The BSA NOVA program is a way to engage scouts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
BSA rightly states "Fostering a strong STEM education is our best opportunity to boost the spirit of innovation. It’s what we need to help ensure this country continues on a prosperous and secure journey. STEM literacy is also critical because it has a profound and growing impact on our day-to-day lives. Nature, space exploration, and any STEM-related interest reveals to us the beauty and power of the world we inhabit."
This page describes how to engage with the NOVA and SuperNOVA programs in our council.
The National BSA NOVA and SuperNOVA webpage can be found here including award requirements.
Palmetto Council printable NOVA brochure can be found here.
NOVA Sponsorship
Would your organization like to help develop the technical experts of tomorrow? Do you want to find fun and visible ways to give back to your community?
The Palmetto Council needs your support to buy STEM supplies, conduct NOVA day events, build teaching labs, and recognize scout achievements with awards.
Click here to read more about sponsorship and ways your team can partner with scouts.
NOVA Opportunities
NOVA awards are typically 1 to 2 day explorations into a particlular STEM topic. These can be accomplished during a scout unit outing to a place with resources e.g. a national park with an archeology focus.
Kennedy Space Center Overnight Adventure --> NOVA Out of this World
US National Park Junior Archeologist -->
NOVA Uncovering the PastRoper Mountain Webelos Science Workshop -->
Into the Wild, Into the Woods, & Earth RocksBoeing Dreamlearners Program (age 10 & older) -->
Various NOVAs can applyGreenwood Genetic Center Mobile Lab (troops) -->
NOVA Mendels MinionsAmazon Virtual Tour & Robotics Challenge -->
NOVA Cub Scouts Can CodePalmetto Fossil Excursions Paleo Basics -->
NOVA Uncovering the Past
SuperNOVA Clubs
SuperNOVAs are 6 to 24 month in-depth explorations for scouts to practice being a scientist. These awards are significant commitments that require guidance from trained SuperNOVA mentors.
Catalog of Experiments
STEM Resources
Here are links to some amazing STEM education resources:
Intercouncil STEM &
social media
The strength in program content for NOVA programs comes from the organization in scout councils and across social media platforms. There are some strong programs linked below:
Palmetto Council
SuperNOVA Mentors
Here are the key council contacts to help scouts and scouters engage with the NOVA programs:
Jon Antonucci, NOVA Council Coordinator
803-984-8370
James McGehee, Supernova Mentor
903-278-8032
George Flanagan, Supernova Mentor
803-487-1762
John Patterson, Nova Counselor
803-417-0633
864-327-9326
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