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STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

The STEM Vision

Grand Canyon Council recognizes that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) touches just about every aspect of our daily life and seeks to provide avenues where our youth and adults can explore and expand their knowledge to become better leaders for tomorrow.

The NOVA and SUPERNOVA Awards program incorporates age appropriate learning for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturing/Sea Scouts that includes inspiring activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The goal of the requirements and activities for these awards is to stimulate interest in STEM-related fields, and show how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for our Scouts.

The Main STEM Website can be found at: https://www.scouting.org/stem-nova-awards/

The Nova Awards

There are four Nova award categories in each program; Cub Scouts, Webelos, Scouts BSA, and Venturers /Sea Scouts with a number of different themed awards available in each category. Each category covers one component of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.

Requirements for each Nova Award can be found online at https://www.scouting.org/stem-nova-awards/awards

For their first Nova award, Scouts earn the distinctive Nova award patch. After that, a Scout earning additional Nova awards will be recognized with a separate pi (π) pin-on device that attaches to the patch.

Nova Awards are  tracked and approved using the “Grand Canyon Council STEM NOVA Award Application” Card.  Leaders and Nova Counselors may download the forms below.

Nova Award Application (instructions)

Rich Gomez

STEM Committee Chair
Grand Canyon Council
rmgchallenge@earthlink.net
928-310-1041

District STEM Chairs
Nova Award Showcase: Fearful Symmetry (Cub Scouts)

This module is designed to help Cub Scouts explore how symmetry affects their life each day. Wolves, Bears, and Webelos are eligible to earn this award. 

  1. Requirement 1 of 5
  2. Requirement 2 of 5
  3. Requirement 3 of 5
  4. Requirement 4 of 5
  5. Requirement 5 of 5
  6. Parents/Counselor Guide

The Supernova Awards

The Supernova Awards recognize superior achievement in the STEM Fields and push the scouts to soar above the basics.  Leaders should view these awards as true honors for any scout to attain.

There are two Awards for Cub Scouts (1 for Wolf and Bear ages and 1 for WEBELOS), two for Scouts BSA (Bronze and Silver – to be completed in order), and three awards for Venturing and Sea Scouting programs (Bronze, Silver and Gold).  Please refer to the Supernova Links which can be found on each program’s Awards Requirements page in the  BSA STEM Website

The Supernova Awards are  tracked and approved using the “Supernova Award Application” .  Supernova Counselors may download the form here.

NOTE:  The Supernova awards require consultation with and Approval from a COUNCIL APPROVED SUPERNOVA MENTOR, and parents may not mentor their own child unless that child is with a group pursuing the same award.”

Other STEM Related Organization Resources

There are all sorts of STEM related websites and organizations that offer great programming and knowledge bases. Please explore and have fun with your scouts in discovering STEM!

FIRST Robotics Websites

STEM Related Events or Special Interest Opportunities

Events and STEM Activities:
Volunteer (SERVICE) Opportunities:

Nova Counselor / Supernova Mentor

With the introduction of the new Nova and Supernova awards comes a fresh opportunity for volunteer positions. All Counselors or Mentors must be adult age 21 or older. This position is a non-unit position and no fee is required.

Nova Counselor (Code 58) are approved by Council following submission of BSA Application

Supernova Mentor (Code 52) is a subject matter expert position in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields and applicants must be registered under the Supernova Mentor position code 52. In addition to the BSA Adult Registration form, mentors must complete the Supernova Awards Mentor Information application.

All Nova counselors and Supernova mentors must have current Youth Protection.

Upcoming STEM Events