Class Descriptions and Prerequisites
Aviation - Learn about aircraft, how they work and regulations that govern them. Fly a Flight Simulator and more.
Prerequisites - None
Composites - Learn what composites are, how they are made and the hazards of working with them. You then will have the chance to make your own composite project. At this time, this class is tentative.
Prerequisites - None
Digital Technology - Learn about the benefits of digitizing information in terms of data compression and transmission techniques. Also learn how digital technology is used as people communicate, learn, and work.
Prerequisites - None
Electronics - Electronics are part of just about everything in modern society. Spend the day learning how today's electronics work. Learn the tools of the electronics trade including how to read electronic schematics, use test equipment and build a project in a lab using a soldering iron. Experiment with electronics kits using building blocks to create your own circuits. At this time, this class is tentative.
Prerequisites - None
Engineering - Engineers use both science and technology to turn ideas into reality, devising all sorts of things, ranging from a tiny, low-cost battery for your cell phone to a gigantic dam across the mighty Yangtze River in China. Learn about different types of engineering and work on a in-class project.
Prerequisites - None
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Fire Safety - “The ability to use fire safely is essential to human survival. By earning this merit badge, Scouts will learn to uses fire safely and responsibly, how to prevent home fires, and how to handle fire safely, as well as burn prevention, and camping safety.” Spend the day learning and working alongside firefighters as we complete the Fire Safety merit badge. Your education will include: proper use and operation of portable fire extinguishers, participation in a building life safety search, fireground hydraulic operations utilizing 95gpm (gallon per minute) hand lines, the science behind how fires start and how to properly prevent them, home safety planning and inspections.
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Prerequisites - Please wear comfortable clothing and be ready to sweat. The completion of this merit badge contains many hands on activities to include the wearing of firefighter structural equipment and personal protective equipment. In addition the teaching staff require the student to complete a home escape plan to review in class (resources can be found here: http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/safety-in-the-home/escape-planning).
Invention - Spend the day learning about inventing and innovation! We will learn about the processes of innovation, including brainstorming, design, and how to protect your ideas. Design and build a model of your innovative idea! Boy Scouts will earn the Inventing merit badge and Girl Scouts will earn their Innovation series proficiency badge. This activity is also part of the NOVA Whoosh! award, if necessary prework is completed
Prerequisites - 3c: Examine your Scouting gear and find a patent number on a camping item you have used. With your parent's permission, use the Internet to find out more about that patent. Compare the finished item with the claims and drawings in the patent. Report what you learned to your counselor.
5: Choose a commercially available product that you have used on an overnight camping trip with your troop. Make recommendations for improving the product, and make a sketch that shows your recommendations. Discuss your recommendations with your counselor.
Whoosh! / Hang On!
1. Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements.
A. Watch about three hours total of engineering-related shows or documentaries that involve motion or motion-inspired technology. Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from each show.
B. Read (about three hours total) about motion or motion-inspired technology. Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from each article.
C. Do a combination of reading and watching (about three hours total). Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from each article or show.
4. Choose A or B and complete ALL the requirements.
A. Visit an amusement park. Be prepared to discuss the following with your counselor:
The simple machines* present in at least two of the rides
The forces involved in the motion of any two rides
B. Visit a playground. Be prepared to discuss the following with your counselor:
The simple machines* present in the playground equipment
The forces involved in the motion of any two playground fixtures
* If you are not familiar with the Six Simple Machines, familiarize yourself with these as well. Here are some references:
http://www.constructionknowledge.net/general_technical_knowledge/general_tech_basic_six_simple_machines.php
http://www.mikids.com/Smachines.htm
http://learn.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html
NOVA/Energy - Have you ever wondered about where energy or electricity comes from. Come learn about how a Nuclear Power Plant works or an electric motor. Earning the Energy Merit Badge involves learning about where Energy comes from, how we use energy in our modern world and how we can conserve energy and use it more efficiently. The NOVA award, "Start Your Engines", involves learning about transportation technology and building a small vehicle powered by electricity and solar power.
Prerequisites -
Nuclear Science - Learn about ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, how radiation affects us on a daily basis. Also learn about different particles and isotopes.
Prerequisites - None
Radio - Radio is a way to send information, or communications, from one place to another. Broadcasting includes both one-way radio (a person hears the information but can't reply) as well as two-way radio (where the same person can both receive and send messages). Learn about how radios work, get on the air and participate in a transmitter hunt.
Prerequisites - None
Robotics - More than you likely realize it, we have robots around us performing jobs every day. Come and learn all about it! We'll understand how robots move, sense the environment, and understand what to do. You will spend the majority of the day in a two or three man team building a robot from scratch. The final hours of the class will be dedicated to playing "King of the Mountain". See which of you has successfully programmed your robot to survive!
After this day of studying robotics, Scouts will have a stronger understanding of building and programming robots. Who knows, this may lead to a future field of interest for your Scout!
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Prerequisites - None
Space Exploration - Space is mysterious. We explore space for many reasons, not least because we don't know what is out there, it is vast, and humans are full of curiosity. Each time we send explorers into space, we learn something we didn't know before. We discover a little more of what is there. Learn about space exploration and build a model rocket and launch it.
Prerequisites - None
Programming - Explore the magic of computer programming! In this workshop, you will learn some of the secrets to writing the code that controls nearly all modern technologies, from microwave ovens, to robotic arms, to video games and web apps. Find out which programming languages are most used and why. Learn how to design functional programs. You will get to write your own working code in multiple languages and integration environments and host your code on an embedded processor to control a microelectronic device. All participants will complete the BSA Programming Merit Badge. Some prerequisites will need to be completed prior to the day of the workshop.
Prerequisites - Please complete the following prior to coming to Scout Day:
1) Understand on-line safety - bring on of the following with you to Scout Day;
For Boy Scouts: Earn your Cyber Chip