The STEM / Nova Program and Greater Alabama Council

1. The STEM / Nova Program and Greater Alabama Council Dr. Richard J. Stone Greater Alabama Council Talakto District Committee July 11, 2012

2. Agenda Some briefing content were borrowed from materials used at Philmont Training Center by STEM committee members and training participants STEM – What and Why? Review of Nova / Supernova Program Ideas for Implementation in Greater Alabama Council

3. STEM in Scouting – so far • Scouting has always included Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) topics • But the content is often hidden in other activities • Scouting focuses on outdoor program • Not Every Youth Wants to Be Dan Beard or Daniel Boone. Some Want to Be Neil Armstrong, Bill Gates, or Albert Einstein.

4. 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.” Highlight STEM content in existing Scouting Program.

5. Why STEM? • 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. • China graduates more engineers per year than the U.S. graduates in all fields.

6. Why STEM? • 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 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.”

7. 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” • BSA created the Nova and Supernova Awards Programs • Youth Program, Adult Roles, Leader Support, and Awards programs defined • Field tested, refined, and improved in two trials • Development of manuals • National Roll-Out in mid-July 2012

8. Nova and Supernova Programs • Nova Program • Based on accomplishment of existing program activities (belt loops, 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 Program • 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. The Nova Program - Activities

10. Nova Program Activities - Example • Must be a Wolf or Bear • Watch TV or read about science, collect questions and ideas, discuss with counselor • Complete ONE belt loop: Astronomy, Collecting, Geography, Geology, Map and Compass, Mathematics, Nutrition, Pet Care, Photography, Science, Weather, Wildlife Conservation • Act like a scientist. Pick a question to study. Investigate answers. Discuss with counselor. • Visit a place where science is being done or used. Talk to someone about use of science. Discuss with counselor. • Cub Scout Nova Activity: Science Everywhere • Requirements summarized:

11. Nova Activity Awards First Award – get Nova patch Next Awards – get Nova pins for patch (up to 3)

12. Supernova Program Activities - Example • Must be First Class or higher. • Earn at least three Nova awards for Boy Scouts. • Earn Scholarship MB and four MBs from approved list. • Complete two Supernova activity topics. Each topic includes research, preparation, set up, coordination, organization, analysis, reflection, reporting. • Participate in a science fair or math competition. • Shadow a science professional • Present Nova program to Cub den or other youth group • Review scientific method and use it to examine a selected topic • Boy Scout Supernova Activity: Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award • Requirements summarized:

13. Supernova Awards Cub Scouts Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Wolf / Bear (bronze medal) Dr. Charles H. Townes Webelos (bronze medal) Boy Scouts Dr. Bernard Harris (bronze medal) Thomas Alva Edison (silver medal) Dr. Sally Ride (bronze medal) Wright Brothers (silver medal) Venturing Dr. Albert Einstein Venturer (gold medal)

14. Integration with Traditional Program - Example Merit badge from selection list Boy Scouts Dr. Bernard Harris (bronze medal) Thomas Alva Edison (silver medal) Dr. Albert Einstein Venturer (gold medal)

15. Implementation Plan in GAC • Organize STEM Committee • Promote the Nova/Supernova Program • Round Table Presentations • University of Scouting • Program samples at Camporees, Day Camps, Cub Haunted? • Develop Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors • Identify Resources and Candidates • Recruitment • Training • University of Scouting, by STEM Committee, On-line?, PTC? • Resource List (like MB counselor list?)

16. Organization in GAC • Staff Advisor • STEM Committee Chair (under Council VP Advancement) • District representatives • Program Integration • Promotions at Round Tables, University of Scouting, etc. • Incorporate program in camps, camporees, merit badge universities, etc. • Staffing • Counselor/Mentor Identification and Recruitment • Corporate, education, government organizations • Additions to STEM Committee as required • Training • Unit Leaders and Program Users • Counselors and Mentors • Commissioners and District/Council • Resources • Grants to fund staff and program projects

17. Organization Resources Sharing STEM Committee and “STEM and Scouting” PTC Student Group are developing and sharing resources to support implementation of the STEM programs.

18. What’s Next? • 7/11/12 Introduction meeting • RS – develop promo sheet for PPC • JB – briefs VPAdv, seek list of initial power-contacts • Homework • RS – develop training package for UoS, RT • RS – capture STEM comm traffic as FAQ