.
This power point presentation was put together from existing presentations found on the National Scouting.org site in Oct 2016.
STEM Nova Counselor Training
Guide to Advancement and training:
Requirements for the Cub Scout NOVA found at:
Adult BSA Registration forms:
Supernova Awards mentor Application:
Nova Award Counselor Application:
Intro slide.
Date of creation
Notes resources 1

2. STEM The BSA’s Newest Program or is it? 2 January 2014
Most think of Scouting as a camping movement. While that is okay, we all
know that there is much more to Scouting than that. We also know that the
attention paid to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math that is part of
American culture today is not new to Scouting. 2

3. Science Technology Engineering Math
This approach to education is designed to revolutionize the teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum by creating a “meta-discipline.”
Science Technology Engineering Math
The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics. This approach to education is designed to revolutionize the
teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating
technology and engineering into regular curriculum by creating a “metadiscipline.” 3

4. Our founders, most notably Ernest Thompson Seton, understood over 100 years ago that an understanding how of scientific concepts impacted their lives was important to the development of young men. They wove the concepts throughout the program.
Our founders, most notably Ernest Thompson Seton, understood over 100 years ago that an understanding how of scientific concepts impacted their lives was important to the development of young men. They wove the concepts throughout the program. 4

5. From Aeronautics to Zoology, hundreds of merit badges over the last century have been STEM-related.
Among the original 57 merit badges introduced in 1911 there were many
that today we would include as STEM merit badges. These included
Architecture, Astronomy, Aviation, Chemistry, Electricity, Machinery, and
Surveying.
From Aeronautics to Zoology, hundreds of merit badges over the last century
have been STEM-related. 5

6. Rank Advancement:
But it has not just been merit badges. Do you remember learning about the
food chain,
or how to measure the height of a tree using a stick,
or how to find north by looking at the stars,
or about the Earth’s magnetic field,
Or the hundreds of other things you learned as a Scout that brought Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math into your world in a practical way?
“Incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum by creating a ‘meta-discipline.’” 6

7. Scouting has created interest in STEM careers and has prepared Scouts to go on to greater things in life. Thousands have gone on to excel in STEM fields.
Successful Adults:
Scouting has created interest in STEM careers and has prepared Scouts to go
on to greater things in life. Thousands of young men have gone on to excel
in STEM fields.
Have your ever heard of Paul Siple? He was an Eagle Scout who
accompanied Admiral Byrd to Antarctica as part of a BSA program in 1928.
He went on to become an expert on Antarctica, designed cold weather gear
for soldiers in Korea, and is credited with the development of the wind chill
scale. Five geographic features in Antarctica are named for him. 7

8. Why STEM? Our nation is at a crossroads
Our country is falling behind % of our 8th graders rated proficient in Math high school students ranked 21st out of 30 in Science and 25th in Math (internationally) 2010 – 43% of high school students ready for college Math % were ready for Science
STEM is the future 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills.
8. Why STEM?
Our nation is at a crossroads. We live in a time of great opportunity, when the spirit of innovation can help us overcome challenges and ensure a prosperous and secure future. To seize these opportunities and we must position ourselves at the
cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological innovation. Our country is falling behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
In 2009, just 34 percent of U.S. 8th graders were rated proficient or higher in a national math assessment. In an international exam given, U.S. high school students ranked 21st out of 30 industrialized nations in science and 25th in math. Only 43 percent of U.S. high school graduates in 2010 were ready for college work in math and 29 percent were ready in
science.
STEM is the future
STEM education is an economic imperative. Experts say that technological innovation accounted for almost half of 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. STEM literacy is also critical because it has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. The National Science Foundation estimates that “80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills.” 8

9. The BSA Response
THE BSA has partnered with ExxonMobil to increase STEM awareness in youth and offer them the opportunities to “Be Prepared for Life.”
The BSA Response
THE BSA has partnered with ExxonMobil to increase STEM awareness in
youth and offer them the opportunities to “Be Prepared for Life.”
Also, this effort will increase the awareness in the community and among
parents that the Boy Scouts of America is, and always has been, concerned
about these issues – and is, and always has been, making a difference in lives. 9

