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Supernova

Earning Silver Medals in STEM in Scouting

November 7, 2022 by Sydney Hammond

I don’t think I ever truly knew what STEM really was until I discovered NOVA awards and did my first one. It was much more difficult than I expected, taking a lot of time, energy, and creativity. The more I worked on it, the more I learned and became interested in the world of STEM. Specifically I loved the aerospace and engineering parts of it, having watched several rocket launches for activities and building a fan powered car out of a gatorade bottle and some bottle caps. After completing four of these NOVA awards, I set my sights on the biggest challenge yet – the Supernova.

It took months to complete all of the requirements and challenges for this award, but even though at times I wanted to drop it all together, I pushed through. My favorite activities were the coding project I did, shadowing a heliophysicist, and teaching cub scouts how to make a fan powered car. Especially during the shadowing, I learned so much about what it’s like to work at NASA, and so much on recent projects and interesting things happening in the world of engineering right now.

When I finished my first Supernova award, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue and do another one. But with spare time on my hands, and a growing interest in STEM I began it. My favorite activities were creating the Electroscope for the nuclear science merit badge, running a meeting with different science experiments, and writing an essay on the history of nuclear power.

I think the Thomas Edison Supernova opened the door to my interest in nuclear sciences, beginning with the all day merit badge course which I really enjoyed – going in depth on atoms and fission which I found particularly interesting. While doing the essay on nuclear power I felt myself getting really intrigued with each piece of information I found, causing me to write out the 1,500 words in only an hour. Everything about it made me nervous, how such tiny things could explode cities and have so much power, but it also excited me to think that was possible.

After completing it I was really proud, but also very glad for all the opportunities it provided me with. I got to meet some fantastic people, and learn a lot about myself and the STEM world.

 

Sydney is pictured above (right) along with Lauren (left) who also earned the Edison Supernova, and Mr. Bruce Donlin (center), the Supernova Mentor for both scouts. As Sydney and Lauren display their Supernova medals, Mr. Donlin displays the Silver Pyramid, a STEM Award he was presented for creating a Council-wide, large scale, sustainable STEM event!

 

Filed Under: Scouting Programs Tagged With: STEM, Supernova

My Supernova and STEM Experiences

July 10, 2022 by Lauren Nank

Hello, I am Lauren Nank, and I am the first woman in NCAC to earn the Thomas Edison Supernova award. I joined GT1853 right before COVID put us all into lockdown. During that time, I was introduced to the multitude of STEM opportunities in scouts. It started with the Nova awards. A Nova award is a project-based activity, and each award covers one area of STEM. I completed Let it Grow, Splash, and Mendel’s Minions. Let it Grow, taught me how we get our food, how it is processed, and a lot about food science all around the world. When I was completing the Mammal Study merit badge for the Nova award, one of the requirements was doing a project that would benefit a mammal. I decided to build a bat box. A bat box helps bats sleep and mate safely. Now, one problem was my mom was afraid of bats; but I had the opportunity to go to someone’s farm and place the bat box there. Adding on, the owner took me on a tour of the farm as well!

After, I completed the Splash Nova award. I learned about water use, consumption, and how water gets recycled for use again at water treatment plants. Lastly, I earned Mendel’s Minions nova award. I had been interested in genealogy at the time, so it was the perfect choice for me. I learned how to extract DNA from a strawberry with just at-home ingredients, as well as create a 3D model of DNA. Who knew you can extract DNA at home? From there, I thought Nova awards were all I could do, but that wasn’t the case. With a friend of mine, together we completed the Bernard Harris Supernova Award. A Supernova, in basic terms, is a small STEM eagle project. This Supernova taught me leadership, communication, and self-discipline. My favorite thing I did during the Supernova is interviewing and shadowing a NASA Helio physicist. I learned a tremendous amount about work at NASA, what’s next for NASA, and the work environment for women. After the shadowing, I interviewed a woman in a neighboring program; and she shared with me about the lack of women around her when she first joined. Luckily, as time went on more and more women have been getting into STEM and changing the world with it.

Immediately after I started the Thomas Edison Supernova award. I started by completing the “Shoot!” Nova award. I learned about projectiles, aviation, and astronomy. One of the requirements was making a marshmallow catapult and doing a scientific experiment. While measuring the angle and distance projected. I enjoyed using the information I learned about the scientific investigation in school in real life, and of course eating a bunch of marshmallows.
After completing the Nova award, I started two STEM-related activities. I made a precipitate with Ammonia and Copper Sulfate. The activities require you to do write-ups that include preparation and research, then reflection after you’ve finished. My precipitate experiment went extremely well. I had done it before in school, and when I did it at home, I knew exactly what to do. It was fascinating to see how when the ammonia is dropped into the Copper sulfate, it turns into small flakes.

