Cub Scout Pack 140 STEM Program
Pack 140 offers one of the only STEM BSA Certified programs in the area.
The STEM Program at Pack 140 will be lead by leaders who have earned the Nova and Supernova Mentor Certification for their current work in the fields of Science, Technology, Math and Engineering.
STEM is 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. From archery to welding, Scouts can’t help but enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.
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The Nova Awards
There are four Nova awards for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
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Cub Scout Nova awards: Science Everywhere, Down and Dirty, Nova WILD!, Out of This World, Tech Talk, Swing!, and 1-2-3 Go!
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Boy Scout Nova awards: Shoot! Let It Grow!, Start Your Engines, Whoosh!, and Designed to Crunch
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Venturer Scout Nova awards: Launch!, Power Up, Hang On!, and Numbers Don’t Lie
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.
The Supernova Awards
The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the Nova awards. The requirements and activities were designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities.
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For earning the Supernova award, Scouts receive a medal and certificate.
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All requirements may be found in the Nova awards guidebooks, available through local Scout shops—one for Cub Scouts, one for Boy Scouts, and one for Venturers. The requirements can be completed with a parent or an adult leader as the counselor (for the Nova awards) or mentor (for the Supernova awards). Each guidebook includes a section for the counselor and mentor.