Pack 278 in Braddock Heights, Maryland started to develop a NOVA program prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. After a brief hiatus, Leaders worked hard to get the program back on track. This Spring, the Pack held a 3-Day NOVA program for the Science Everywhere NOVA Award. On Day 1, Scouts learned about the scientific method by testing water bottle rockets. They each created different fins and nose cones to see how differently they flew with and without them. On Day 2, Scouts learned about Earth’s magnetic field by investigating how a compass works. After making their own compass with a magnet and paper clip, they used a compass to set bearings and solve a compass course.
On Day 3, Scouts took a field trip to Hunting Creek Fishery in Thurmont, Maryland. Hunting Creek Fishery is a family owned Koi and Ornamental Goldfish hatchery that farms and ships fish all over the country. Scouts learned how science is used to spawn and raise fish from eggs in their multiple indoor and outdoor ponds. Leaders of Pack 278 have had success building a strong NOVA program even through the difficulty of the pandemic and hope to engage our youth in STEM activities that will inspire them as they continue in Scouts.
