SCOUTING NUCLEAR SCIENCE MERIT BADGE PROGRAM

This program provides instruction and demonstrations covering multiple Nuclear Science Merit Badge requirements, including radiation fundamentals, nuclear science concepts, particle physics, radiation safety, nuclear energy, and beneficial applications of nuclear technology.

Scouts will attend lectures covering nuclear science fundamentals, radiation protection principles, and beneficial applications of nuclear technology. Scouts will tour the interior of a decommissioned and decontaminated nuclear reactor. Hands-on activities will allow Scouts to explore how radiation survey meters work and how shielding protects nuclear workers. Scouts will also construct isotope models using troop-supplied materials (anticipated to be both instructional and edible).

This course will cover the entirety of Nuclear Science Merit Badge Requirements 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Requirement 4 will be partially covered through an onboard half-life demonstration. Scouts seeking completion of the Nuclear Science Merit Badge must complete the remaining portions of Requirement 4 and the entirety of Requirement 8 independently…