My math experiment was planting seeds and seeing if enzymes affect the growth of plants. I learned in science class that enzymes speed up chemical reactions, and plants use a chemical reaction to create food called photosynthesis. Each week, I measured the height of the seed and by the end, my hypothesis was proven true! Honestly, going into the experiment I just went off of background knowledge, and it was rewarding to see it was successful.
One of the other requirements is to complete a STEM fair, competition, or workshop. I decided to do a Nuclear Science workshop. One of the coolest things during the workshop was seeing both beta and alpha beta particles. Before, I didn’t even know the slightest thing about beta particles, cosmic radiation, and radiation found in food! This workshop allowed me to add to my knowledge about atoms and extend it further on how it relates to nuclear science.
Lastly, you have to present a Nova award or STEM activity to your troop or Cub pack. My friend and I organized a meeting where we made color-changing slime and a Carbon Sugar Snake. We led scouts through both activities, and both were very different from each other. We ran into a few roadblocks with the slime, but from a different perspective, it all went incredibly well. I was proud of the results, and the positivity on everyone’s faces.

All of these awards, merit badges, and experiences not only taught me more about STEM, but how the world works, discipline, leadership, and communication online and in – person. I learned that with being open – minded new experiences could come through. Even when you feel like things aren’t progressing, everything will turn out alright in the end. I encourage everyone to get involved in STEM in your troop, or anywhere around you. I guarantee you will learn something new, or you will meet and experience new possibilities.

Filed Under: Scouting Programs Tagged With: STEM, Supernova

Pack 278 Celebrates it’s First Supernova as a Family Pack

June 19, 2022 by Jennifer Hansen

Cub Scout Pack 278 is proud to award its 3rd Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award to Fiona H. Fiona joined the pack as a Wolf when she became the first girl registered in Pack 278.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, the Leaders of Pack 278 took on the task of becoming a Family Pack that serves all youth in the Middletown Valley. Fiona watched her older brother learn important life skills while having fun since she was 3 years old. Today, at 9 years old, she has earned her Bear Rank and successfully completed the Alvarez Supernova requirements.

The Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova honors Dr. Alvarez’s many achievements. While working on the Alvarez Supernova, Fiona was challenged to research 3 different scientists and innovators. Fiona chose to research the lives of Jane Goodall, Marie Curie, and Mary Anning. These three women forged ahead in their scientific fields despite many telling them that scientific discovery was not the role of women. Fiona continued to learn about women scientists by interviewing Jennifer Karschner, a Forensic Specialist working for the Montgomery County Police Department. During this interview, Fiona learned that a simple love of puzzles and helping people combined with “lots of school” can be a recipe for a successful career in Science.

Fiona pursued her interest in science by completing a science experiment investigating the result of placing chicken bones in vinegar and other liquids. Along with learning about acids and bases, she discovered that science can be cool and gross at the same time. Finally, Fiona spoke with her Den Leader about why learning science and math is important in education. Fiona learned that science is in everything that we do, from building fires to baking cookies. Understanding why the recipe works is the first step in creating your own.

Filed Under: Scouting Programs Tagged With: STEM, Supernova

Volcano Snow Supernova

May 27, 2022 by Kiernan E.

(From left to right) Supernova Award Recipient Robert El-Hage, Sully District Unit Commissioner Randy Young.

On May 29, 2021, Robert El-Hage was awarded the Dr. Luis Alvarez Supernova Award by Mr. Randy Young, Sully District Unit Commissioner, at Pack 717’s Blue & Gold event. Robert is a Bear in Cub Scout Pack 717, chartered by St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Clifton Virginia, where he is a 3rd Grader at the church’s school. Robert started off as a Cub Scout in the Lion pilot program as a kindergartener. He was quickly inspired by Mr. Young to work on Cub Scout Awards that are not earned very often. Robert first earned the International Spirit Award after expressing his interest in ham radio during the Jamboree-on-the-Air at Camp Snyder. This accomplishment led Robert to discover the Nova program.

(From left to right) Cub Master Elias El-Hage, Supernova Award Recipient Robert El-Hage, Sully District Unit Commissioner Randy Young.

