Nova Award Patch

Tech Talk Nova Award
for Cub Scouts


The requirements shown below were effective prior to June 1, 2015. when the rank requirements for Cub Scouts changed
and could be used only until December 31, 2015.

For the requirements which were effective from June 1, 2015 until December 31, 2017, Click here.

To see the changes which were made in 2015, Click here.

For the current requirements, Click here.


This module is designed to help you explore how technology affects your life each day.

    1. Look up a definition of the word technology and discuss the meaning with your counselor.
    2. Discuss EACH of the following with your counselor.
      1. How technology is used in EACH of the following fields:
        1. Communication
        2. Business
        3. Construction
        4. Sports
        5. Entertainment
      2. Tell why technology is important.
    3. Choose A or B or C and complete ALL the requirements.
      1. Watch an episode or episodes (about one hour total) of a show about anything related to technology. Then do the following:
        1. Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you watched.
        2. Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor.

          Some examples include - but are not limited to - shows found on PBS ("NOVA"), Discovery Channel, Science Channel, National Geographic Channel, TED Talks (online videos), and the History Channel. You may choose to watch a live performance or movie at a planetarium or science museum instead of watching a media production. You may watch online productions with your counselor's approval and under your parent's supervision.

      2. Read (about one hour total) about anything related to technology. Then do the following:
        1. Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read.
        2. Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor.

          Books on many topics may be found at your local library. Examples of magazines include but are not limited to Odyssey, KIDS DISCOVER, National Geographic Kids, Highlights, and OWL or owlkids.com.

      3. Do a combination of reading and watching (about one hour total) about anything related to technology. Then do the following:
        1. Make a list of at least two questions or ideas from what you read and watched.
        2. Discuss two of the questions or ideas with your counselor.
    4. Complete ONE belt loop or pin from the following list. (Choose one that you have not already earned.)
        Astronomy Mathematics
        BB-gun Shooting Music
        Bicycling Photography
        Bowling Snow Ski and Board Sports
        Computers Video Games
        Map and Compass  
    5. What technology is used in your belt loop or pin?
      1. Discuss with your counselor how you think this technology:
        1. Was invented
        2. Could be made better
      2. Discuss your ideas about technology with your counselor.
    6. Visit a place where technology is being designed, used, or explained, such as one of the following: an amusement park, a police or fire station, a radio or television station, a newspaper office, a factory or store, or any other location where technology is being designed, used, or explained.
      1. During your visit, talk to someone in charge about the following:
        1. The technologies used where you are visiting
        2. Why the organization is using these technologies
      2. Discuss with your counselor the technology that is designed, used, or explained at the place you visited.
    7. Discuss with your counselor how technology affects your everyday life.

The requirements for and further information about this award may be found in the 2012 edition of the
Cub Scout Nova Awards Guidebook (BSA Publication No. 34032/ SKU 614935)

Worksheets for use in working on these requirements: Format
Word Format PDF Format

Blanks in this worksheets table appear when we do not have a worksheet for the badge that includes these requirements.


Source: Cub Scout Nova Awards Guidebook (No. 34032 / SKU 614935) and bsaseabase.org/Scouting/stem/Awards/CubScout.aspx


Page updated on: August 18, 2017



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