“Seriously, STEM Labs, Nova, and Supernova are each different creatures. We need them all towards giving our Scouts the tools and opportunities to be the best they can be. STEM literacy is tantamount for future leaders. The labs are not a part of regular scouting. It’s not for everyone but for those that are interested, it should be a viable option.”
Marcus J Martin is the Associate Lab Manager of Junior Lab 9941, which pre-social distancing, would meet at the USPTO in Alexandria, VA. The sponsor organization for Lab 9941 is the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers – USPTO chapter.
STEM Scouts Labs
STEM Scouts is a BSA program focused fun ways for girls and boys to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in tandem with character development, leadership training, and ethical decision-making. Through hands-on activities delivered to you, this program is challenging, thought-provoking and fun.
Program Structure: STEM Scouts has programming organized in 2 divisions: Junior Labs for grades 3-5 and Technology Labs for grades 6-8. Every meeting starts with the Scout Oath & Law, involves a hands-on experiment, and wraps up with discussion of a STEM Innovator.
Youth Leadership: Youth work in teams of three and rotate through roles of Principal Investigator, Co-PI and Project Manager.
What can you do during Covid-19?
Start this in your family or neighborhood, provided you are complaint with social distancing guidelines. Safety first! Activity kits are shipped in bundles for 5 youth, and lessons and lab journals are online in the STEM Scouts portal. Once you get the kits, host your virtual Lab through ZOOM!
Need help getting started?
NCAC STEM is here to help! To find out more, visit www.stemscouts.org or contact stem@ncacbsa.org.
Nova Awards
Nova Awards offer activities and recognition for youth in traditional programs: Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venture Scouts, Varsity Scouts and Sea Scouts. Read the requirements at www.scouting.org/stem.
What can you do during Covid-19?
Join NCAC’s STEM@Home program: https://scoutingevent.com/082-STEMatHome
STEM Committee volunteers and Nova Counselors are offering virtual STEM Nova events so your youth can advance in pursuit of Nova Awards.
Can you also work on Novas within your unit?
Absolutely! Be sure to work with a registered Nova Counselor. Contact supernova@ncacbsa.org with questions.
Supernova Awards
Supernova Awards offer recognition for youth in traditional programs who go the extra mile in their pursuit of STEM. Read the requirements at www.scouting.org/stem.
What can you do during Covid-19?
Check out the requirements online, then connect with a registered Supernova Mentor to get started! Contact supernova@ncacbsa.org to identify a Mentor
You can also join a STEM@Home Speaker Series event .
Note: Conversations with scientists or engineering professionals fulfills requirement 7 in Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova for Cub Scouts and Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova for Webelos. The conversation partially fulfills #6 in Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova for Scouts BSA and Dr Sally Ride Supernova for Venturers and Sea Scouts.
