STEM/Nova Awards Program
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.
The Nova Awards
There are four Nova awards for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the distinctive Nova award patch. After that, a Scout can earn three more Nova awards, each one recognized with a separate pi (π) pin-on device that attaches to the patch. The patch and the three devices represent each of the four STEM topics—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Supernova Awards
The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the Nova awards. The requirements and activities were designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities.
The Nova Awards
There are four Nova awards for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Cub Scout Nova awards: Science Everywhere, Tech Talk, Swing!, and 1-2-3 Go!
- Webelos Scout Supernova award: Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award
- Boy Scout Nova awards: Shoot!, Start Your Engines, Whoosh!, and Designed to Crunch
- Venturer Scout Nova awards: Launch!, Power Up, Hang On!, and Numbers Don't Lie
For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the distinctive Nova award patch. After that, a Scout can earn three more Nova awards, each one recognized with a separate pi (π) pin-on device that attaches to the patch. The patch and the three devices represent each of the four STEM topics—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Supernova Awards
The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the Nova awards. The requirements and activities were designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities.
For Wolf and Bear Cub Scouts:
For Webelos Scouts: For Boy Scouts: For Venturers: |
Dr. Louis Alvarez Supernova Award
Dr. Charles H. Townes Supernova Award Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Bronze Award Thomas Edison Supernova Silver Award Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Bronze Award Wright Brothers Supernova Silver Award Dr. Albert Einstein Supernova Gold Award |
For earning the Supernova award, Scouts receive a medal and certificate.
Nova Award Related Merit Badges
American Business
Athletics Canoeing Computers Electricity Engineering Inventing Nuclear Science Radio Robotics Space Exploration Weather |
Archery
Automotive Maintenance Chess Cycling Electronics Entrepreneurship Model Design and Building Orienteering Railroading Shotgun Shooting Surveying |
Astronomy
Aviation Composite Materials Drafting Energy Farm Mechanics Motorboating Personal Management Rifle Shooting Small - Boat Sailing Truck Transportation |
NOTE: Highlighted Merit Badges are taught, or proposed, for the ScouTECH Center