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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

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Supported by UK Space Agency

Explorers Science and Technology Activity Badge

Explorers Science and Technology Activity Badge

Science and Technology badge

From the weather around us to the electronics we use, learn more about the science we all rely on.

You should be aiming to work towards this badge over a period of 6 to 12 months.

Choose 1 of the following options:

  1. Meteorology
    1. Regularly record weather observations and measurements over a period of time. You can break up the time if you like – you don’t have to keep continuous records.
    2. Demonstrate your skills in meteorological recording and observation to a group of young people.
    3. Give a detailed explanation of the formation of clouds and the weather associated with different clouds and fronts.
    4. Find out detailed information about how weather maps are produced. Show how you interpret them for use in Scouting activities.
  2. Mechanic
    1. Regularly maintain a mechanical machine over a period of time. You should use the time to learn a variety of techniques.
    2. Demonstrate your mechanical knowledge. Explain the principles of operating an engine, gearbox and differential axle.
    3. Talk about the safety rules for machine maintenance and how you use the skills you’ve learned responsibly.
  3. Radio communication
    1. Regularly take part in an activity involving in a method of radio communication. You should use the time to learn a variety of techniques and recording activity and develop your skills.
    2. Demonstrate a radio communication method to a group of young people.
    3. Talk about the rules or codes of practice for radio communication and how to use equipment responsibly.
    4. Share your knowledge of radio communication alphabets and internationally recognised call signs and signals.
  4. Electronics
    1. Regularly take part in an activity involving electronics. Use the time to learn a variety of techniques and equipment and improve your skills.
    2. Show and explain your project work in electronics to a group of young people. You’re not expected to play the role of an instructor and an appropriate adult should supervise your group.
    3. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of circuits, components and the symbols used in electronics.
    4. Discuss the safe working practices of electronics and how to use equipment responsibly.
  5. Astronomy
    1. Learn the meaning of technical astronomical terms. Give a detailed description of our galaxy and solar system, including planets and other bodies.
    2. Demonstrate your skills in astronomy, including recording and observation, to a group of young people.
    3. Regularly take part in an astronomy activity. Use a variety of instruments, record your observations over a period of time and show improvement in your skills.
    4. Demonstrate a good knowledge of the history of space exploration since 1969.

October 2024.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.

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