10. The BSA NOVA Award
NOVA Awards are designed as a way to make learning fun!
Cub Scouts & Webelos Scouts
Science Everywhere, Down & Dirty, Nova WILD, Out of this World (Science)
Tech Talk (Technology)
Swing (Engineering)
I-2-3 Go! (Math)
Boy Scouts
Shoot (Science)
Start Your Engines (Technology)
Whoosh! (Engineering)
Designed to Crunch (Math)
Venturing Scouts
Launch (Science)
Power Up (Technology)
Hang on (Engineering)
Numbers don’t lie (Math)
The BSA NOVA Award
NOVA Awards are designed as a way to make learning fun!
Here is a listing of the current Award programs.
The cub scout science there are three new ones. 10

11. The SUPERNOVA Award
SUPERNOVA Awards are designed to challenge those who like the STEM fields to learn even more.
The Supernova award is for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing Scouts.
The award is more involved and challenging than the NOVA award, but earning the NOVA award is not a prerequisite.
The Supernova Award
SUPERNOVA Awards are designed to challenge those who like the STEM
fields to learn even more.
The Supernova award is for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, and
Venturing Scouts. Webelos has a special, Webelos only Supernova.
The award is more involved and challenging than the NOVA award, but
earning the NOVA award is not a prerequisite. 11

12. Think STEM! 12

13. NOVA Counselor Training01
NOVA Counselor Training
Warmly welcome all participants to the NOVA Counselor training.
This is a ppt from National BSA, with added notes, advice.

14. Learning Objectives The aims of Scouting The BSA advancement process02
Learning Objectives
The aims of Scouting
The BSA advancement process
The Nova counselor’s role
Know a counselor’s duties and responsibilities
The requirements to be a registered counselor
Methods of counseling and coaching
Guide a Scout through the process
At the end of this lesson, participants will be able to:
· Understand the aims of Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America’s advancement process, and the Nova counselor’s role.
· Know a counselor’s duties and responsibilities to the Boy Scouts of America and the Scout.
· Understand and complete the requirements to be a registered Nova counselor with the Boy Scouts of America.
· List some methods of counseling and coaching.
· Successfully guide a Scout through the Nova process.

15. The Aims of Scouting Character Development Citizenship03
The Aims of Scouting
Character Development
Citizenship
Mental and Physical Fitness
The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the
‘Aims of Scouting.’
They are:
character development,
citizenship training
and personal (or mental and physical) fitness.

16. The Methods of Boy Scouting04
The Methods of Boy Scouting
Ideals of Scouting (Oath, Law, Mottos, etc.)
Patrol Method
Outdoor Program
Advancement
Association with Adults
Personal Growth
Leadership Development
Uniform
The Methods that Boy Scouting uses to achieve these Aims are:
• The Ideals of Scouting (Oath, Law, Mottos, etc.)
• The Patrol Method
• Outdoor Program
• Advancement
• Association with Adults
• Personal Growth
• Leadership Development
• The Uniform

17. The Methods of Scouting05
The Methods of Scouting
Ideals of Scouting (Oath, Law, Promise, etc.)
Patrol Method
Outdoor Program
Advancement
Association with Adults
Personal Growth
Leadership Development
Uniform
Nova Program
Three of the Methods are used in the Nova program:
Advancement
Association with Adults
Personal Growth

18. Nova is the next step of the Advancement Program06
Nova is the next step of the Advancement Program
Cub Scouting:
Adventures
NOVA
Supernova
Rank
Boy Scouts:
Rank
Merit Badges
Venture Scouts:
NOVA / Supernova are the next step in the Advancement program. (look at slide and point out awards)
Rank Adventures – Merit Badges – Achievements Nova Supernova
Rank
Achievements

19. 07
What is Advancement?
Advancement is the process by which a Scout progresses through awards in the Scouting program
Advancement is a means to an end and not an end in itself
Advancement activities are designed to help the Scout have an exciting and meaningful experience
We’re more interested in what the Scout experiences along the way.

20. What is Advancement? 08 What is Advancement?
The Nova & Supernova awards are available to
Cub Scouts, Webelos, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Venturers

21. 09
What is Advancement?
The Advancement Method is designed to encourage young men and women to
Accomplish a progressive series of fun and educational tasks.
Earning Nova awards allows Scouts to explore the fields of Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
It helps them round out their skills, and perhaps introduces them to
Subjects that will become lifelong interests or rewarding careers.

