STEM NOVA and Supernova Program

Erie Shores Council has decided to continue offering the STEM NOVA and Supernova Awards Program. At this time, we are still using the same award requirements for the different Nova and Supernova awards. The Council Advancement Committee will review the program requirements and may in the future change different aspects of the program to best meet the needs for our local council.

In 2023, National made the decision to sunset the STEM NOVA and Supernova Awards Program allowing local councils to continue to support the award as an option at their own cost.

Effective June 1, 2025, National gave councils the ability to adjust the requirements for the STEM NOVA and Supernova Program to best meet the desired outcomes as councils see fit. All STEM NOVA and Supernova Awards content has been removed from Scouting.org and awards are no longer listed in Scoutbook.

The STEM NOVA and Supernova Program incorporates learning with cool activities and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA members, and Venturers. The hope is that the requirements and activities for earning these awards stimulates interest in STEM-related fields and shows how science, technology, engineering and mathematics apply to everyday living and the world around them. Counselors and mentors help bring this engaging, contemporary, and fun program to life for youth members.

 

STEM NOVA Awards

There are multiple STEM NOVA awards for Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, Scouts BSA members, and Venturers. Each award covers one component of STEM—science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

  • Cub Scout NOVA awards:
    • Science Everywhere
    • Down and Dirty
    • Nova WILD!
    • Out of This World
    • Tech Talk, Swing!
    • 1-2-3 Go!
    • Uncovering the Past
    • Fearful Symmetry
  • Scouts BSA NOVA awards:
    • Shoot!
    • Let It Grow!
    • Start Your Engines
    • Whoosh!
    • Designed to Crunch and Splash!
  • Venturer NOVA awards
    • Launch!
    • Power Up
    • Hang On!
    • Numbers Don’t Lie and Wade!

 

Supernova Awards

The Supernova awards have more rigorous requirements than the STEM NOVA awards. The requirements and activities were designed to motivate youth and recognize more in-depth, advanced achievement in STEM-related activities.