Robotics Merit Badge

ROBOTICS

1. Safety. Do each of the following:
1. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while working with robots and what you should do to anticipate, mitigate and prevent, and respond to these hazards. Describe the appropriate safety gear and clothing that should be used when working with robotics.

Rifle Shooting Merit Badge

RIFLE SHOOTING

1. Do the following:
1. Explain why BB and pellet air guns must always be treated with the same respect as firearms.
2. Describe how you would react if a friend visiting your home asked to see your or your family's firearm(s).

2012 - 2013 Scout Planning Calendar

September is the beginning of the Boy Scouts fiscal year.  One of the hardest things to get the scouts to do is sit down and plan out the year.  One of the worst mistakes that I have seen is due to lack of planning.  Many patrol meeting have turn into planning meeting where we plan to plan... this is a waste of time not only for you as a leader with your busy schedule, but a waste of the Scouts time.  The following is what has worked for me in the past.

Get the 2012-2013 Planning Calendar Here

Patrol Meeting the week before the planning meeting:

Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge

REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN STUDY

1. Describe the identifying characteristics of six species of reptiles and four species of amphibians found in the United States. For any four of these, make sketches from your own observations or take photographs. Show markings, color patterns, or other characteristics that are important in the identification of each of the four species. Discuss the habits and habitats of all 10 species.
2. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the approximate number of species and general geographic distribution of reptiles and amphibians in the United States. Prepare a list of the most common species found in your local area or state.

Reading Merit Badge

READING

1. Do EACH of the following:
1. Learn how to search your library's card catalog or computerized catalog by author, title, and subject.

Mt. Timpanogos via Aspen Grove

Awesome overnight campout!  this trail will make you work.


We arrived at the trail head around 6:30pm and started our assent to the top.  At the trailhead there is a drinking fountain with fresh, cold water... fill everything that you can.  Starting in the evening has it's advantages; The sun is on the other side of the mountain making it a lot cooler to hike in, and it makes for a great stopping point at 10:30 to campout overnight at Emerald Lake.  Round Trip for this hike is a little over 14 miles.  We left Emerald Lake around 4:30 am to make it to the top to watch the sunrise.  After descending the summit we found out that we had close to 50 mountain goats that decided to play at our campsite... awesome experience.  This hike is difficult, but well worth it.  My Boy Scouts did an awesome job and had an experience they will remember for ever. 

Click on "read more" to view pictures and the map.

Railroading Merit Badge

RAILROADING

1. Do THREE of the following:
1. Name three types of modern freight trains. Explain why unit trains are more efficient than mixed freight trains.
2. Name one class I or regional railroad. Explain what major cities it serves, the locations of major terminals, service facilities and crew change points, and the major commodities it carries.

Radio Merit Badge

RADIO

1. Explain what radio is. Then discuss the following:
1. The differences between broadcast radio and hobby radio
2. The differences between broadcasting and two-way communications
3. Radio station call signs and how they are used in broadcast radio and amateur radio
4. The phonetic alphabet and how it is used to communicate clearly
2. Do the following:

Pulp and Paper Merit Badge

PULP AND PAPER

1. Tell the history of papermaking. Describe the part paper products play in our society and economy.
2. List the trees that are major sources of papermaking fibers. Then discuss what other uses are made of the trees and of the forestland owned by the pulp and paper industry. Describe the ways the industry plants, grows, and harvests trees. Explain how the industry manages its forests so that the supply of trees keeps pace with the demand, and tell about one way the industry has incorporated a sustainable forestry concept. Give two ways the papermaking industry has addressed pollution.

Public Speaking Merit Badge

PUBLIC SPEAKING

1. Give a three- to five-minute introduction of yourself to an audience such as your troop, class at school, or some other group.
2. Prepare a three- to five-minute talk on a topic of your choice that incorporates body language and visual aids.

