Transcript STEM Nova Awards Supernova Awards National Capital Area Council Content • STEM – What and Why? • Review of the BSA STEM Initiative: The Nova /

STEM
Nova Awards
Supernova Awards
National Capital Area Council
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Content
• STEM – What and Why?
• Review of the BSA STEM Initiative:
The Nova / Supernova Awards Program
• NCAC Implementation & Value-Added
Initiatives
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STEM in Scouting
It’s always been there!
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WHAT is STEM?
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
• 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
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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
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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)
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The BSA STEM
Initiative
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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
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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
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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
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Characteristics and Needs of
Scouts
Program
Age and Experience
Group Structure Learning Styles
Cub
Scouts,
Webelos
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Boys
8 – 10 years old
Grade 2 – 4
Little math or science
contact
• Generally in
Dens of 4 – 8
Scouts
• adult leader
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See and do
Tactile and visual
Structured Learning
Open to everything – no
preconceived notions
Boy
Scouts,
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Boys
11 – 18 years old
Grade 5 – 12
Some math and
science education
• Small groups of
2 to 8, with a
buddy
• Youth leader
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See and do
Tactile and visual
Use EDGE teaching method
Eager to explore new worlds
Science may be seen as “too
hard”
Varsity
Scouts,
Venturers
• Young Men and /or
Women
• 13 – 20 years old
• Grades 8+
• Groups of 2* or
more with a
buddy
• Youth leader
• See and do
• Reflection, research, brainstorm
• Self directed – Counselor is a
team leader
• Emulate adult as role model
• Science and Math may be seen
as “un-cool”
* One-on-one contact with Scout is prohibited by Youth Protection Policies
The Nova Awards
S
T
E
M
Cub Scouts
“Science Everywhere”
“Tech Talk”
“Swing!”
“1-2-3 Go!”
Boy Scouts
“Shoot!”
“Start Your Engines!”
“Whoosh!”
“Designed to Crunch”
Venturing
“Launch!”
“Power Up”
“Hang On!”
“Numbers Don’t Lie”
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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.
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Nova Awards
First Award – get Nova patch
e.g. “Science Everywhere”
Next Awards – get Nova pins
for patch
e.g. “Tech Talk” | “Swing!” |
“1-2-3 Go!”
1. Enter Nova Awards via Internet Advancement
2. Print Advancement Report
3. Purchase patches and pins a the Scout Shop
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Supernova Awards
Cub Scouts
Dr. Luis W. Alvarez
Wolf / Bear
Dr. Charles H. Townes
Webelos
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
(Gold Medal)
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Supernova Award Example
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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. *
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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
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Supernova Paperwork Example
Submit paperwork to
the District STEM
Coordinator
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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.
Requirement
Nova Counselors
Supernova Mentor
Register annually (no fee, Counselors use position code 58,
Mentors use position code 52, not a unit position)
Y
Y
Be at least 21 years old
Y
Y
Be of good character
Y
Y
Current Youth Protection trained
Y
Y
Familiar, can research
and discuss unfamiliar
topics
Y
Able to work with Scouts-age youth
Y
Y
Submit SuperNova Mentor application
N
Y
Be approved by district/council advancement committee
Y
Y
Be knowledgeable in the award subject by vocation, hobby,
education
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.
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Nova Counselors
• No Science Background Required
You 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.
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Nova Counselor Registration
• Complete a NOVA
Counselor application
• Complete adult application
(indicating Code 58)
Submit to
District STEM Program
Coordinator
• Copy Youth Protection
Training certificate
Note: Specific position training is available at
http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx (Also visit NCAC STEM
Webpage)
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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.
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Supernova Mentor Registration
• Complete a Supernova
Mentor application
• Complete adult application
(indicating Code 52)
Submit to
District STEM Program
Coordinator
• Copy Youth Protection
Training certificate
Note: Specific position training is available at
http://www.scouting.org/Training/Adult.aspx (Also visit NCAC STEM
Webpage)
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Process Summary
Nova
Supernova
Submit Counselor Form, Adult
Application, and proof of YPT to District
STEM Chair
Submit Mentor Form, Adult Application ,
and proof of YPT to District STEM Chair
(they will forward to the Council)
Work with youth to earn Nova Patch
Work with youth to earn Supernova Medal
Submit Nova Award to District STEM Chair
Submit Supernova Award Application along
with comment sheet to District STEM Chair
(they will forward to the Council)
Work to earn Nova Pi Pin in other STEM
disciplines or work with additional youth
Pick up Supernova Certificate once the
Council has approved the application in order
to purchase the medal.
10/25/2013
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NC
AC
Implementation Plan in NCAC
• Organize STEM Committee
• Promote the Nova/Supernova Program
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Roundtable Presentations
University of Scouting
Program Launch Flyers
Scouter Digest Articles
Website: http://www.ncacbsa.org/STEM
Scouting Opportunities
• Develop Supernova Mentors
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Refine Supernova Intake Process
Identify Resources and Candidates
Recruit
Resource List (like MB counselor list)
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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
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NCAC Initiatives
STEM Van
• Ford E250
• $75k anonymous
donation
• “Rolling Billboard”
• Major sponsors:
— Meg & Norm Augustine — BSA National Foundation
— General Dynamics
— Lincoln Electric
• Mobile classroom
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Full A/V system
Portable generator
Packaged STEM projects suitable for Cub Scout Day Camp, etc.
Contact District STEM Coordinator for event coordination
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NCAC Initiatives
STEM Lab
• Dedicated room @ Camp Snyder’s Hilton Training Center
• Packaged STEM projects suitable for Scouts
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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.)
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NCAC Initiatives
STEM Lab
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NCAC Initiatives
STEM-related Unit Activities
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References
scouting.org/stem.aspx
Requirements
Nova
News
Cool Stuff
Council
Support
ncacbsa.org/STEM
What is
STEM
and
Nova?
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Questions?
Why science teachers don’t monitor recess
I think you should be more explicit in step two
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Roundtable Exercise
Catapult – 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/howto/build-catapult-out-rubber-bands-wirehanger-321541/ (instructions)
How Far Can You Toss Your Balls?
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