STEM Nova and Supernova Awards
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) 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.
Dan Beard Council (DBC) is honored to offer the STEM Nova and Supernova Awards program to Scouts in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area! Be sure to follow Dan Beard Council STEM on Facebook.
STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
STEM is part of an initiative the Boy Scouts of 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, the BSA 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?
The Boy Scouts of 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.”
Nova Awards
There are multiple Nova awards for Cub Scouts (Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Webelos II), 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.
Cub Scouts (Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Webelos II)
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
Scouts BSA
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
Venturing and Sea Scouts
Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics
Nova Award Process
- The Scout identifies a particular Nova award of interest.
- 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 BSA program previously), and present the award item to the Scout per the Unit’s regular award presentation process.
Supernova Awards
The STEM Supernova Awards take Scouts on a deep dive in various STEM topics. Each Supernova Award is named after a famous scientist or inventor. The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the Nova awards.
For earning the Supernova award, Scouts receive a medal and certificate. Supernova pins are also available for Scouts to wear on their uniforms.
Scouts must complete Supernova Award requirements with a Council-approved registered Supernova counselor. Requirements may be found in the Supernova awards guidebooks, which are available in PDF format (see links below), the online Scout Shop, and local Scout Shop. Each guidebook includes sections for both the Scout and the mentor.
Cub Scouts
There are two different Supernova awards that can be earned by Cub Scouts. One is for Scouts who are in second and third grades (Wolf and Bear), and the other for Scouts in fourth and fifth grades (Webelos and Webelos II).
Scouts BSA
- Scouts BSA Supernovas are earned in the following order: Dr. Bernard Harris (Bronze), Thomas Alva Edison (Silver), and Dr. Albert Einstein (Gold).
- Supernova Awards in Scouts BSA have requirements to complete Supernova Activity Topics. Each STEM topic offers a choice of three Supernova activity topics. These are two-part, hands-on, high-level activities created to challenge you and help you continue along your STEM journey to excellence. Part 1 involves research, preparation, set up, coordination, and/or organization. Part 2 includes elements such as analysis, reflection, experimentation, design, or invention, and culminates in a report created by you.
Venturing and Sea Scouts
- Venturing and Sea Scout Supernovas are earned in the following order: Dr. Sally Ride (Bronze), Wright Brothers (Silver), and Dr. Albert Einstein (Gold).
- Supernova Awards in Venturing and Sea Scouts have requirements to complete Supernova Activity Topics. Each STEM topic offers a choice of three Supernova activity topics. These are two-part, hands-on, high-level activities created to challenge you and help you continue along your STEM journey to excellence. Part 1 involves research, preparation, set up, coordination, and/or organization. Part 2 includes elements such as analysis, reflection, experimentation, design, or invention, and culminates in a report created by you.
- Venturing and Sea Scouting Supernovas require a STEM Exploration in an approved field related to STEM. The STEM Exploration Requirements have six requirements: Safety Considerations, Developing Knowledge, Hands-on Experiences, Career Exploration, and Value/Impact.
Supernova Award Process
- The Scout identifies a particular Supernova award of interest.
- The Scout works with Unit Leader, Unit Advancement Chair, and/or parent/guardian to find a Supernova Mentor (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 Mentor to arrange the initial meeting.
- The Scout completes the necessary Supernova award requirements under the guidance of the Counselor; YPT guidelines similar to those for Merit Badge counselling apply.
- Once finished, the Scout downloads, completes, and submits the necessary Supernova award application form which is signed by the Unit Leader (for awareness), the Scout, and the Supernova Mentor.
- The signed Supernova award application form is then submitted electronically to the DBC STEM Committee for review and approval by emailing it to Sharon Hoffogge. Note: This email message will be copied to DanBeardCouncilSTEM@gmail.com for Youth Protection considerations. Alternatively, a printed copy of the Supernova Award Application can be mailed to Dan Beard Council, Attention: STEM Committee/Sharon Hoffogge, 10078 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 or dropped off at the front desk at that same address.
- A Council representative will complete a formal Supernova award certificate that is then delivered to the Unit by the District Director or District Executive.
- The Unit Advancement Chair should record the Supernova award for the Scout in Scoutbook (or whatever advancement tracking system is being used), purchase the award medal, and present it to the Scout per the Unit’s regular award presentation process=
Note: This email message will be copied to DanBeardCouncilSTEM@gmail.com for Youth Protection considerations.
Other Recognition
Supernova Mentor Pin
The Supernova Mentor Pin is a great token of appreciation to volunteers serving as Supernova mentors.
Nova Award Plaque
The Nova Award Plaque is the perfect way to recognize volunteers who are helping to support the STEM initiative in your area.
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)
No. The Nova Awards for Cub Scouts begins with the Wolf (Second Grade) year.
Yes, but we do encourage Scouts to consider earning new ones so they can explore new interests.
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.
Yes. A live demonstration is part of the Explain Demonstrate Guide and Enable (EDGE) principle of learning used in Scouting.
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.
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.
Send a message to DanBeardCouncilSTEM@gmail.com or contact your STEM Nova counselor or Supernova mentor.
STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors
Adults who deliver the STEM Nova Awards program are referred to as STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors. These are registered positions within the BSA. Approval of these positions is done through the Council. Adult volunteers who are interested in serving as a STEM Nova Counselor and/or Supernova Mentor must follow the process below to register.
STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors may not deliver the program or meet with any Scouting youth until their BSA adult leader application has been approved and processed, including completion of Youth Protection Training (YPT).
Existing Registered Adult Volunteers
Follow the steps below to register as a Nova Counselor and/or Supernova Mentor if you are already registered as a BSA adult volunteer:
- Verify that your Youth Protection Training (YPT) is still valid (i.e., not expired) and complete again if necessary.
