STEM & Scouting

WHAT is STEM? The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This approach to education is designed to revolutionize the teaching of subject areas such as mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum by creating a “meta-discipline.”

WHY STEM? Our nation is at the crossroads… We live in a time of great opportunity, when the spirit of innovation can help us overcome challenges and ensure a prosperous and secure future.  To seize these opportunities we must position ourselves at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological innovation.

Where Are We Now? Our country is falling behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM): In 2009, just 34 percent of U.S. 8th graders were rated proficient or higher in a national math assessment. In an international exam given, U.S. high school students ranked 21st out of 30 industrialized nations in science and 25th in math. Only 43 percent of U.S. high school graduates in 2010 were ready for college work in math and 29 percent were ready in science.

STEM: Strategy for Success STEM is the future. STEM education is an economic imperative. Experts say that technological innovation accounted for almost half of U.S. economic growth over the past 50 years, and almost all of the 30 fastest-growing occupations in the next decade will require at least some background in STEM.  STEM literacy is also critical because it has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. The National Science Foundation “estimates that 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills.”

THE BSA RESPONSE THE BSA has partnered with ExxonMobil to increase STEM awareness in youth and offer them the opportunities to: “Be Prepared for Life”

THE BSA NOVA AWARD NOVA AWARD MODULES: Cub Scout Science Everywhere (Science) Tech Talk (Technology) Swing (Engineering) Designed to Crunch (Math) Boy Scout Projectiles and Space (Science) Start Your Engines (Technology) Whoosh! (Engineering) Venturing Launch Power Up Hang On! Numbers Don’t Lie

SUPERNOVA AWARDS CUB SCOUT and WEBELOS BOY SCOUT VENTURING Earning the NOVA award is not a prerequisite. Currently we are proposing Supernova Mentors operate like MB Counselors Award is more involved and challenging than the NOVA award.

National Council Support DEDICATED WEBSITES: www.scouting.org/stem http://www.facebook.com NOVA-Award-BSA Parents/Counselor guide Promotional Flyers and Video STEM Initiative Launch Kit (August Top Hands)

NOVA Related Merit Badges, Belt Loops, and Pins Boy Scouts Cub Scouts Archery Astronomy Athletics Canoeing Chess Farm Mechanics Motorboating Orienteering Rifle Shooting Astronomy BB Gun Shooting Bicycling Fishing Geography, Geology Map & Compass Photography Science

Super-NOVA Related Merit Badges, Activity Badges Boy Scouts Cub Scouts (Webelos) Astronomy Bird Study Environmental Science Farm Mechanics Fish & Wildlife Management Forestry Geocaching, Geology Craftsman Engineer Forester Geography, Geology Naturalist Readyman Scientist

Summary STEM is a meta-discipline important to the future of learning and education. NOVA Awards are designed as a way to make learning fun! SUPERNOVA Awards are designed to challenge those who like the STEM fields. THE BSA has begun to integrate the NOVA awards throughout the BSA literature, trainings and outdoor program.

Program Logistics Who’s involved: Scouts: Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Unit Leaders: Den, Cubmasters, Scoutmasters etc. Scouters: Nova Coordinators, Supernova Mentors, Parents, etc. District Leaders: Merit Badge coordinators, District Directors, etc. Council Leaders: Executive, STEM Committee Basically, everybody (except Tigers)!

Key Roles Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors Nova Counselors & Supernova Mentors can be anyone with an earnest enthusiasm for STEM. Nova Counselors can be parents, unit leaders, etc. Supernova Mentors must be Scouters, approved by the local council, and have a STEM career, there is no specific degree requirement. Supernova Mentors apply for that status in a similar way to Merit Badge Counselors. All Youth Protection and BSA policies apply to everyone involved.

Key Roles STEM Nova Committee Exists at the Council Level to promote and champion the STEM Nova program at all levels of scouting. Approve the Supernova Mentors Provide guidance and assistance to actively involved District Personnel in coordinating STEM Nova activities Provide the venue for “STEM Nova Fairs” and Special Recognition Ceremonies for the Supernova Awards. Current Members composed of leaders from all levels with at least one person from each district.

Supernova Awards Workflow Completed Supernova applications are e-mailed to Paul Diaz for signature. Paul e-mails signed application to Peter Mandery to get Joe Daniszewski’s signature. Completed signed application is returned to Peter Mandery from Council. Peter e-mails the application to the Mentor to get award and present to the Supernova Applicant. Peter e-mails copies to Paul and Eric Holmstein  for their records.

How do I get Involved Volunteer for serving on the STEM Nova Committee Apply to be a Supernova Mentor Intake is through the Merit Badge Coordinator Become a Nova Award Counselor Plan STEM activities at a camp or event: emphasize that STEM is already “baked in” to many BSA skills. Conduct outreach in your units

Your Input Just as any scientific discipline that stops growing and answering relevant questions, a program that doesn’t shift to serve the interests of its members will soon be discarded and forgotten. There are many ways to achieve the STEM Nova goals but we rely on you to feed in new ideas to keep the program robust, exciting, and fun!