Stem/NOVA
STEM & NOVA Support for Leaders and Volunteers
Ready to spark a sense of wonder and discovery in your Scouts? The STEM and NOVA Awards programs are fantastic ways to bring the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and math alive in your unit. Imagine Scouts experimenting, building, and problem-solving their way to new adventures—all while developing skills that light the path to future success!
What is the NOVA/STEM Program?
Think of NOVA Awards as a passport to hands-on exploration—a chance for Scouts to dive into fascinating STEM challenges, from launching rockets to unraveling mysteries in everyday science. These fun, interactive experiences help Scouts connect what they learn to the world around them, fueling curiosity and teamwork as they discover just how cool STEM can be.
Why Bring STEM/NOVA to Your Unit?
Injecting STEM into your meetings turns routine gatherings into thrilling journeys of creativity and discovery. It’s a fresh way to engage Scouts of all ages, fueling excitement while building problem-solving and leadership skills. Plus, it’s the perfect partner to rank advancements—making earning badges a memorable adventure.
Getting Started with STEM/NOVA
Explore and Adapt Resources:
Dive into a treasure trove of free guides and ideas online. Mix and match activities that fit your Scouts’ interests, whether building circuits, coding games, or engineering bridges with everyday materials.
Unleash Your Creativity:
Don’t be afraid to invent your own STEM challenges! Turn a pack meeting into a science lab or an engineering workshop where Scouts unleash their inner inventors.
Find Your STEM Heroes:
Reach out to local experts, parents, or community leaders with a passion for STEM to inspire and mentor your Scouts. Their stories and skills bring the program to life.
Make It an Event to Remember:
Host a STEM-themed night, organize a NOVA Day, or join district events to give Scouts a chance to shine and share their discoveries.
A Few Friendly Reminders
Keep it fun, flexible, and focused on sparking curiosity—there’s no “right” way to explore science and innovation.
It doesn’t take fancy equipment to make STEM magic happen—a ping pong ball, some balloons, and a bit of imagination go a long way.
Collaborate with other units to swap ideas and materials—a community brainpower boost!
Looking for Inspiration?
The internet is bursting with free STEM activities and NOVA Award guides waiting for you to explore. Check out official Scouting America resources and partner sites to fuel your imagination. And remember, your local executives are just a call or email away to help you get started or assist if you’d like to lead a district STEM event.
Ready to light up your Scouts’ world with STEM? Let’s make discovery an adventure they’ll never forget!
Words of Wisdom
Keep the main thing the main thing.
