1. How to get Your Boy Scout Troop Started in STEM Nova
February 7, 2018
Boy Scouts of America
Washington’s Crossing Council
Hunterdon Arrowhead District Round Table

2. “Scouting is a man’s job cut down to a boy’s size.”
Lord Baden-Powell

3. What is STEM???

5. Why is STEM important???

6. Why STEM?
“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond
what was considered
acceptable in the past.”
(National Science
Foundation) 

9. “When a boy finds someone who takes an interest in
him, he responds and follows.”
Lord Baden-Powell

10. Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
Mulitple

11. Whoosh!
This module is designed to help you explore how engineering affects your life each day.
Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements.
A. Watch about three hours total of engineering-related shows or documentaries that involve motion or motion-inspired technology. Then do the following:
Make a list of at least five questions or ideas from the show(s) you watched.
Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor.

12. Choose ONE merit badge from the following list. (Choose
one you have not already used for another Nova award.)
After completion, discuss with your counselor how the merit
badge you earned uses engineering.

13. 3. Do ALL of the following:
A. Make a list or drawing of the six simple machines.
B. Be able to tell your counselor the name of each machine and how each machine works.
C. Discuss the following with your counselor:
The simple machines that were involved with the motion in your chosen merit badge (Hint: Look at the moving parts of an engine to find simple machines.)
The energy source causing the motion for the subject of your merit badge
What you learned about motion from earning your merit badge

14. 4. Choose A or B and complete ALL the requirements.
A. Visit an amusement park. Then discuss the following with your counselor:
The simple machines present in at least two of the rides
The forces involved in the motion of any two rides
B. Visit a playground. Then discuss the following with your counselor:
The simple machines present in the playground equipment
The forces involved in the motion of any two playground fixtures

15. 5. Do the following:
A. On your own, design one of the following and include a drawing or sketch: an amusement park ride OR a playground fixture OR a method of transportation.
B. Discuss with your counselor:
The simple machines present in your design
The energy source powering the motion of your creation

16. 6. Discuss with your counselor how engineering affects your everyday life.

17. “Teach Boy Scouts not how to get a living, but how to live.”
Lord Baden-Powell

18. How Do You Get Started with STEM/Nova?
Get familiar with the program by reviewing material
Complete BSA Adult Registration form and Supernova Awards Mentor Information application:

21. Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors
With the introduction of the new Nova and Supernova awards comes a fresh opportunity for volunteer positions.
A Nova counselor can be any registered adult age 21 or older.
They must be registered under the new
non-unit position and no fee is required.
The Nova counselor code is 58.
Supernova mentors must be 21 or older and be
subject matter experts in a STEM (science, technology,
engineering, mathematics) field and be registered under
the new Supernova Mentor position code 52.
This is a nonunit position and requires no fee. In addition to the BSA Adult Registration form, mentors must complete the Supernova Awards Mentor Information application.

22. “Fun, fighting, and feeding
“Fun, fighting, and feeding! These are the 3 indispensable elements of the boy’s world.”
Lord Baden-Powell

23. Key Elements of a Successful STEM Session:
Fun – Make it fun – not boring! No boy wants to go to school on a
non-school day!
Joke around!
Mix in games!
Show movie clips!

24. Fighting – (Not in the physical sense) – More like challenging each other.
Have them compete for prizes
Take turns and exhaust all possibilities
Allow them to have conflicting opinions

25. 3. Feeding – Feed them with good food so they are not hungry
Have pizza delivered
Have bottles of soft drinks/water available
Lots of snacks

26. Other Things to Consider:
Start on time and end on time
Cover all of the agenda – no partials!!!
Communicate well with boys
Quiz the boys constantly on what they have learned
Answer ALL questions (or get back to them)
Always treat the boys with respect!

27. STEM/NOVA Patch – Awarded for first completed STEM session

28. Pin – Awarded for 2nd, 3rd and 4th STEM session

29. . The first-level Dr. Bernard Harris bronze award also includes career exploration,
DESCRIBE THE BOY SCOUT REQUIREMENTS. Among other things, each requires earning Nova awards and merit badges, completing STEM activities, participating in a science fair or another STEM-related competition, and presenting STEM material to a Cub Scout den or pack while

30. the second-level Thomas Edison silver award includes doing research on a STEM breakthrough or innovation. The Dr. Bernard Harris award is a prerequisite to the Thomas Edison award.

31. Advancement Report 34403 For STEM Nova Awards

33. 1 2

36. “Scouting is a game for boys under the leadership of
boys under the direction of a man.”
Lord Baden-Powell

37. Outline of how to get a STEM Program Started for a Boy Scout Troop
• Ask the boys if they are interested in STEM! Give it a good introduction. Let them know the benefits of earning a STEM award.
• Find counselors. Remember: A STEM counselor must be 21 or older. They also must have a background in one of the STEM areas. They must also take Youth protection and all of the other requirements listed on the STEM application.
• Each counselor must complete an application. The application is readily available on the BSA STEM website:
• The application must be approved by the Scout Troop’s council.
• The counselor should familiarize himself with the requirements of the program he wishes to mentor: Shoot! Start Your Engines! Whoosh or/and Design and Crunch.
• Pull together videos or written materials for the scouts to use for requirement 1, either A, B, or C. The information does not have to be from once source and it does not have to all be the same. Mix it up! Make it fun and interesting! Remember: You are not training the boys to be PHd’s in the subject. You are only introducing them to it. DO NOT MAKE IT BORING!!!

38. • Review the list of merit badges required for the STEM session
• Review the list of merit badges required for the STEM session. It might be a good idea to hold a joint Merit Badge course along with the STEM session.
• Gather all of the materials needed to complete the STEM requirements. You will need lots of paper (copier paper is fine), crayons, pencils, pens, etc.
• Pick a date to hold your course. Make it a date when school is not in session, there are no sporting events going on, and most importantly when the scouts are free to meet. The week between Christmas and New Years is probably your best bet!
• The counselor should plan to bring all of the supplies: Magazines, tools, equipment, paper, pencils, food, drink, videos, etc.
• Setup in advance. Make sure you go through the material yourself to ensure you have everything covered.
• Remember: The goal is to complete the session. No partials!
• Feed your scouts! Feed them well! Pizza, drinks, snacks, candy, fruit, etc.
• Ask the boys lots of questions about what they think something is all about. (You may get a lot of funny answers!) You will be pleasantly surprised how bright these scouts can be.

39. • Take lots of breaks to do fun stuff
• Take lots of breaks to do fun stuff. Fun stuff can be demonstrations, watch a fun video on the topic, play a game related to the topic, do team exercises, or have contests (award small prizes!)
• Keep the session moving. Do not stall the session if there is a technical difficulty. Have a helper resolve the technical difficulty on the side while you move on to another topic within your session. Long waiting is boooooorrrrrrrrrriiiiiinnnnngggg!
• Make sure all boys are involved! Ask each boy a question in turn. You can help them out with the answers. If a boy seems to be confused, tell him he can phone a friend for help (someone within the room).
• One idea to keep it fun is to bring a large bag of small prizes (candy, bric-a-brac, pens, toys, etc.). Let the boys know there will lots of opportunities to earn a prize during the session. At periodic intervals, ask a question and pick a volunteer. If the volunteer gets the answer right, give him an award!
• Ask the boys for feedback: “How am I doing?”
• Complete the report for all scouts that complete the requirements. (The troop’s Scoutmaster might want to do this on your behalf).