Virtual Merit Badge Program for Scouting Groups at the Rutgers University Geology Museum

Abstract:

The Rutgers University Geology Museum (RUGM), located in the heart of the Rutgers University New Brunswick campus, is a free natural history museum committed to serving the public through its educational natural history and geoscience themed programming. In addition to the K-12 and University communities, the RUGM also provides “Patch Tours” specifically for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts that focus on topics and tasks to help them fulfill their program requirements. Over 600 students have participated in this program since its inception in 2019. We currently offer 2 different patch tours: “Amazing Minerals” and “Fossil Fun”. To continue serving the scouting community during the COVID-19 pandemic, these programs were transitioned to a virtual format. Participants are able to engage with the mineral-themed content through a combination of “print-at-home” packets, curb-side pick up of lesson materials, shipped materials, and interactive zoom sessions. Additionally, the Geology Merit Badge Program provides an engaging way for scouts with an interest in earth science to pursue a merit badge. This new program, designed to address the requirements of the Boy Scout Geology Merit Badge (for scouts grade 6 and up), was developed around the badge’s Energy Resources Track. This new virtual program utilizes a modified version of our “Amazing Minerals Patch Tour,” as well as a hands-on petroleum exploration activity, previously designed for in-person instruction on the Rutgers Science Explorer mobile laboratory. The Geology Merit Badge Program utilizes a virtual meeting platform with breakout rooms and consists of two 60-90 minute sessions. These events were designed to align with the Next Generation Science Standards. While technical difficulties and growing pains are expected, these are the anticipated realities of conducting education and outreach during a pandemic. The RUGM will continue to develop new ways to engage with scouting groups, K-12 schools, and the general public virtually until it is feasible to do so in-person again.