22. What Are Nova Awards? 10 Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
Cub Scouts, Webelos
Science Everywhere Down & Dirty Nova WILD!
Out of This World
Tech Talk
Swing!
1-2-3 Go!
Boy Scouts, Varsity
Shoot!
Start Your Engines
Whoosh!
Designed to Crunch
Venture Scouts
Launch!
Power Up
Hang On!
Numbers Don’t Lie
What are the NOVA Awards?
 Nova Awards encourage future exploration in STEM fields
 They build confidence and communicate that career opportunities in STEM fields are attainable, fulfilling, and interesting.
 Nova activities are fairly basic and designed to spark interest in one or all of the categories of awards.
 Nova requirements build on advancement from existing Cub Scout and Boy Scout requirements that are STEM-related,  
Nova awards in each category can be accomplished fairly easily in a few weeks – similar to cub adventures or merit badges.
 Like merit badges, new awards will be developed in the future.
Every Nova award is designed to explore the STEM content in activities the Scout is already doing or to introduce new STEM topics. The Nova awards leverage the STEM activities offered in school and by other organizations and conform to national STEM education standards for the different age levels. The Supernova awards build on the technical STEM knowledge with deeper exploration, research, experimentation, and reporting skills. Nova and Supernova awards offer a range of difficulty over a breadth of STEM subject matters, and a Scout is free to pursue any STEM topic of interest. At all age levels, the awards challenge and encourage Scouts to expand knowledge and have fun in the process.

23. Why Does the BSA Use Counselors?11
Why Does the BSA Use Counselors?
Method of Scouting: Association with Quality Adults
Why does the BSA use Counselors: Because it meets one of the Methods of Scouting:
Association with Quality Adults
Counselors provide a new contact with different adults and professionals in a field of interest for a Scout.
Counselors:
·Are interested in, and create interest in, STEM topics.
·They inspire, challenge, and motivate the Scout to learn an unfamiliar or “hard” topic.
·They assist and encourage learning, and enhance Scout’s growth and self-confidence.
·They pique the interest of youth in STEM disciplines.
·They are Cornerstones of the Nova Program!

24. What is a Nova Counselor?12
What is a Nova Counselor?
Teacher and Coach
Verify requirements for awards are met
Verify safety and youth protection
Follows all MBC guidelines
What is a Nova Counselor? The Nova counselor is a Teacher and Coach.
They need not be expert in the STEM topic but must be able to facilitate exploration and learning.
They tailor their support to a youth’s age and experience.
They expand on concepts found in the book and explore related topics. They verify the requirements for the awards are met.
And they verify that safety and youth protection practices are met.
However, the counselor or mentor must not complete the Scout's work on the requirements. The counselor or mentor must test the Scout to ensure that the work is completed to meet the requirements but may not modify the award requirements in the process. This standard ensures that the advancement requirements are fair and uniform for all Scouts. (more later)

25. Counselor’s Role in NOVA -Supernova Activities13
Counselor’s Role in NOVA -Supernova Activities
Help develop questions and interest
Help research ideas and answers
Guide participant in project setup and execution
Stimulate discussion
Encourage completion
Find a Subject Matter Expert / Consultant
The Counselor’s Role in NOVA -Supernova Activities
The Counselor Supports the Scout!
They help Scouts plan and do projects, while ensuring that the deeper aspects of STEM topics are understood.
They provide ideas for research, help discuss questions, and support the research.
 They have supplies and equipment ready.
 They facilitate selecting and working on the projects.
They support discussions of how the subject matter affects the Scouts and connection to other things and people.
 During a Nova activity the counselor:
Helps participants develop questions and interest.
 Helps participants research ideas and answers.
 Guides participants in project setup and execution, safety and resource management, data collection and analysis, reporting results, and extracting meaning of results.
 Stimulates discussion of the activity project and extracts the more general meaning of the conclusions.
 Encourages completion of activities.
 And, ensures compliance with requirements.
 In working on Supernova research projects, the youth will be required to learn about a field and show some competence in that field. For example, to earn the highest award in the Supernova program, the Venturing Albert Einstein Award, the youth will have to complete five requirements, with the fourth requirement stating:
“With guidance from your mentor, select an area of current STEM-related concern and develop a research project or experiment related to that area. This research project or experiment should be challenging and should require a significant investment of time and effort on your part. (A guideline would be approximately 100 hours.) If your mentor is not a specialist in the area of your project or experiment, he or she will solicit assistance from a specialist who may serve as a STEM consultant. Execute the project or experiment. Prepare a complete and well-documented written report AND an oral presentation. Present both to your mentor and your local council Nova committee.”

