STEM

Program Structure:

STEM Scouts is a tactile program organized in 2 divisions: Labs for grades 3-5 and grades 6-8.; all meant to inspire and bring STEM to life for girls and boys.

Each meeting involves a hands-on experiment and wraps up with a discussion of a STEM innovator: people of both genders and diverse ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds who have made a contribution to the STEM field.

Labs meet 20 times a year to explore 20 different hands-on activities clustered into five annual themes or modules. Each lab receives new kits and curriculums annually, and distinct curriculums are provided for elementary and middle school.

Youth Leadership:

Youths work in teams of three and rotate through Principal Investigator, Co-P.I., and Project Manager roles.

How to Register:

Join a STEM Lab any time of the year! Each STEM Lab typically meets three times a month from September to June in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

The annual fee of $285 covers registration, eye goggles, and all activity materials. Scholarships are available.

Akela Chess Classic: The Cub Scout tournament is on February 1st, and the Scouts BSA tournament follows on February 15th at the Marriott Scout Service Center. Register soon as slots are filling up fast: Register here.

Composite Materials Merit Badges: Building Momentum hosts merit badge classes on February 17th. Limited spots are available, so register now: Register here.

STEM Summer Workshops 2025: Partnering again with Building Momentum, we offer three workshops this summer. Register for an exciting learning experience: Register here.

The STEM Trek is a hike around the Mall area of downtown Washington, D.C., highlighting some of the STEM involved in the creation of Washington D.C. and showcasing the government agencies and private organizations involved in STEM that are located in Washington, D.C.

The Trek includes 24 stops; each has a question for you to answer (a cub scout level question, a Scout BSA level question, and an on-site question). An ‘abbreviated’ trek is highlighted in the guide for those who prefer that.

• Download the DC STEM Trek Guide and STEM Trek Blank Answer Sheet!
• Watch as Girl Troop 1853 describes the STEM Trek

Scouts BSA developed the STEM Nova Awards program to excite and expand a sense of wonder in our Scouts. By working with an adult counselor or mentor, the various modules allow them to explore the basic principles of STEM and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be. The Supernova awards are offered for those who enjoy a super challenge. Discover how the STEM Nova Awards program helps youth be “Prepared. For Life.”

The STEM Speaker Series allows you to learn about exciting STEM careers!  The conversations will be held on Teams. This is a continuation of a successful series of NCAC STEM that started during the pandemic. Attendees will have an opportunity to join a Q&A with each of our guests.

Upcoming Events:

Landing on the Roof

On February 20th, join Kurt Yankaskas to learn about noise management in ship design.  Kurt Yankaskas was a test and development engineer working for the US Navy.  The presentation is about noise on ships and how it is treated in ship design, engineering and operations. Register at this link.

Check often, as we will be more speakers soon. Scouts and parents are welcome.