SCOUT OPPORTUNITIES
The Challenger Learning Center is a great resource for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Girl Scouts earning merit badges in astronomy, aviation, space exploration, science and more. Listed below are a variety of merit badge subjects available to scouts through the Challenger Learning Center.
Throughout the year, the CLC offers workshops for individual scouts to enroll. Check back often for scheduled workshops. To request more information for troop workshops, click here. To reserve a troop workshop, download the Merit Badge Workshop Registration Form, and return it to the Challenger Learning Center.
CUB SCOUT BELT LOOPS & PINS* |
BROWNIE GIRL SCOUT TRY-ITS* |
 ASTRONOMY BELT LOOP AND PIN*
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn an astronomy belt loop by completing the following requirements: set up and demonstrate how to focus a simple telescope or binoculars; draw a diagram of our solar sytem and identify planets and other objects; and explain astronomy terms.
Completing the following requirements, a scout may earn his astronomy pin: draw a diagram and explain how a telescope works; locate and identify 5 different constellations; find the North Star and explain its importance; make a poster illustrating the different kinds of stars and the life cycle of a star; learn about some of the early space missions and tell your den or family; and make a chart showing the phases of the moon over a two-month period.
Belt Loop Program: 45 minutes - $5.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
Academics Pin Program: 90 minutes - $10.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts. |
 SPACE EXPLORER TRY-IT*
What makes the moon change shapes? What makes shadows move? Learn about our rotating Earth and moon. Learn how astronauts travel to space and keep their bodies safe when they do space walks.
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn your Space Explorer Try-It Badge when you complete the following criteria: study a star map and use it to go stargazing; study the phases of the moon and track the phases over time; design a spacesuit for space travel inside and outside the spacecraft; chase shadows and predict where your shadow will fall; learn about constellations and the stories behind them; then create your own constellation and myth.
Try-It Badge Program: 90 minutes - $10.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts. |
 SCIENCE BELT LOOP AND PIN*
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn a science belt loop by completing the following requirements: explain the scientific method, use the scientific method in a simple science project and talk with a scientist about his or her work.
Completing the following requirements, a scout may earn his science pin: make a simple electric motor work; use simple machines to accomplish tasks; learn about states of matter using water; build models of atoms; label a collection of rocks; and make a model of the solar system.
Belt Loop Program: 45 minutes - $5.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
Academics Pin Program: 90 minutes - $10.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts. |
 SCIENCE IN ACTION TRY-IT*
Science is all around us. Learn what happens when we make a hypothesis and explore Oobleck, blow up balloons, learn about light and color and so much more!
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn your Science In Action Try-It Badge when you complete the following criteria: complete a science and technology hunt; study the 3 states of matter using a substance some believe is from another planet; demonstrate and explain how you can blow up a balloon without using air from your lungs; use chromotography to make a colorful butterfly; create a picture using magnetic shavings; and find creative uses for primary and secondary colors.
Try-It Badge Program: 90 minutes - $10.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts. |
 WEATHER BELT LOOP & PIN*
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn a weather belt loop by completing the following requirements: make a poster that shows and explains the water cycle; set up a simple weather station; watch, discuss and prepare your own weather forecast.
Completing the following requirements, a scout may earn his weather pin: explain weather terms; describe different types of clouds; create a presentation regarding a dangerous weather condition and the necessary precautions; make a weather map; make a weather vane; and explain, demonstrate and draw a rainbow.
Belt Loop Program: 45 minutes - $5.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
Academics Pin Program: 90 minutes - $10.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
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 EARTH AND SKY TRY-IT*
The Sun gives us heat, light and makes things grow. But it is not the only thing in our daytime sky that affects Earth. Learn how the Earth, Sun and Moon work together to give us life as we know it.
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn your Earth and Sky Try-It Badge when you complete the following criteria: dig up some loose dirt and study what's in the soil around us; explore the impact of sunlight on us and our surroundings; examine the world around us for examples of soil erosion, then brainstorm possible solutions; name, describe and model the different types of clouds; make rocks out of mud, sand and other materials; explain the difference between solar and lunar eclipses.
Favorable weather conditions are required for this workshop.
Try-It Badge Program: 90 minutes - $10.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts. |
 WEBELOS SCIENTIST PIN*
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn a Webelos Scientist Pin by completing the following requirements: demonstrate Bernoulli's Principle; tell about inventions that use Pascal's law; demonstrate Newton's three laws of motion; show the effects of atmospheric pressure, air pressure and water pressure; and build and launch a model rocket.
Scientist Pin Program: 120 minutes - $15.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
Scout must complete Science, Astronomy and Weather belt loop requiremets prior to this workshop.