To receive the Supernova Award, a Scout first must earn a certain number of Nova awards. He earned four Nova awards: Down and Dirty, Fearful Symmetry, Out of this World, and Up and Away. His favorite Nova was Down and Dirty because he got to make a Papier Mache volcano. He also enjoyed earning the Out of this World award which is all about astronomy. To earn this, Robert watched astronomy videos, participated in a two hour Zoom meeting hosted by the NCAC STEM Committee, and did some cool crafts. After completing this Nova award, Robert was inspired to become an astronomer.

Even after completing these Nova awards, Robert was determined to achieve the Supernova award. He wanted to earn a medal that meant something to him. Robert was mentored by Dr. Hatcher Tynes, who is the Sully District STEM Coordinator. For his scientific method demonstration he created “volcano snow”, experimenting so he could create the right consistency of “snow”. It took him six months to earn his Supernova. If Robert could describe his overall experience in three words it would be “hard, interesting,” and (most importantly) “fun.”

 

Article authored by Supernova recipient’s big sister, Kiernan El-Hage, SPL Troop 1137G. 

Filed Under: Scouting Programs Tagged With: STEM, Supernova

Cubs have STEM portfolios, thanks to a remarkable mentor

May 18, 2022 by NCAC STEM

Mr. Robert Stallings Jr. has been a Supernova Mentor in Goose Creek District for a few years now. As a Supernova Mentor, he guides cub scouts thru their pursuit of STEM activities, learning, science projects, research and field trips to broaden their horizons of STEM disciplines. While mentoring 5 Webelos/AOLs for the Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova and 2 Wolves/Bears for the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award, Mr. Stallings had his hands full with 70 individual requirements to keep track of.

Yet, Mr. Stallings didn’t stop there. He went on to help each of these Cub Scouts develop digital portfolios of their STEM explorations! The NCAC STEM Committee is beyond impressed. Take a look at a snapshot of the portfolios below…

Starting with the Dr. Charles H Townes Supernova recipients: Olivia, David, Whit, Neil and Abhyunday

For Requirement 1: Olivia visited a geological site, created a simple circuit, and did several mathematics activities!

For Requirement 2: Neil earned the Build It adventure at Michael’s Woodshop at Camp Snyder.

 

For Requirement 4: Abhyuday learned about five famous scientists, technology innovators, engineers or mathematicians.


For Requirement 7: Whit visited scientists at the Washington University in St. Louis and interviewed researchers looking for a cure for tuberculosis!

 

For Requirement 8: David investigated a question about what materials are soundproof, and made a box!

 

So did Olivia!

And Whit!

And Abhyuday! They measured the decibel level to test their soundproof boxes.

 

The Dr. Luis Alvarez Supernova recipients: Seaton and Noah also explored some fantastic experiments in pursuit of their awards. 

For requirement 7: Seaton visited with a scientist, and got to try his hand at labwork!

 

For requirement 8: Seaton learned about the scientific method with his mentor.

For requirement 9: Noah participated in a pack STEM event – airplanes and lego races.

 

Congratulations to all 7 Supernova recipients, and thank you to Mr. Stallings for being an incredible Supernova Mentor!

Last year, Mr. Stallings created the first set of digital folios for his Cubs out of necessity – as the Cubs were on the brink of finishing their Supernovas when Covid hit, so they had to complete and submit their work digitally.

If you want to see the full story of when Mr. Stallings first started creating digital folios, please check out this link! https://weownadventure.com/four-pack-1500-cub-scouts-earn-the-dr-luis-w-alvarez-supernova-award-electronically/

This year, Mr. Stallings took it to a new level. Thank you for your service, Mr. Stallings!

Filed Under: Leaders Tagged With: STEM, Supernova

Pack 1967 Scout Completes Every Nova and Supernova Award

April 18, 2022 by Jason Mann

One Webelos Scout from Pack 1967 recently earned the Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award, thus completing his achievement of earning all Nova awards (11) and Supernova Awards (2) available at the Cub Scout level.

Henrik M. of Den 4, Pack 1967, began his Cub Scouts STEM journey by earning the Nova Swing award (#1) in the spring of 2019. His den has finished all the Tiger adventures and began working on a Nova award at the end of the school year. Later on in his Wolf year, Henrik earned the Nova Tech Talk award (#2) by learning about different types of technology and that technology was all around them. He completed the award in December 2019 and visited the Area 9-Division 7 Office of the Virginia State Police to see a place where technology was used.

Henrik completed the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Cub Scout Supernova Award in March 2020. To earn the award, he visited Duck donuts to learn about the science that goes into making donuts, conducted an experiment using the scientific method (testing mentos in soda; diet ginger ale worked the best), and researched Dr. Alvarez and three other scientists: Nikola Tesla, Willard Libby (inventor of radiocarbon dating) and Dr. Louis J. Camati (the first veterinarian in the United States with a practice dedicated just to cats). Henrik completed the requirements for the award by visiting bank to learn about compound interest on March 12, 2020.

