STEM

Please visit HERE for the new STEM NOVA University!

 

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  This program is part of an initiative that Scouting America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of its 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, Scouting America developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.

NOVA Program

Scouting America's NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members. National Website

Nova Awards

There are four Nova awards for each level of scouting: Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Scouts, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Award Requirements

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 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.

Supernova Awards

The Supernova Program has more rigorous requirements than the Nova Program. The requirements and activities were designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities.

 

Suffolk County Council – BSA Nova Award and Supernova Award Program Submission Cover Pages

(Important: Print this form out plus the Checklist/Workbook below for the award you working on. Use the Checklist/Workbook to record your progress. Upon completion ask your Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor to sign you off using the Cover Pages and submit to your Advancement Chairperson of your Scouting unit, so they can process your award.

Download Sign Off & Cover pages here.

Award Checklist/Workbook

Here are checklists for the Nova Awards and workbooks for the Supernova Awards, as well as summaries of the existing badges in each program that support the Nova and Supernova Awards.  For all of the STEM awards, we recommend that each Scout keep a STEM loose leaf notebook/journal in which to record the details of his or her work on each award.  

Cub Scouts & Webelos Scouts
Summary of STEM Belt Loops, Pins, Activity Badges
Checklist for Nova Science Everywhere (updated as of March 2016)
Checklist for Nova Down and Dirty (updated as of March 2016)
Checklist for Nova Wild! (updated as of March 2016)
Checklist for Nova Out of this World (updated as of March 2016)
Checklist for Nova Tech Talk (updated as of March 2016)
Checklist for Nova Swing! (updated as of March 2016)
Checklist for Nova 1-2-3 Go! (updated as of March 2016)
CS - Dr. Luis Alvarez Supernova Workbook
WS - Dr. Charles Townes Supernova Workbook

Scouts & Venturers
Summary of Merit Badges and Venturing Explorations

Scouts 
Checklist for Nova Shoot! 
Checklist for Nova Start Your Engines 
Checklist for Nova Whoosh! 
Checklist for Nova Designed to Crunch
BS - Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Workbook (.doc  .pdf)
BS - Thomas Edison Supernova Workbook (.doc  .pdf)

Venturers 
Checklist for Nova Launch!
Checklist for Nova Power Up
Checklist for Nova Hang On!
Checklist for Nova Numbers Don't Lie
Generic Venturing STEM Exploration Plan & Checklist
V - Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Workbook (.doc  .pdf)
V - Wright Brothers Supernova Workbook - Option 1 (.doc  .pdf)
V - Wright Brothers Supernova Workbook - Option 2 (.doc  .pdf)
V - Dr. Albert Einstein Workbook (.doc  .pdf)

Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors

With the introduction of the new Nova and Supernova awards comes a fresh opportunity for volunteer positions.

All Nova counselors and Supernova mentors must have current Scouting America Youth Protection training and certification appropriate for the programs being administered. (Cub Scout & Boy Scout = Youth Protection / Venturing Scout = Venturing Youth Protection) This training can be taken online at www.myscouting.org.

Nova Counselors

A Nova counselor must be at least 21 years of age, be registered with the Boy Scouts of America using the Adult Registration Form please indicate Nova counselor position, code 58. Supernova mentors position code 52. (This is a non-unit position and requires no fee), have Youth Protection Training. All forms below must be completed and turned into together to: Suffolk County Council Boy Scouts of America, Attn: Joann Vallillo, Registrar, 1 Independence Hill, Suite 202, Farmingville, NY 11738.

Youth Protection Training - Print out your certification and turn in with your forms.
BSA Adult Registration Form

Supernova Mentors

Supernova mentors must be 21 or older, have expertise in a STEM field, be registered with the Scouting America (This is a non-unit position and requires no fee), have Youth Protection training, and complete a Supernova Mentor application.

To ensure a high level of program, all Mentors must be approved by the NFC Nova Committee.

Forms below must be completed and turned into Joann Vallillo, Registrar at Joann.Vallillo@scouting.org or mailed to 1 Independence Hill, Suite 202, Farmingville, NY 11738.

The Supernova Awards

The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the Nova awards, and for those who enjoy a super challenge. The requirements and activities were imagesed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities. "Prepared For Life."

Advancement Forms

Marketing Material

FAQ's

 

 

Position Name Telephone
STEM NOVA University Committee Chair Jennifer Lamberti Email