Virtual Space Exploration Merit Badge

What: In this course we will learn all about Space Exploration including history, international cooperation, benefits, satellites and rockets, rocket engines, the International Space Station and more!

 Meet your Counselor - Don Kern former Engineer with Raytheon missile programs (35 years) and Navy pilot (10 years): single and multi engine, Test Pilot, FAA Commercial Lic.  URI, US Naval Academy and Naval PostGrad School - Aeronautical Engineering.  Don has taught Aviation or Space Exploration at Merit Badge College for the past 15 years. Outdoor Leadership Training and Scoutmaster Position Specific Training Instructor.  Don has been associated with Scouts for over 50 years.

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members.

HOW:  The Space Exploration Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 10 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other Scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. 

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

April 15, 2020 10:00AM-12:00PM 

April 20, 2020 10:00AM-12:00PM

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES:   

1. Read the Space Exploration Merit Badge Handbook
2. Design a collector’s card, picture on the front and information on the back, about your favorite space pioneer. (requirement 2)
3. Build, launch, and recover a model rocket. Make a second launch to accomplish a specific objective. This can be a pre or post-requisite for merit badge completion. (requirement 3)

Suggested supplies/prep-work for students:  A reading, Don will send - 5c & 7 will be homework between sessions 1 & 2