STEM Scout Activities
http://www.scouting.org/stem/Awards/BoyScouts.aspx
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.
https://sites.google.com/site/bsatroop41sg/merit-badges/merit-badge-workshops
Nova Awards
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.
Troop 41 Scouters recently completed the "Nova: Shoot!" Award.
We are finishing up the "Nova: Start Your Engines!" Award.
Next we'll be working on the "Nova: Whoosh!" Award.
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:
What is radon?
Radon is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is produced by naturally decaying uranium and radium.
What are the health effects of radon?
Exposure to radon gas increases your risk of developing lung cancer. The EPA estimates that 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States are due to radon exposure, which makes it the second leading cause of lung cancer following smoking.
To learn more about Scouts earning a Radon Activity Badge, click here:
Troop 41 Radon Activity Badge Web Page
Also check out the links below:
Three Fires Council: Radon Scout Activity Patch
American Lung Association - Health House
Cyber Chip
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:
http://usscouts.org/advance/docs/Boy-Scout-Cyber-Chip.pdf
To learn more, check out the links below:
http://www.scouting.org/cyberchip.aspx
"The Scout Law and Cybersafety/Cyberbullying" Contract between Parents and Scouts:
http://www.scouting.org/filestore/youthprotection/pdf/100-055_WB.pdf
http://www.scouting.org/cyberchip.aspx
Examples of other Personalized Internet Safety Contracts between Parents and Scouts:
http://puresight.com/Useful-tools/family-online-safety-contract.html
http://www.schoolfamily.com/print-and-use-tools/document/1152-internet-safety-contract
https://www.fosi.org/good-digital-parenting-tool/family-online-safety-agreement
http://www.safekids.com/family-contract-for-online-safety/
http://www.cyberbullyingbook.com/Internet_use_contract.pdf
http://www.cskcst.com/pdfs/ParentTeenAgreement.pdf
Common Sense Media
Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/privacy-and-internet-safety
Talking with Kids About Being Online
This guide from the Federal Trade Commission covers issues to raise with kids about living their lives online
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/files/talking_with_kids_about_being_online_2018.pdf
Internet Safety for Kids
An article with very helpful tips you can use to help keep your child safe whenever and wherever they go online.
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