Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Bronze Award
for Venturers and Sea Scouts

These were the requirements before the revisions made in 2015

To see the CURRENT requirements, Click here.

First-Level Supernova Award for Venturers.

These STEM exploration topics are approved for earning the Venturer Supernova awards:

1. Complete THREE of the Venturer Nova Awards. (Note: These may be done at any time after becoming a Venturer.)
2. Complete the Scholarship STEM exploration.
3. Using the guidelines found in the "Venturing STEM Explorations" chapter, complete STEM explorations for four of the topics listed above.
   (Note: These may be completed at any time after becoming a Venturer.)
4. Complete TWO Supernova activity topics, one each in two different STEM areas.
5. Participate in a local, state, or national science fair or mathematics competition OR in any equally challenging STEM-oriented competition or workshop approved by your mentor. An example of this would be an X-Prize type competition.
6. Do ONE of the following:
   1. Spend at least one day "shadowing" a local scientist or engineer.
      After your visit, discuss with your mentor your experience and what you learned about STEM careers.
   2. Learn about a career that is heavily involved with STEM.
      Make a presentation to your mentor about what you learned.
7. Working with your mentor; organize and present a Nova award or other STEM-related program at a Cub Scout den or pack meeting.
   Be sure to receive permission from the appropriate unit leader, and plan accordingly.
   If a Cub Scout den or pack is not available, your presentation may be given to another youth group.
8. Review the scientific method (you may know this as the scientific process) and note how scientists establish hypotheses, theories, and laws.
   Compare how the establishment of "facts" or "rules" using the scientific method differs from the establishment of "facts" or "rules" in other environments,
   such as legal, cultural, religious, military, mathematical, or social environments.
   Then do each of the following:
   1. Choose a current subject with at least two competing theories on the subject and learn as much as possible about each theory.
      Analyze the competing theories, decide which one is most convincing to you, and explain why to your mentor.
   2. Make a presentation to your mentor that describes the controversy, the competing theories,
      and your conclusions about how the scientific method can or cannot contribute to the resolution of the controversy.
9. Submit an application to the district or council Nova or advancement committee for approval.