Science & Technology Challenge Badges

Badges in this category allow Scouts to demonstrate a commitment to personal intellectual growth in the fields of science and technology.

Computer Badge

Purpose: Demonstrate your understanding of computers./p>

Requirements:

1. Part A - Knowledge
   1. Define and explain the function of each of the following:

   CPU (central processing unit)	Monitor	Tape drive
   Keyboard	Scanner	Hard drive
   Digital camera	RAM	Mouse
   Speakers	ROM	Joy stick
   Modem	Printer	Floppy disk
   Data projector	Disk drive	CD-ROM

   2. Describe how a computer memory/floppy disk/CD-ROM (select one) stores information (e.g. text, images, audio and video).
   3. Describe the World Wide Web, and how computers around the world access it.
2. Part B - Proficiency: Do four of the following:
   1. Use either a database or spreadsheet program to create a roster of your troop showing the name, address and telephone number of each Scout, as well as a record of each Scout's attendance for the past month.
   2. Use a spreadsheet program to develop the budget for a weekend camp for your troop or patrol. This spreadsheet should show both budget and actual amounts for each item, as well as the difference between the two.
   3. Use a word processor to write a letter to parents of each troop member inviting them to a special meeting night. Include a graphic init, and, if possible, use mail merge to personalize each letter.
   4. Use a computer graphics program to design and draw a campsite plan for your troop.
   5. Using web authoring software, design and create a web site for your troop. Include at least two pages, one graphic, a link to Scouts Canada (www.scouts.ca), and an e-mail link to an approved adult in your troop.
   6. Use a word processing or publishing program to create a three-column pamphlet which would publicize your troop to senior Cubs or newcomers to Scouts. Include the logo of your troop, planned activities for the year, names and phone numbers of leaders, and an invitation to join.
   7. Use a camera and a scanner or a digital camera to take pictures of an outing or special event involving your troop. Then, using media presentation software, put together a presentation (include photos, captions and sound, if possible) that your troop can use at a Parents' Night or a linking activity with a Cub pack
   8. Locate five troops in other parts of Canada that have a home page. Explain the process, including the name(s) of the search engine(s) you used to locate the troops. E-mail each of the troops, explaining that you are completing your Computer Badge, and invite members to send a greeting to your troop or patrol. On a map of Canada, pinpoint the locations of the troops.
   9. Use a computer to connect to the World Wide Web and a search engine to locate information on a Scouting topic related to the content of a Scout badge or award. Download and save the information, and print it out. If you believe that other Scouts would benefit from this information, e-mail the URL to program@scouts.ca
   10. Use a programming language to write a program. The program should show examples of decision making and looping. Prepare a write-up of the steps you used to create and test the program.
3. Part C - Initiative: Do one of the following:
   1. Visit a business or industry that uses computers. Using a computer, prepare a report on how computers are being used in the site you visited, how they affect workers, and what future plans the business or industry has for computing.
   2. Describe four jobs in the computer field, including the necessary training for the jobs, and opportunities for these jobs in your area of Canada.
4. Part D - Ethics: Discuss with, or explain to your patrol members or patrol counsellor, each of the following:
   1. Why it is not right to accept a free copy of a computer game or program from a friend.
   2. How to give credit to the authors of information that is downloaded from the World Wide Web, and what you should do if you want a copy of an image from the World Wide Web or a CD-ROM. (Background reading: Toolbox: Copyright Issues).
   3. 3 Personal safety aspects involved in using e-mail or chat rooms.

Engineering Badge

Purpose: Explore the fields of engineering.
Some of the fields of engineering are: aeronautical, aerospace, architectural, civil, computer, electrical, marine, mechanical, meteorological, and mining.

Requirements: complete one of the following.

1. Visit an industrial plant, an electricity generating plant, a food processing or packing plant, a sewage treatment plant, a mine or another centre of engineering activity. Report on the visit, the equipment used, the end product of the process, and the good it does for the community. Include sketches, photos if possible, and a model or mock-up of the process to show that you understand the basic ideas involved. Detail what safety devices and regulations you noticed during your visit.
2. Show how to work and repair any one of the motor power energy sources such as internal combustion engines gasoline or diesel; turbine drives; steam engines; rockets; or electric, wind, or water drives. Discuss the engineering principles involved and show that you have a good knowledge of the safety measures required for the energy source you are working with.
3. As a draftsperson, show that you can make scale drawings in third angle, orthographic projection (three views of simple pieces of machinery or machine parts). Properly finish the drawings with border, title, and views described. Show examples of tracings you have done of an electrical or electronic circuit, an architectural drawing, or an engineering drawing. Discuss the merits of the various ways of copying these drawings for further use.

Science Badge

Purpose: Show an interest in the sciences.
Some of the scientific fields are archaeology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, electronics, geography, geology, mathematics, medicine, physics, zoology, microbiology, botany, and biotechnology.

Requirements:

1. Showby your participation in a Science Fair, exposition, open house, or private demonstration, that you have an interest and skill in a scientific subject beyond the level expected of you in your school work. Demonstrate by devices, models, charts, collections, or in the field, the aspect that interests you. Explain the background and how it relates to the rest of the world or other fields of science.

Space Badge

Purpose: Show an interest in the space sciences.

Requirements:

1. Part A - Knowledge:
   1. Learn about the make-up of the universe including:
      1. Its composition
      2. Solar system
      3. The sun
      4. The earth
      5. Space radiation
   2. Describe the principles associated with rocket propulsion.
   3. Demonstrate knowledge of the different types of space vehicles.
   4. Creatively describe the following:
      1. Kepler's Law (Kepler's Laws with animation)
      2. Newton's Law (Newton's Laws: Force Info)
      3. How an orbit works (How Orbits Work)
      4. The types of orbits (Types of Orbits)
   5. Understand basic satellite designs.
   6. Describe the major moments in Canadian space history.
2. Part B - Proficiency:
   1. Make a list of the different ways in which we utilize space today.
   2. Design a rocket or satellite, and explain its parts. Part C -Initiative
   3. Visit an agency associated with space exploration. (e.g. museum, web site).
   4. Describe, including the educational requirements needed, four jobs related to the space industry.