26. Becoming a NOVA Counselor or Supernova Mentor14
Becoming a NOVA Counselor or Supernova Mentor
Requirement
Nova Counselors
Super Nova Mentor
Register annually (no fee, Counselors use position code 58, Mentors use position code 52, not a unit position, registered with your district) Y
Be at least 21 years old
Be of good character
Current Youth Protection trained (Annually)
Be knowledgeable in the award subject by vocation, hobby, education
Familiar, can research and discuss unfamiliar topics
must be knowledgeable in the award subject by their vocation, hobby, or education
Able to work with Scouts-age youth
Submit Super Nova Mentor application N
Be approved by district/council advancement committee
**Only Cub NOVA Counselor, counseling their own son – only – does not need to register.
Y, approved at district level
Becoming a NOVA Counselor or Supernova Mentor
Nova Award Counselors and Supernova Award Mentors must register annually with the BSA. Annually confirm that you are still want to be a mentor
There is no fee to register.
Nova Counselors use position code 58,
Supernova Mentors use position code 52.
Merit Badge Counselor position code 42
They both must be at least 21 years of age, of good character, and have current Youth Protection Training. ANNUALLY in Chief Seattle Council
They both must be able to work well with Scout-age youth.
Supernova Mentors must be knowledgeable in the award subject by their vocation, hobby, or education.
Nova Counselors must be familiar with the subject and be able to research and discuss unfamiliar topics to help the Scout.
Super Nova Mentors must submit an application and be approved by the district or council advancement committee.
Nova Counselors **Only Cub NOVA Counselor, counseling their own son – only – does not need to register. All others must register.

27. Adult Registration forms:15
Adult Registration forms:
BSA Application - only if you are not already registered. –signed on page 1 & 2
YPT Certificate - – completed in the past 12 months
Nova – Supernova form
Save a copy – pdf or hard. Turn in to unit advancement chair
Advancement Chair turns into district committee or DE
Council will register, and you receive back a card.
Forms. In your packet
BSA application signed on page 1 and page 2. No unit signatures are required. This is a district position. DE will sign.
Current printed certificate of Youth Protection
Nova and or Supernova form
Hints: after these are complete, scan and keep a copy.
Forms are turned into your unit advancement chair. They turn the forms into the District Advancement committee, who will confirm the completeness, and turn it into the Council. After entering it into the computer, you will receive a registration card.

28. Counseling Process Preparation by Scout First meeting16
Counseling Process
Preparation by Scout
First meeting
Subsequent meetings
Counseling Process
The Nova counseling process is similar to the Merit Badge process. It begins with Preparation by Scout.
The Scout reviews award requirements, obtains counselor contact information from the unit leader, and contacts the counselor to arrange a first meeting.
At the first meeting they review requirements, acquire a workbook, set a tentative schedule for award completion, and schedule future meetings.
At subsequent meetings the counselor verifies learning or explores topics of interest; Tests completion of requirements and maintains a record of completion; and schedules further meetings if necessary.
It is important that the counselor remembers to tailor the approach to the level of knowledge and effective learning styles; and to follow the requirements in the book – no changes, no more, and no less – for each Scout.

29. Characteristics and Needs of Scouts17
Characteristics and Needs of Scouts
Program
Age and Experience
Group Structure
Learning Styles
Cub Scouts, Webelos
Boys
7 – 10 years old
Grade 1 – 5
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”
Characteristics and Needs of Scouts
The counselor needs to remember that a young person’s characteristics and needs
change as they age, so expectations and teaching methods should adapt.
* One-on-one contact with Scout is prohibited by Youth Protection Policies

30. Characteristics and Needs of Scouts18
Characteristics and Needs of Scouts
Program
Age and Experience
Group Structure
Learning Styles
Cub Scouts, Webelos
Boys
7 – 10 years old
Grade 1 – 5
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”
The Let’s take a look at Scouting’s age groups.
Cub Scouts are 7-10 year-old boys.
They are in grades 1-5 so they have had little math or science.
They are grouped in dens of 4-8 boys with an adult den leader.
Their preferred learning styles are see and do, tactile, and visual.
They like structured learning.
They are open to everything and have no preconceived notions.
* One-on-one contact with Scout is prohibited by Youth Protection Policies

