STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEAM = Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics STEM and STEAM are part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts. To support STEM learning, the Boy Scouts of America developed the "Nova Awards" program to give Scouts the opportunity to have fun learning about STEM and to receive recognition for their efforts. For interested scouts, we can work on our Electronics Merit Badge! Why now? Because we will be installing a Solar Panel on the Troop's Camping Trailer just in time for Summer Camp! Scouts can learn about electricity, circuits, and renewable energy. The solar panels and battery will power new lights inside the trailer so we can see at night. The solar panels and battery can also charge our electronic devices using the power of the sun! To learn more about Troop 41's Electronics Merit Badge activities, click here. We are currently working on our Robotics Merit Badge! We are using LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Robot and designing our own missions. We visited a FIRST LEGO League Regional Robotics Tournament in December 2015. To learn more about Troop 41's Robotics Merit Badge activities, click here: Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is produced by naturally decaying uranium and radium. What are the health effects of radon? Also check out the links below: Three Fires Council: Radon Scout Activity Patch American Lung Association - Health House Today's youth are spending more time than ever using digital media for education, research, socializing, and fun. To help families and volunteers keep youth safe while online, the Boy Scouts of America introduces the Cyber Chip. In developing this exciting new tool, the BSA teamed up with content expert NetSmartz®, part of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children® and training expert for many law enforcement agencies. Link to the CyberChip Worksheet: To learn more, check out the links below: http://www.scouting.org/cyberchip.aspx Cyber Chip Resources "The Scout Law and Cybersafety/Cyberbullying" Contract between Parents and Scouts: Examples of other Personalized Internet Safety Contracts between Parents and Scouts: The Tech Chip was created by Troop 479 in Eden Prairie, MN. It is not an official BSA Award. The Tech Chip Training helps scouts understand the privilege of carrying and using electronic devices at scout activities. To learn more, check out the links below: http://www.boyscouttrail.com/content/award/tech_chip-2052.asp |