Supernova Guidance

Supernova Application (All Except Albert Einstein)

Per the Supernova Application, the candidate is to provide copies of all reports and other appropriate documentation. The information below is meant to help clarify what the appropriate documentation is for each Supernova Award. Ideally, this documentation should come in some sort of binder, so it remains together. We will accept electronic portfolios as well.

Dr. Luis Alvarez
(Wolf & Bear Scouts)

It is understood that Wolf and Bear Scout will need assistance in preparing some of these materials, but a good faith effort should be made by the candidate in preparing these materials.

A copy of the Scout’s Advancement record for the Adventure. A copy of the documents associated with completion of either Option A or Option B
A copy of the Scout’s Advancement record for the Adventure. In the case of Option A a copy of the statistic definitions and the newspaper story. In the case of Option B, a photo of the data collection and a copy of the results of the experiment.
A copy of the facts learned about Dr. Alvarez. This may be typed or handwritten.
The names and facts found about the three noted scientists, inventors, mathematians, or engineers.
A summary of the conversation about STEM and its importance (the summary can be provided by the Mentor.)
If possible, a photo of the project or experiment. If not possible, a note from the Scout’s teacher that supervised the experiment.
For Option A, a photo from the visit with the professional and a brief summary about what was learned. For Option B, a summary of the conversation (can be provided by the Mentor.)
A photo of the demonstration of the Scientific method.
A photo of the event or activity with a brief caption about the event.

Dr. Charles Townes
(Webelos & Arrow Light)

It is understood that the Webelos and Arrow of Light Scouts may need assistance in preparing some of these materials, but a good faith effort should be made by the candidate in preparing these materials.

A copy of the Scout’s Advancement record for the Adventure. For either Option A or Option B, a photo with an appropriate caption.
In the case of Adventures, a copy of the Scout’s Advancement record. In the case of either Option A or Option B, a photo with an appropriate caption.
A copy of the facts learned about Dr. Townes. This may be typed or handwritten.
The names and facts found about the five noted scientists, inventors, mathematians, or engineers.
A summary of the conversation about STEM and its importance (the summary can be provided by the Mentor.)
If possible, a photo of the project or experiment. If not possible, a note from the Scout’s teacher that supervised the experiment.
For Option A, a photo from the visit with the professional and a brief summary about what was learned. For Option B, a summary of the conversation (can be provided by the Mentor.)
A photo of the demonstration of the Scientific method and a copy of the report given to the mentor.
A photo of the event or activity with a brief caption about the event.

Dr. Bernard Harris
(Scouts BSA)

In the case of Scouts BSA, the mentor may provide assistance in getting the materials in the proper format, but the Scout is expected to do the remainder.

A copy of the Scout’s advancement record.
A copy of the Scout’s advancement record.
A copy of the Scout’s advancement record.
A typed summary of the two Supernova activities or a copy of the report. In the case of a poster or similar, a reduced facsimilie of the poster is sufficient. In the case of an oral report, a copy of the notes used to present the report is sufficient.
A copy of a certificate of participation, a letter from the event, or a photo of the candidate at the event.
For Option A–If possible, a photo of the candidate shadowing the professional, a copy of the report from the visit, and if possible, a letter from the professional. For Option B–A copy of the presentation (typed or pdf of the presentation).
A copy of the materials used in support of the activity/presentation. A photo would also be good.
A copy of the presentation materials. This may be powerpoint print outs or a pdf version of the material.

Thomas A. Edison
(Scouts BSA)

In the case of Scouts BSA, the mentor may provide assistance in getting the materials in the proper format, but the Scout is expected to do the remainder.

A copy of the Scout’s advancement record.
A copy of the Scout’s advancement record.
A copy of the Scout’s advancement record.
A typed summary of the two additional Supernova activities or a copy of the report. In the case of a poster or similar, a reduced facsimilie of the poster is sufficient. In the case of an oral report, a copy of the notes used to present the report is sufficient.
A copy of a certificate of participation, a letter from the event, or a photo of the candidate at the event. This event may be the same type of event as for the Bernard Harris award, but a different year.
A photo with an appropriate caption along with a copy of the activity materials.
A copy of the report (typed) or a copy of the materials used in the presentation.

Venturer Supernova Awards

For Venturers and Sea Scouts, there are three Supernova Awards available–the Dr. Sally Ride Bronze medal, the Wright Brothers Silver medal, and the Dr. Albert Einstein Gold medal. The Dr. Sally Ride medal is exclusively for Venturers and Sea Scouts. The Wright Brothers medal may be earned by Scouts BSA that are dual registered that have already earned the Dr. Bernard Harris medal. For Venturers and Sea Scouts that want to earn these medals, please contact the GGAC STEM Committee prior to beginning so as to ensure all the required documentation is present at the time of submission.

Albert Einstein Supernova Award Guidance

Albert Einstein Supernova Application

For ambitious Venturers and Sea Scouts, there is the Albert Einstein Supernova Award. Albert Einstein Supernova Mentors need to consult the National Council’s guidance for this award. Venturers and Sea Scouts interested in this award need to consult with the GGAC STEM Committee prior to beginning work on the award. Requirement #4 (the Research Project) requires that the project be approved by the National STEM Committee prior to work commencing.