The Scouting America Nova and Supernova Awards program incorporates learning with hands-on activities to stimulate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The STEM program is available for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA members, Venturers, and Sea Scouts. Youth will learn to apply STEM to everyday living and the everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.
STEM
STEM is part of an initiative Scouting 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, Scouting America developed the STEM Nova Awards program so that youth members have fun and receive recognition for their efforts.
Why STEM?
We live in a time of great opportunity. The spirit of innovation can help us overcome challenges and ensure a prosperous and secure future. To seize this opportunity, we must position ourselves at the cutting edge of scientific discovery and technological innovation.
Yet our country is falling behind in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is why many professionals and educators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics believe the United States should do more now than ever to encourage students to enter STEM-related fields. These experts say our young people need strong STEM skills to compete in the world market. We must work together to cultivate the next generation of critical thinkers and innovators.
STEM is the Future
Fostering a strong STEM education is our best opportunity to boost the spirit of innovation. It’s what we need to help ensure this country continues on a prosperous and secure journey. STEM literacy is also critical because it has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. Nature, space exploration, and any STEM-related interest reveals to us the beauty and power of the world we inhabit.
What are the STEM Nova Awards?
Scouting America developed the STEM Nova Awards program to excite and expand a sense of wonder in our Scouts. By working with an adult counselor or mentor, the various modules allow them to explore the basic principles of STEM and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be. The Supernova awards are offered for those who enjoy a super challenge. Discover how the STEM Nova Awards program helps youth be “Prepared. For Life.”
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Upcoming Cub Scout STEM Events
The Gulf Coast Council is hosting two days of STEM Nova activities at STSR. These are open to Wolf, Bear, Webelos, and AOL Cub Scouts.
$16 for each day, which includes lunch at the Dining Hall. Nova patches for first-time Nova participants will cost an additional $8, and Pi pins for previous Nova patch recipients are an additional $4. There will be a $3 late fee.
Parents/guardians are welcome to attend and may join their scout for lunch at the Dining Hall for an additional $10 fee.
There are multiple Nova awards for Cub Scouts Wolf, Bear, Webelos, AOL), Scouts BSA members, Venturers, and Sea Scouts. Each award covers one component of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the distinctive Nova award patch. After that, Scouts receive a separate pi (π) pin-on device that attaches to the patch for each additional Nova award. Scouts must complete Nova Award requirements with a Council-approved registered Nova counselor.Nova Awards
Cub Scouts (Wolf, Bear, Webelos, AOL)
Scouts BSA
Venturing and Sea Scouts
Nova Award Process
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The Scout identifies a particular Nova award of interest.
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The Scout works with Unit Leader, Unit Advancement Chair, and/or parent/guardian to find a Nova Councilor (log into Scoutbook > click on Unit name > click on Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors List link/button at the bottom of the Unit page > Search) to work with and the parent/guardian contacts the Counselor to arrange the initial meeting.
- The Scout completes the necessary Nova award requirements under the guidance of the Counselor; YPT guidelines similar to those for Merit Badge counselling apply.
- Once finished, the Counselor submits the completion information to Den Leader, Unit Leader, and/or Unit Advancement Chair. This can be done using Advancement Report Form 34403 or a competition letter from the Counselor. It is also helpful for the Counselor to provide a copy of their Membership Cards (available in their my.Scouting Profile).
- The Unit Advancement Chair should record the Nova award for the Scout in Scoutbook (or whatever advancement tracking system is being used, purchase the patch or device (if the Scout has already received the patch within the same Scouting America program previously), and present the award item to the Scout per the Unit’s regular award presentation process.
How to include STEM in your Unit
These Unit guides provide information and examples on how to incorporate STEM Nova award topics into your Unit meetings.
STEM Nova/Supernova Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there STEM Nova awards for Lions (Kindergarten) and Tigers (First Grade)?
No. The Nova Awards for Cub Scouts begins with the Wolf (Second Grade) year.
Can Scouts get credit for a previously earned merit badge, belt loop, or pin?
Yes, but we do encourage Scouts to consider earning new ones so they can explore new interests.
Can a Scout earn a Nova award more than once?
Yes. STEM Nova Awards are available in different focus areas. When a Scout earns a STEM Nova the first time, they are awarded the STEM Nova patch. If they earn another STEM Nova, they are presented with a Pi device (pin) that is placed on the patch.
Is it OK to substitute watching a live science demonstration for the Nova Awards for the requirements to watch a television or online show?
Yes. A live demonstration is part of the Explain Demonstrate Guide and Enable (EDGE) principle of learning used in Scouting.
Once a youth has fulfilled the requirements for a STEM Nova or Supernova award, what is the next step?
For STEM Nova awards fill out an advancement report with the proper signatures or record it using Scoutbook, for Supernova awards complete the Supernova Award Application and submit to your local council for approval.
Can Supernovas be earned in a group setting?
For Cub Scouts, Yes. For Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts, No. Supernova awards are meant to be earned individually, under the direct supervision of a Council-approved Supernova mentor. In Cub Scouts, groups may work together but each Cub Scout must individually and personally complete each requirement. Supernova awards at the Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scout levels are intended to be completed individually (no group or classroom-style instruction). All work for the Albert Einstein Supernova Award must be done on an individual basis, by the Scout and under the direct supervision of their Council-approved mentor.
If I have additional questions whom do I contact?
Maria Randolph – program.chair@gulfcoastcouncil.org