- Print a copy of your YPT completion certificate.
- Download and complete a BSA Adult Application. In the TO BE COMPLETED BY UNIT section on page three, list the following (one or both) for Scouting Position Code and Scouting Position Title (this will add these positions to your existing membership and/or create a duplicate membership):
- 58 – Nova Counselor
- 52 – Supernova Mentor
- Print and sign (pages three and six) the Adult Application.
- To register as a Supernova Mentor, download and complete the BSA Supernova Awards Mentor Information application. NOTE: This additional form is not required for those registering as Nova counselors only.
- Print and sign the BSA Supernova Awards Mentor Information application.
- Submit the following paperwork by mailing it to Dan Beard Council, Attention: STEM Committee, 10078 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 or by dropping it off to the front desk at the DBC Scout Achievement Center (address is the same as the mailing address):
- Printed and signed Adult Application.
- Printed copy of the YPT completion certificate.
- For Supernova Mentor – Printed and signed BSA Supernova Awards Mentor Information application.
New BSA Adult Volunteers
Follow the steps below to register as a Nova Counselor and/or Supernova Mentor if you are NOT already registered as a BSA adult volunteer:
- Complete the Youth Protection Training (YPT) modules including the YPT Certification Exam and then print a copy of the completion certificate. NOTE: It may be necessary to CREATE ACCOUNT (free) to access all of the my.Scouting resources.
- Print a copy of the YPT completion certificate.
- Download and complete a BSA Adult Application. In the TO BE COMPLETED BY UNIT section on page three, list the following (one or both) for Scouting Position Code and Scouting Position Title:
- 58 – Nova Counselor
- 52 – Supernova Mentor
- Print and sign (pages three and six) the Adult Application.
- To register as a Supernova Mentor, download and complete the BSA Supernova Awards Mentor Information application. NOTE: This additional form is not required for those registering as Nova counselors only.
- Print and sign the BSA Supernova Awards Mentor Information application.
- Submit the following paperwork by mailing it to Dan Beard Council, Attention: STEM Committee, 10078 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241 or by dropping it off to the front desk at the DBC Scout Achievement Center (address is the same as the mailing address):
- Printed and signed Adult Application.
- Printed copy of the YPT completion certificate.
- For Supernova Mentor – Printed and signed BSA Supernova Awards Mentor Information application.
STEM Nova Counselor and Supernova Mentor Training
A series of online learning modules is available for STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors to view and complete at their own pace.
STEM Nova Counselor and Supernova Mentor FAQ
A Nova Awards counselor must be age 21 or older and be registered under the Nova Awards counselor position code 58. They must have current Youth Protection Training. This is a non-unit position and requires no fee. Online training is now available at my.scouting.org or through your local council.
Yes. A parent or guardian may counsel their own child for a Nova, if the parent or guardian is a currently registered Nova counselor. For Supernova awards the parent/guardian must be a council-approved and currently registered Supernova mentor. They may only mentor their own Cub Scout if the mentoring is done simultaneously for a group of Cub Scouts that includes their own child. Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts must work with a currently registered Supernova awards mentor other than their own parent/guardian.
Yes, you are required to be registered in this position and you will be dual-registered. Please refer to the registration steps previously listed above in this section.
Send a message to DanBeardCouncilSTEM@gmail.com or contact your STEM Nova counselor or Supernova mentor.
- 1030 Nova Cub Scouts: Science Everywhere
- 1031 Nova Cub Scouts: Tech Talk
- 1032 Nova Cub Scouts: Swing!
- 1033 Nova Cub Scouts: 1-2-3-Go!
- 1049 Nova Cub Scouts: Down and Dirty
- 1050 Nova Cub Scouts: Nova Wild
- 1051 Nova Cub Scouts: Out of this World
- 1028 Nova Cub Scouts: Uncovering the Past
- 1029 Nova Cub Scouts: Fearful Symmetry
- 9213 Nova Cub Scouts: Cub Scouts Can Code
- 9217 Nova Cub Scouts: Up and Away
- 1034 Nova Scouts BSA: Shoot!
- 1035 Nova Scouts BSA: Start Your Engines
- 1036 Nova Scouts BSA: Whoosh!
- 1037 Nova Scouts BSA: Designed to Crunch
- 1058 Nova Scouts BSA: Let It Grow
- 9212 Nova Scouts BSA: Hello, World
- 9215 Nova Scouts BSA: Mendel’s Minions
- 9218 Nova Scouts BSA: Up and Away
- 9250 Nova Scouts BSA: Splash
- 9252 Nova Scouts BSA: Next Big Thing
- 1038 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Launch!
- 1039 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Power Up
- 1040 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Hang On!
- 1041 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Numbers Don’t Lie
- 9251 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Wade
- 9216 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Execute!
- 9214 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: What a Life
- 9219 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Up and Away
- 9253 Nova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Something from Nothing
- 1042 Supernova Cub Scouts: Dr. Alvarez
- 1043 Supernova Webelos: Dr. Townes
- 1044 Supernova Scouts BSA: Dr. Harris-Bronze
- 1045 Supernova Scouts BSA: Edison-Silver
- 1046 Supernova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Dr. Ride-Bronze
- 1047 Supernova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Wright Bro-Silver
- 1048 Supernova Venturers and Sea Scouts: Dr. Einstein-Gold
How to find a Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor
- Click on the Unit name in right side window pane.
- At the bottom of the Unit page, click this Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors List button/link
- Use the Search page to find locate a Nova Counselor or Supernova Mentor near you.
- Contact the person and have an initial conversation to determine if it’s a good fit for your Scout.
