First Posted: 2/3/2014

Twelve Webelos Scouts from Pack 241 in Dallas earned the new Super NOVA Award. The Super NOVA award is part of the Boys Scouts’ new STEM program: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The Webelos I and Webelos II scouts from Cub Scout Pack 241 are in different dens, however, they worked together to achieve the Super Nova Medal. In order to achieve the Super Nova Medal, the Scouts conducted several science experiments, including “Why water and oil do not mix” and “Why different materials interact with each other” such as Coke and Mentos and baking soda and vinegar.

In addition, the Webelos 1 Scouts earned the Technology STEM pin. This is their third pin in the series of four within the STEM program. The Webelos 1 Scouts received a jumpstart on their achievements by attending a Council wide 2-day STEM campout at Camp Acahela in Blakeslee. Additionally, they attended a Wilkes University Passport to Science Open House which included viewing their own mouth bacteria under a microscope, examining owl pellets for diet determination and using M&M’s to learn about color chromatography.

STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of America has taken on to encourage the natural curiosity of youth members and their sense of wonder about these fields through existing programs. From archery to welding, Scouts can’t help but enjoy the wide range of STEM-related activities. To support this initiative, the BSA developed the Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts. The Boy Scouts of America’s NOVA Awards program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.