National Capital Area Council

1. National Capital Area Council S T E MNova AwardsSupernova Awards

2. Content • STEM – What and Why? • Review of the BSA STEM Initiative:The Nova / Supernova Awards Program • NCAC Implementation & Value-Added Initiatives

3. STEM in ScoutingIt’s always been there!

4. WHAT is STEM? ScienceTechnologyEngineeringMathematics • New approach to education • Revolutionize the teaching mathematics and science by incorporating technology and engineering into regular curriculum • STEM is a meta-discipline“Interdisciplinary” is a more common term • Brings together science, technology, engineering, and math • Offers a student-centered, inquiry-based method of addressing and solving problems • Deepens the understanding of concepts by presenting them in a real-world context

5. Why Suddenly STEM?The STEM Education Decision • 80% of STEM college students made the decision to study STEM in high school or earlier • 20% of STEM college students decided to study STEM in middle school or earlier • 61% of male STEM college students say that games or toys sparked their interest in STEM—the top factor for men STEM Perceptions: Student & Parent Survey Harris Interactive online survey of 500 STEM college students and 854 parents of K-12 students, May 2011

6. Why Suddenly STEM?Outside the Classroom • Strong correlation between a continuing interest in science and children’s early engagement with science outside of an instructional setting [emphasis added] • Results did not significantly differ by gender Math And Science Motivation: A Longitudinal Examination Of The Links Between Choices And Beliefs. Simpkins, S. D., Davis-Kean, P. E. & Eccles, J. S. Dev. Psych. 42,70–83 (2006) as cited in Homemade Chemists, Michelle Francl, Nature Chemistry 4, 687 (2012)

7. The BSA STEM Initiative

8. Nova and Supernova Awards • Nova Awards • Based on accomplishment of existing program activities (belt loops and pins, merit badges, venturing activity areas) • Extends and enhances existing program activities • Adult counselors familiar with STEM topics guide explorations and provide advancement quality control • Supernova Awards • Significant accomplishment extending program activities • Learn some fundamentals of the topic areas • Original STEM investigations and projects • Adult mentors who are accomplished STEM practitioners guide explorations and provide advancement quality control

9. Nova and Supernova Awards • Description of every Nova and Supernova Award • Internet references • Detailed guide for Nova Award counselors and Supernova Award mentors • http://www.scouting.org/stem/Awards

10. Characteristics and Needs of Scouts * One-on-one contact with Scout is prohibited by Youth Protection Policies

11. The Nova Awards

12. Nova Award Example Cub Scout: “Science Everywhere” • Must be a Wolf, Bear, or Webelos • Watch TV or read about science, collect questions and ideas.* • Complete 1 belt loop: Astronomy, Collecting, Geography, Geology, Map and Compass, Mathematics, Nutrition, Pet Care, Photography, Science, Weather, or Wildlife Conservation. • Act like a scientist. Pick a question to study. Investigate answers.* • Visit a place where science is being done or used. Talk to someone in charge about science. * • (*) Discuss with counselor.

13. Nova Awards First Award – get Nova patche.g. “Science Everywhere” • Enter Nova Awards via Internet Advancement • Print Advancement Report • Purchase patches and pins a the Scout Shop Next Awards – get Nova pins for patche.g. “Tech Talk” | “Swing!” | “1-2-3 Go!”

14. Supernova Awards Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Wolf / Bear Dr. Charles H. Townes Webelos Cub Scouts Dr. Bernard Harris (Bronze Medal) Thomas Alva Edison (Silver Medal) Boy Scouts Dr. Albert Einstein (Gold Medal) Dr. Sally Ride (Bronze Medal) Wright Brothers (Silver Medal) Venturing

15. Supernova Award Example Cub Scout Supernova: Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Award • Earn the Science AND Mathematics Cub Scout academic pins. • Earn THREE Cub Scout academic pins: Astronomy, Computers, Geography, Geology, Map and Compass, Nutrition, Pet Care, Photography, Reading and Writing, Video Games, Weather, or Wildlife Conservation. • Find interesting facts about Dr. Luis W. Alvarez and his famous theory about dinosaurs.* • Find out about three other famous STEM persons approved by your mentor. * • Speak with their teacher(s) OR a Cub Scout leader about your interest in earning the Cub Scout Supernova award. *

16. Supernova Award Example Cub Scout Supernova: Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Award (cont’d) • Participate in a science project or experiment in the classroom or school. * • Do ONE of the following: • Visit with someone who works in a STEM-related career.* • Learn about a STEM career.* • Learn about the scientific method (or scientific process). Perform a simple demonstration involved the method or process.* • Participate in a Nova- or other STEM-related activity in your Cub Scout den or pack meeting.* • (*) Discuss with mentor

17. Supernova Paperwork Example Submit paperwork to the District STEM Coordinator

18. Becoming a Counselor or Mentor The submission process to be a counselor and mentor are separate. Adult volunteer forms are required for each since they have separate codes.