Public Health Merit Badge

PUBLIC HEALTH

1. Explain what public health is. Explain how Escherichia coli (E. coli), tetanus, AIDS, encephalitis, salmonellosis, and Lyme disease are contracted. Then, pick any four of the following diseases and explain how each one is contracted: gonorrhea, West Nile virus, botulism, influenza, syphilis, hepatitis, emphysema, meningitis, herpes, lead poisoning. For all 10 diseases, explain the type or form of the disease (viral, bacterial, environmental, toxin), any possible vectors for transmission, ways to help prevent the spread of infection, and available treatments.
2. Do the following:

Pottery Merit Badge

POTTERY

1. Explain to your counselor the precautions that must be followed for the safe use and operation of a potter's tools, equipment, and other materials.
2. Do the following:
1. Explain the properties and ingredients of a good clay body for the following:
1. Making sculpture
2. Throwing on the wheel
2. Tell how three different kinds of potter's wheels work.

Plumbing Merit Badge

PLUMBING

1. Do the following:
1. Describe how a properly working plumbing system protects your family's health and safety.
2. List five important local health regulations related to plumbing and tell how they protect health and safety.
3. Describe the safety precautions you must take when making home plumbing repairs.

Plant Science Merit Badge

PLANT SCIENCE

1. Make a drawing and identify five or more parts of a flowering plant. Tell what each part does.
2. Explain photosynthesis and tell why this process is important. Tell at least five ways that humans depend on plants.
3. Explain how water, light, air, temperature, pollinators, and pests affect plants. Describe the nature and function of soil and explain its importance. Tell about the texture, structure, and composition of fertile soil. Tell how soil may be improved.

Pioneering Merit Badge

PIONEERING

1. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illness that could occur while working on pioneering projects, including minor cuts and abrasions, bruises, rope burns, blisters, splinters, sprains, heat and cold reactions, dehydration, and insect bites or stings.
2. Do the following:

Photography Merit Badge

PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Explain how the following elements and terms affect the quality of a picture:
1. Light—natural light/ambient, flash
2. Exposure—aperture (f-stops), shutter speed, depth of field
3. Composition—rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, depth
4. Angle of view
5. Stopping action

Pets Merit Badge

PETS

1. Present evidence that you have cared for a pet for four months. Get approval before you start.*
2. Write in 200 words or more about the care, feeding, and housing of your pet. Tell some interesting facts about it. Tell why you have this kind of pet. Give local laws, if any, relating to the pet you keep.

Personal Management Merit Badge

PERSONAL MANAGEMENT

1. Do the following:
1. Choose an item that your family might want to purchase that is considered a major expense.
2. Write a plan that tells how your family would save money for the purchase identified in requirement 1a.

Personal Fitness Merit Badge

PERSONAL FITNESS

If meeting any of the requirements for this merit badge is against the Scout's religious convictions, the requirement does not have to be done if the Scout's parents and the proper religious advisers state in writing that to do so would be against religious convictions. The Scout's parents must also accept full responsibility for anything that might happen because of this exemption.

1. Do the following:

Painting Merit Badge

PAINTING

1. Explain the proper safety procedures to follow when preparing surfaces and applying coatings.
2. Do the following:
1. Explain three ways that coatings can improve a surface.
2. Explain the differences between oil-based paints, acrylic-based paints, and water-based paints.
3. Explain where you would apply enamel paint, flat paint, wood stain, and varnish, and explain the importance of sheen.
4. Tell why each is best for these uses.

Orienteering Merit Badge

ORIENTEERING

1. Show that you know first aid for the types of injuries that could occur while orienteering, including cuts, scratches, blisters, snakebite, insect stings, tick bites, heat and cold reactions (sunburn, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, hypothermia), and dehydration. Explain to your counselor why you should be able to identify poisonous plants and poisonous animals that are found in your area.
2. Explain what orienteering is.

Oceanography Merit Badge

OCEANOGRAPHY

1. Name four branches of oceanography. Describe at least five reasons why it is important for people to learn about the oceans.
2. Define salinity, temperature, and density, and describe how these important properties of seawater are measured by the physical oceanographer. Discuss the circulation and currents of the ocean. Describe the effects of the oceans on weather and climate.

Nuclear Science Merit Badge

NUCLEAR SCIENCE

1. Do the following:
   1. Tell what radiation is.
   2. Describe the hazards of radiation to humans, the environment, and wildlife. Explain the difference between radiation exposure and contamination. In your explanation, discuss the nature and magnitude of radiation risks to humans from nuclear power, medical radiation, and background radiation including radon. Explain the ALARA principle and measures required by law to minimize these risks.