31. Characteristics and Needs of Scouts19
Characteristics and Needs of Scouts
Program
Age and Experience
Group Structure
Learning Styles
Cub Scouts, Webelos
Boys
7 – 10 years old
Grade 1– 5
Little math or science contact
Generally in Dens of 4 – 8 Cubs
adult leader
See and do
Tactile and visual
Structured Learning
Open to everything – no preconceived notions
Boy Scouts,
11 – 17 years old
Grade 6 – 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”
Boy Scouts are year old boys and in grades They have had some math and science in school.
They are organized in small groups called patrols. Patrols have 2-8 Scouts and a led by a youth patrol leaders. Troops are made up of several patrols and have an adult leader called a Scoutmaster and a youth leader called a Senior Patrol Leader.
They also like see and do and tactile and visual learning. They are familiar with the EDGE (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable) teaching method used in Scouting. They are eager to explore new “worlds.” Science may be seen as “too hard” to them

32. Characteristics and Needs of Scouts20
Characteristics and Needs of Scouts
Program
Age and Experience
Group Structure
Learning Styles
Cub Scouts, Webelos
Boys
7 – 10 years old
Grade 1 – 5
Little math or science contact
Generally in Dens of 4 – 8 Cubs
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”
Varsity Scouts and Ventures' are high school-age young men, and in Venturing young women.
They are also organized into small groups with youth leadership, and these small groups are organized into larger units with adult advisors.
Their preferred learning styles are see and do, reflection, research, and brainstorming.
They like to self direct with the counselor as a team leader. They emulate adult behavior.
Science and math may be seen as “uncool” by some youth of this age.

33. Tailor Your Teaching Method21
Tailor Your Teaching Method
Coaching
Share knowledge
Lead experiences
Provide advice
Teach Scout
Mentoring
Share extensive experience
Support explorations
Guide activities
Listen, guide thinking and analysis
Help Scout learn on own
Cub Scouts, Webelos,
younger Boy Scouts
Older Boy Scouts,
Varsity, Venturers
Tailor your teaching Method:
Since characteristics and needs of different age youth are different, we need to tailor our teaching method to those differences.
With younger Scouts our style may be coaching. We share knowledge, lead experience, provide advice, and teach the Scouts.
With older Scouts we may be more of a mentor. We will share experiences, support explorations, guide activities, listen, and help Scouts learn on their own.
Using the EDGE method we will Explain and Demonstrate more with younger Scouts and Guide and Enable more with older Scouts.
Explain
Demonstrate
Guide
Enable

34. Expectations and Outcomes22
Expectations and Outcomes
Age-Appropriate Learning
Outcomes
Interest
Confidence
Fun
Expectations and Outcomes
Remember - Age-Appropriate Learning
We have a wide age range in Scouting – wide range of abilities and attitudes.
Don’t make it too hard – or too easy.
Encourage your Scouts to stretch, explore, and grow.
The Expected Outcomes of counseling Nova:
· Scouts gain interest in STEM topics
· Improved confidence and excitement
· They have fun!

35. 23
Rules:
Nova Counselor may teach any scout including your own son / daughter.
Nova Counselor may also be a Supernova mentor, with approval by council and proper paperwork.
No limit on the number of Awards you can counsel with one scout.
Cub Masters, Scoutmasters & Venture Crew Advisors and not automatically approved as Supernova mentors. They many be Nova counselors.
Group instruction is acceptable, but each Scout must be tested and pass individually.
There is no time limit for completion of awards.
The merit badge counselor assesses the Scout's knowledge to ensure he has completed all the required work—no more, and no less. You may not add to, delete from, or modify the merit badge requirements in any way.
▪ Rules & Fast Facts for the Counselor and Mentor
▪ A Nova counselor may counsel any Scout, including his own daughter or son—although this is discouraged in order to offer a Scout the chance to meet a diverse group of outstanding adults. Supernova mentors may NOT be the parent or unit leader of their son or daughter unless the Scout is in a group of participants.
▪ There is no limit on the number of Nova and Supernova awards that a counselor or mentor may counsel with one Scout. However, the Scout will benefit the most from working with a variety of outstanding adults.*
▪ A counselor or mentor may limit his or her services to one unit. Mentors still must be approved by the council advancement committee.
▪ Cub Masters, Scoutmasters, and Venture Crew Advisors are not automatically approved as Supernova mentors. They may be Nova counselors if the position does not adversely impact their leadership role.
▪ Group instruction is acceptable, but each Scout must be tested and passed individually.
▪ There is no time limit for completion of awards, but awards may have rank or program requirements.
The merit badge counselor assesses the Scout's knowledge to ensure he has completed all the required work—no more, and no less. You may not add to, delete from, or modify the merit badge requirements in any way.
Insist that the Scout do exactly what the requirements specify. Many of the requirements involve hands-on activities that call for a Scout to (action words) show or demonstrate; make; list; discuss; or collect, identify, and label—and he must do just that.
Are the requirement flexible?
No, they must be fulfilled as written for all advancement – including rank.