19. Nova Counselors • Similar to Merit Badge (MB) Counselor • Assist the Scout as he plans the assigned projects and activities to meet the requirements. • Coach the Scout through interviews and demonstrations. • Certify the Scout to unit leaders when the Scout has met the requirements. • Registered Adult or Parent, ≥ 21 years old • Approved by the Scout Unit. This is a non-unit position and requires no fee.

20. Nova Counselors • No Science Background RequiredYou need to understand the material well enough to work with Scouts. • Parents may not serve as NOVA Counselors with their own children unless working with more than one Scout in a group setting.

21. Nova Counselor Registration • Complete a NOVA Counselor application • Complete adult application (indicating Code 58) • Copy Youth Protection Training certificate Note: Specific position training is available at http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx (Also visit NCAC STEM Webpage) Submit to District STEM Program Coordinator

22. Supernova Mentor • Supernova program is more complex & demanding • Requires qualified adult Mentor,≥ 21 years old • Career in a STEM field --or-- • Subject-matter expertise, avocation, or other special training • This is a non-unit position and requires no fee. • Works closely with the Scout for weeks or months, providing significant input and guidance to the Supernova candidate • Parents may not serve as Supernova mentors with their own children unless working with more than one Scout in a group setting.

23. Supernova Mentor Registration • Complete a Supernova Mentor application • Complete adult application (indicating Code 52) • Copy Youth Protection Training certificate Note: Specific position training is available at http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx (Also visit NCAC STEM Webpage) Submit to District STEM Program Coordinator

24. Process Summary NCAC

25. Implementation Plan in NCAC • Organize STEM Committee • Promote the Nova/Supernova Program • Roundtable Presentations • University of Scouting • Program Launch Flyers • Scouter Digest Articles • Website: http://www.ncacbsa.org/STEM • Scouting Opportunities • Develop Supernova Mentors • Refine Supernova Intake Process • Identify Resources and Candidates • Recruit • Resource List (like MB counselor list)

26. Organization in NCAC • NCAC Staff Advisor: • James Hamlin, Assistant Director of Field Service • STEM Committee Chair • Dr. Nicholas C. Maliszewskyj • District representatives • Goal: One per district • Promote STEM within district • Works with the District Advancement and Recognition Chair

27. NCAC InitiativesSTEM Van • Ford E250 • $75k anonymous donation • “Rolling Billboard” • Major sponsors: — Meg & Norm Augustine — BSA National Foundation — General Dynamics — Lincoln Electric • Mobileclassroom • Full A/V system • Portable generator • Packaged STEM projects suitable for Cub Scout Day Camp, etc. • Contact District STEM Coordinator for event coordination

28. NCAC InitiativesSTEM Lab • Dedicated room @ Camp Snyder’s Hilton Training Center • Packaged STEM projects suitable for Scouts • Physical Science (Rockets, Thermodynamics, Motion, Chemistry) • Life Science (Insects, Nature, Medicine, Genetics) • Earth Science (Geology, Make a Wind Measure, Solar Cooking) • Technology (Robotics, Computers, Engines, etc.) • Engineering (Bridges, Inventions, Levers, etc.)

29. NCAC InitiativesSTEM Lab

30. NCAC Initiatives STEM-related Unit Activities

31. References ncacbsa.org/STEM scouting.org/stem.aspx Nova News Requirements Cool Stuff What is STEM and Nova? Council Support

32. Questions? Why science teachers don’t monitor recess I think you should be more explicit in step two

33. Roundtable ExerciseCatapult – Class 3 Lever Cub Scout SWING! A wire clothes hanger Rubber bands (two No. 64 size bands work well) One plastic spoon 12x12” aluminum foil sheet to make small balls to toss from the catapult Measuring tape, pencil, and paper http://science.wonderhowto.com/how-to/build-catapult-out-rubber-bands-wire-hanger-321541/ (instructions) How Far Can You Toss Your Balls?