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 SCIENCE WONDER TRY-IT*
Bubbles that don't pop? Creating lightning? Ink that disappears? Some might say it is magic, but really there is a simple scientific explanation to these and other Science Wonders at the CLC.
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn your Science Wonder Try-It Badge when you complete the following criteria: describe, study and make home grown crystals; create bubbles of various sizes and shapes; send a secret message to a friend with invisible ink; study the properties of magnets; and create static electricity.
Try-It Badge Program: 90 minutes - $10.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
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BOY SCOUT BADGES* |
JUNIOR GIRL SCOUT BADGES* |
 SPACE EXPLORATION BADGE*
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn a Space Exploration Badge by completing the following requirements: research and present the purpose of space exploration; design a collector card about a space pioneer; build and identify the parts of a rocket, then launch and recover a model rocket; demonstrate Newton's 3 Laws of Motion; discuss and design an unmanned mission to another planet, moon or region of space; describe the purpose and operation of the International Space Station; design an inhabited base for Mars; and discuss careers in space exploration.
Badge Program: 6 hours - $20.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts. |
 AEROSPACE BADGE*
Make and launch paper airplanes and gliders, learn the specifics of model rockets and see a rocket launch! Taste dehydrated food that astronauts dine on in space as you earn your Aerospace Badge.
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn your Aerospace Badge when you complete the following criteria: make and fly 3 different airplanes; visit a space center or aerospace museum; watch a space launch and learn about the vehicles NASA launches; learn about NASA spinoffs in science and technology; research women pilots and astronauts; and build and launch your own model rocket.
Badge Program: 6 hours - $20.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
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 ASTRONOMY BADGE*
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn an Astronomy Badge by completing the following requirements: describe proper clothing and precautions of nighttime and sun observations; explain light pollution and how it affects astronomy; explain differences between binoculars and telescopes; identify constellations, conspicuous stars, Big Dipper and Milky Way; identify and explain the motion of planets; sketch the phases of the moon; describe the composition of the Sun; visit a planetarium; research career opportunities in astronomy.
Badge Program: 4 hours - $15.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts. |
 SKY SEARCH BADGE*
The nighttime sky is filled with more than just stars. Learn what is really out there and how to find it. Learn about our Solar System and the ways scientists and NASA explore our universe.
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn your Sky Search Badge when you complete the following criteria: learn how to use a star map; identify at least 5 constellations seen from Earth; research planets, dwarf planets, comets, meteors and asteroids and how to identify them in the night sky; examine the moon and its phases; and find out more about current NASA missions.
Badge Program: 4 hours - $15.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
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 AVIATION BADGE*
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn a Aviation Badge by completing the following requirements: define aircraft, identify types of aircraft and explain the principles of flight; learn how to read an aeronautical chart and set a course; explain the purpose and functions of aeronautical tools; visit an airport or aviation museum; research career opportunities in aviation.
Badge Program: 4 hours - $15.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
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 MAKING IT MATTER BADGE*
Matter comes in many shapes and sizes. Explore some everyday types of matter as we explore polymers, electricity, simple machines and how things work.
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn your Making it Matter Badge when you complete the following criteria: make a polymer or two; experiment with polymers; build a circuit; find out about the role of bearings; complete an engineering challenge; complete a label check scavenger hunt; and explore acids and bases.
Badge Program: 4 hours - $15.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
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 WEATHER BADGE*
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn a Weather Badge by completing the following requirements: define meteorology, explain weather and climate and discuss how weather affects different occupations and industries; name five different weather-related conditions and the safety rules for each; explain differences in high and low pressure systems, fronts and clouds associated with each; describe causes of rain and acid rain; draw a diagram of the weather cycle; make a weather instrument and journal to log weather, give a five minute presentation regarding outdoor safety or acid rain; and research weather related career opportunities.
Badge Program: 4 hours - $15.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts.
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 WEATHER WATCH BADGE*
Weather affects our lives everyday. Learn how to forecast the weather by reading weather maps, gauges, and studying the clouds and weather trends. Then, make your very own weather!
Come to the Challenger Learning Center to earn your Weather Watch Badge when you complete the following criteria: learn to read a weather map and predict the weather in your area; follow the clouds, learn to identify them by name, then use your cloud chart to foresee the weather; identify and build weather instruments; discuss weather trends and weather cycles; make a game about the weather; create paper spirals to understand frontal systems; complete weather experiments.
Badge Program: 4 hours - $15.00 per scout, minimum 10 scouts. |
*Scouts DO NOT fly a simulated mission.
Workshops are badge earning opportunities, please leave siblings at home.
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