Nature Merit Badge - Req. 3

Req #3 - Explain the term "food chain." Give an example of a four-step land food chain and a four-step water food chain.

Click on "Read More" for your examples...

Nature Merit Badge

NATURE

1. Name three ways in which plants are important to animals. Name a plant that is protected in your state or region, and explain why it is at risk.
2. Name three ways in which animals are important to plants. Name an animal that is protected in your state or region, and explain why it is at risk.
3. Explain the term "food chain." Give an example of a four-step land food chain and a four-step water food chain.

Music Merit Badge - Req. 2

#2 Name the five general groups of musical instruments. Create an illustration that shows how tones are generated and how instruments produce sound.

Click more for the Answer

Music Merit Badge

MUSIC

1. Sing or play a simple song or hymn chosen by your counselor, using good technique, phrasing, tone, rhythm, and dynamics. Read all the signs and terms of the score.
2. Name the five general groups of musical instruments. Create an illustration that shows how tones are generated and how instruments produce sound.
3. Do TWO of the following:

Motorboating Merit Badge

MOTORBOATING

1. Do the following:
1. Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while motorboating, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards.
2. Explain first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while motorboating, including hypothermia, heat reactions, dehydration, motion sickness, bugbites, and blisters.
3. Identify the conditions that must exist before performing CPR on a person, and explain how such conditions are recognized. Demonstrate proper technique for performing CPR using a training device approved by your counselor.
2. Do the following:

Square Knot Video

Model Design and Building Merit Badge

MODEL DESIGN AND BUILDING

1. Study and understand the requirements for personal safety when using such modelmaker hand tools as knives, handsaws, vises, files, hammers, screwdrivers, hand drills and drill bits, pliers, and portable power tools, and when to use proper protective equipment such as goggles when grinding or drilling. Know what precautions to take when using flammable or hazardous products such as glue, epoxy, paint, and thinners. Discuss these with your counselor before you begin your modelmaking project and tell why they are important.

Cub Scouts Academic Pin - Collecting

COLLECTING

Earn the Collecting belt loop and complete five of the following requirements:

1. Give a talk about your collection to someone other than your family. Give a description of your collection, including a short history. Explain how you got started and why you decided to collect what you do.

Cub Scout Academic Belt Loop - Collecting

COLLECTING

1. Begin a collection of at least 10 items that all have something in common. Label the items and title your collection.
2. Display your collection at a pack or den meeting.
3. Visit a show or museum that displays different collections.

Metalwork Merit Badge

METALWORK

1. Read the safety rules for metalwork. Discuss how to be safe while working with metal. Discuss with your counselor the additional safety rules that apply to the metalwork option you choose for requirement 5.
2. Define the terms native metal, malleable, metallurgy, alloy, nonferrous, and ferrous. Then do the following:

Medicine Merit Badge

MEDICINE

1. Discuss with your counselor the influence that EIGHT of the following people had on the history of medicine:

Mammal Study Merit Badge

MAMMAL STUDY

1. Explain the meaning of "animal," "invertebrate," "vertebrate," and "mammal." Name three characteristics that distinguish mammals from all other animals.
2. Explain how the animal kingdom is classified. Explain where mammals fit in the classification of animals. Classify three mammals from phylum through species.
3. Do ONE of the following:

Lifesaving Merit Badge

LIFESAVING

1. Before doing requirements 2 through 15:
1. Complete Second Class rank requirements 8a through 8c and First Class rank requirements 9a through 9c.

Leatherwork Merit Badge

LEATHERWORK

1. Identify and demonstrate to your counselor the safe use of leatherworking tools. Show correct procedures for handling leathercraft dyes, cements, and finishes. Know first aid for cuts, internal poisoning, and skin irritation.
2. Explain to your counselor
1. Where leather comes from
2. What kinds of hides are used to make leather
3. What are five types of leather
4. What are the best uses for each type of leather

Law Merit Badge

LAW

1. Define "law." Tell some of its sources. Describe functions it serves.
2. Discuss two of the following:
1. Justinian's Code, the Code of Hammurabi, and the Magna Carta
2. The development of the jury system
3. Two famous trials in history