36. 24
Completion of Award
Immediate recognition Certificate, sign off worksheet, or patch
Inform unit Advancement leader
BSA Advancement Report Nova is unit advancement reporting Supernova is a formal Supernova Application submitted to unit advancement.
Completion of Award:
 ** Immediate recognition – very important for Cub Scouts. At completion - Sign off the worksheet
– give something – certificate or patch or pin
At next unit meeting – Pack or Court of Honor – give award
Unit pays for awards.
Nova: only report is the online advancement or written unit advancement report  
Supernova: complete the formal Supernova Application and submit to unit / district / council

37. Nova Activity Awards First Award – get the Nova Patch25
Nova Activity Awards
First Award – get the Nova Patch
Next Award – get Nova pins for patch (up to 3)
NOVA: First they receive the Patch
Next completed award is the pi pin for the next 3
The first Nova award earned is a simple embroidered patch and successive Nova awards are pins added to the patch.
The award objects may be simple or somewhat impressive, but the intangible end result of earning them is the Scout gaining self-confidence

38. Supernova Awards 26 Supernova Awards - Recognition
  The Supernova awards are bronze, silver or gold medallions on ribbons worn around the neck.
Complete the special application paperwork
Sign off on paperwork – Workbook, what ever the scout is using. Formal acknowledgement that it is complete.
Perhaps award a certificate
Award the medal at a Court of Honor.

39. Risk Mitigation 27 Situation Risk Mitigation
Scouts research topics on the Internet
Contact with inappropriate content
Susceptible to Cyber Bullying
Scouts in contact with adults not known to them
Inappropriate contact
Allegations of inappropriate contact
Youth Protection training and policies
Youth follow Buddy System
Different levels of education or understanding of material
Missed program opportunities
Disrespect from/to peers
Bullying
Adjust teaching techniques to abilities and preparation level of Scouts
Maintain group discipline
“No Cheap Shots” policy
STEM activities contain hazards
Injury
Property damage
Use safety gear and practices
Maintain control of activities
Risk Mitigation
As with all things, it is important that we manage the risks involved in this activity. This chart shows a few situations, the risks and mitigation ideas.
Internet -
Adult contact - buddy system
Age appropriate Follow all the Youth protection policies

40. 28
National BSA web site: STEM: Advancement Resources: Advancement Committee Guide Policies and Procedures, No for Merit Badge Counselors: Adult Application, No
Chief Seattle Council site: STEM Home: Aurora District STEM: All worksheets for all Cub / Boy / Venture Awards Supernova counselor role & description – in detail, Supernova application for scouts Resources from PTC: All worksheets for all Cub / Boy / Venture Awards BSA Applications – that you have as handouts STEM – Nova and the BSA, Cub / Webelos Nova certificate,Youth Protection Training:
Nova Award Guidebooks: Chief Seattle Scout Shops:
Resource sites:
Merit Badge . org: US Scouting Service. Org: FACEBOOK: Scouting and STEM - Greater St. Louis Area
STEM Scouts:
Resources
Resources
First National site.
Second is the resources on the Chief Seattle site
Other non-scout sites

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45. Congratulations and Thank you!30
Congratulations and Thank you!
Results:
You have earned the training certification in Nova Counseling; code: D83
Register as a Counselor: Nova Code 58, or Supernova Mentor code 52 with your district.
You can bring this presentation to your district / unit and get other adults trained and registered.
Where to find the files:
Power point, pdf of the script.
Congrats and Thank you Results:
You have earned the training in Nova Counseling: D83
Register with Code: Nova Code 58, Supernova code 52
You can bring this presentation to your district / unit and get other adults trained and registered.
Where to find the files:
Power point, pdf of the script, Instructions on how to give this.
To record your evaluation and attendance from a mobile device, go to  click "My Evaluation & Attendance."
The code for this session is 2711.

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