While he was touring Sun Trust, parents across the National Capital Area Council received the email that in-person Scouting activities was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But that did not slow Henrik down. Scouts in his pack were encouraged to put the outing in Scouting, even if it was only with their families. In April 2020, Henrik completed the Down and Dirty Nova award (#3) , learning about geology and ecosystems and visiting the park near his home to find and classify rocks.

In the summer of 2020, Pack 1967 created the Summer Adventure Club (SAC) that allowed Scouts to meet virtually to keep Scouting going and to earn a few Nova awards. In July, Henrik completed the 1-2-3 Go Nova award (#4) , learning about the math behind secret codes and how to create empirical probability distributions to make inferences. He and his fellow Scouts counted and graphed the number of m&m’s by color and used that to determine which factory their m&m’s were made (they were made in Cleveland, TN). In August, the SAC completed the Cubs Can Code (#5) and Uncovering the Past (#6) Nova award. For the Cubs Can Code award, Henrik learned the basics of computer programming and programmed a path used in Minecraft. Through the Uncovering the Past award, he learned about archeology and completed a dig.

As a Bear Scout, Henrik earned the Out of this World Nova award (#7) in January 2021. For this award, he learned about astronomy and constellations, and took a virtual field trip to a college planetarium. In March 0f 2021, he earned the Up and Away Nova award (#8), learning about fluid dynamics. For this award, he conducted an experiment about terminal velocity, measuring the speed that steel ball bearings fell through air, water, and corn syrup. In May 2021, he earned the Nova Wild award (#9), learning about food webs and invasive species. For this award, Henrik and his den visited Bear’s Den in Bluemont, VA, hiked the Appalachian Trail, and observed wildlife.

In the summer of 2021, the SAC returned and through it, Henrik earned the Fearful Symmetry Nova Award (#10). For this award, he learned about different lines of symmetry, how symmetry exists in nature, music, and art, and how symmetry can translate into strength for various crystalline structures.

In August and September 2021, Henrik completed the Science Everywhere Nova Award (#11), earning the final Nova award.  For this award, he learned more about the scientific method, and visited Luck Stone quarry in Manassas, VA, to learn about the science that goes into blasting.  His pack was lucky enough to meet with two of the blasters from Luck Stone and to watch a blasting!

Starting as a Webelos Scout in June 2021, Henrik began work on Cub Scouts’ most challenging STEM award, the Dr. Charles H. Townes Webelos Supernova Award.   This award is similar to the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez award but involves more detailed and more challenging requirements.  In addition to completing various STEM requirements, Henrik completed the Adventures in Science, Engineer, Build It, First Responder, Into the Woods and Into the Wild Webelos adventures for the award.  In June 2020, Henrik’s den learned how to wire simple circuits with a battery, LED lights and a switch.  They wired circuits both in series and in parallel and tested the differences in the lights that resulted.  Also in June, Henrik and his den visited Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers and met with the General Manager to learn how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics were used extensively in the frozen custard-making process.

In July 2021, Henrik met with representatives from Fairfax County and Sagres Construction as he and his den toured an active construction site.  Scouts and parents wore personal protective equipment including hardhats and safety vests as they toured the Burke Virginia Railway Express Connector site.  They learned about the geology that goes into a construction project, including how geology impacts where sites are built, what materials that are used, and how those materials can influence the way in which water run-off is directed.

As with the Cub Scout Supernova award, the Webelos award requires a Scout to research scientists.  But for the Webelos award, a Scout must research Dr. Townes and five other scientists or inventors.   For his five, Henrik chose William Higinbotham (the inventor of the first video game), Adolph Rickenbacher (one of the inventors of the electric guitar), David Baszucki (creator of Roblox), Satoshi Tajiri (creator of Pokémon), and Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone).

Henrik completed the Webelos Supernova Award by conducting a science experiment using the scientific method and writing a short report about the results.  He and his den conducted an experiment to test which soda cans would sink or float in a mystery solution, and then using the results of the experiment to calculate an upper and lower bound for the density of the solution.

Congratulations to Henrik Mann on an accomplishment three years in the making!  Pack 1967 is proud to have such an accomplished Scout in its ranks, and looks forward to more junior mathematicians, engineers and scientists in Scouting!

 

 

Filed Under: Scouting At Home Tagged With: STEM, Supernova

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