Nova Awards are STEM-based awards that Cub Scouts can earn in addition to Rank Adventures. These awards encourage exploration in STEM fields with an emphasis on connecting STEM to practical use in everyday life and different careers. Nova Awards can be earned by Wolf, Bear, Webelo and Arrow of Light Scouts, but Lion and Tiger Scouts are welcome to attend Nova meetings and participate in activities with parent assistance (they will need active parent support to understand and participate). Scouts are welcome at all activities even if they do not want to complete all the requirements to earn the awards.
NOVA Award Basic Requirements
- One hour of research and learning through reading and/or watching informative, non-fiction sources about the specified topics. This requirement will be done at home prior to Nova Meetings, but Scouts will receive reading/watching suggestions and guidance ahead of time.
- Engage in specific activities that simulate acting like a scientist, technologist, engineer or mathematician. Explore STEM in different careers. These activities will be mostly completed at monthly Nova meetings; there are some requirements that will be completed at home.
- Discuss and reflect on new learning and use of STEM in everyday life, careers and the world. We will discuss and reflect at Nova meetings but encourage discussion and reflection at home as well.
Nova 2025-2026 updates coming soon
2024-25 Schedule and Fees
Pack 254 will offer meetings and activities for four Nova Awards this year. Scouts may choose to do all four activities, a few, or none. There will be a $25 one-time fee that helps to cover materials for activities and award insignia (same fee whether Scouts do one Nova or all four, no fee if you do not participate in the Nova events).
Science: Down and Dirty
The Down and Dirty Nova digs into geology including rocks, minerals and volcanoes. Activities will include collecting rocks and minerals, making a Mohs Hardness Test Kit, sculpting different volcano formations (we’ll make them erupt too!), and a field trip to Rice Rock Museum in Hillsboro.
October: Rocks and Minerals
November: Volcanoes
Field Trip: Rice Rock Museum, Hillsboro
Members only click here for detailed instructions.
Science: Out of this World
The Out of this World Nova explores planets, constellations and rovers. Scouts will learn to identify constellations and planets, try out binoculars and telescopes, design and build a model Mars rover, and take a field trip to OMSI’s Planetarium.
December: Outer Space
January: Space Tech
Field Trip: OMSI Planetarium, January 5 2025
Members only click here for detailed instructions.
Technology: Tech Talk
The Tech Talk Nova explores everyday tech from the outside in. Activities will include dissecting (literally) pieces of technology, discussing safe use of technology, using tech to be creative, exploring responsible tech recycling, and learning to use spreadsheets to organize information.
February: Tech Safety, Creative Tech, Spreadsheets
March: Tech Dissection & Disposal
Members only click here for detailed instructions.
Engineering: Swing!
The Swing! Nova investigates properties of motions and force, and reveals the abundance of simple machines in everyday life. Activities will include using simple machines (hand tools) to uncover simple machines (components of mechanical items), playing with motion and force, and leveraging and levering levers (go figure!).
March: Properties of Motion and Force
April: Simple Machines
Field Trip: Pack Fishing Trip, date TBA
Members only click here for detailed instructions.
Pack 254 Cub Scouts 