The requirements listed below are taken from the
Boy Scout
Nova Awards Guidebook
(34033 / SKU-614936) 2012 Printing
The following merit badges are approved for use in earning the Boy Scout Supernova awards:
| Animal Science | Energy | Nuclear Science |
| Archaeology | Engineering | Oceanography |
| Architecture | Environmental Science | Plant Science |
| Astronomy | Farm Mechanics | Pulp and Paper |
| Automotive Maintenance | Fish and Wildlife Management | Radio |
| Aviation | Forestry | Reptile and Amphibian Study |
| Bird Study | Gardening | Robotics |
| Chemistry | Geocaching | Scuba Diving |
| Composite Materials | Geology | Soil and Water Conservation |
| Computers | Insect Study | Space Exploration |
| Dentistry | Inventing | Surveying |
| Drafting | Mammal Study | Veterinary Medicine |
| Electricity | Medicine | Weather |
| Electronics | Nature | Welding |
Second-Level Supernova Award for Boy Scouts.
-
Earn the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Award.
-
Complete ONE additional Boy Scout Nova award for a total of four. (Note: This may be done at any time after becoming a Boy Scout.)
-
Earn FOUR additional Supernova-approved merit badges from the list provided,
other than the four earned while working on the Harris Supernova Award for a total of eight. (Note: These may be earned at any time after becoming a Boy Scout.) -
Complete TWO additional Supernova activity topics, one each in the two STEM areas NOT completed for the Harris Supernova Award.
(Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Edison Supernova Award the Scout will have completed one Supernova activity topic in each of the four STEM areas.) -
Participate in a local, state, or national science fair or mathematics competition OR any other equally challenging STEM-oriented competition or workshop approved by your mentor. An example of this would be an X-Prize type competition.
(Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Edison Supernova Award, the Scout will have participated in two such events.) -
Working with your mentor, organize and present a Nova award or other STEM-related program to a Cub Scout den or pack meeting.
Be sure to receive approval from the appropriate unit leader.
If a Cub Scout den or pack is not available, your presentation may be given to another youth group, such as your troop or at your place of worship.
(Note: The intent is that upon completion of the Edison Supernova Award the Scout will have completed two such presentations.) -
Research a scientific, technical, engineering, or mathematical breakthrough or invention of the past 100 years that has affected our society in a meaningful way
and present your hypothesis on how it might further affect our society during your lifetime.
Present either a 30-minute oral report or a 1,500-word written report to your mentor. -
Submit an application to the district or council Nova or advancement committee for approval.
