American Cultures Merit Badge

Introduction

The American Cultures Merit Badge is all about learning about the diverse cultures that make up America. By completing this merit badge, you will gain a greater appreciation for the different backgrounds and traditions that make our country unique.

Merit Badge Requirements

1. Explain the meaning of the term "melting pot" and describe how it applies to the United States.
2. Do TWO of the following:
1. Visit a place that is listed as a National Historic Landmark or that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tell your counselor what you learned about the landmark or site and what you found interesting about it.
2. Tour your state capitol building or the U.S. Capitol. Tell your counselor what you learned about the capitol, its function, and the history.
3. Tour a federal facility. Explain to your counselor what you saw there and what you learned about its function in the local community and how it serves this nation.
4. Choose a local issue and interview at least one elected official and the leader of an organization that addresses the issue. Discuss with your counselor what you learned about the local issue and how the elected official and organization are addressing the issue.
3. Do ONE of the following:
1. Attend a naturalization ceremony and share your thoughts about the importance of becoming a U.S. citizen.
2. Interview someone who has become a naturalized citizen. Share the stories of the individual's journey to become a U.S. citizen.
4. Do TWO of the following:
1. Prepare a menu of three meals from the different regions of the United States. Explain the historical development of each meal.
2. Visit a museum or exhibit that focuses on American history or culture. Explain to your counselor what you learned and what you found interesting about the exhibit or museum.
3. Attend a cultural festival or event. Report on what you saw, heard, and tasted at the event.
4. Read a book or watch a movie that focuses on an American cultural group. Discuss with your counselor what you learned about the group and how they have contributed to American culture.

Lesson

Hey there, scouts! Are you ready to learn about the diverse cultures that make up America? Great! Let's get started.

First, let's talk about the term "melting pot." What do you think it means? That's right, it refers to the idea that America is a place where people from all over the world come together and blend their cultures to create something new and unique. It's like a big pot of soup where all the ingredients come together to make something delicious!

Now, let's move on to the merit badge requirements. For requirement 1, you need to explain the meaning of the term "melting pot" and describe how it applies to the United States. Can you think of any examples of how different cultures have blended together in America?

For requirement 2, you get to choose two of the following activities to complete. Which ones sound the most interesting to you? Have you ever visited a National Historic Landmark or toured a state capitol building before?

Requirement 3 is all about learning about the naturalization process and what it means to become a U.S. citizen. Have you ever attended a naturalization ceremony or talked to someone who has become a citizen?

Finally, for requirement 4, you get to choose two of the following activities. Which ones do you think you would enjoy the most? Have you ever been to a cultural festival or read a book about a different cultural group?

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and learn something new!

Questions

• What is your favorite thing about learning about different cultures?
• Have you ever visited a National Historic Landmark or toured a state capitol building before?
• What did you learn about the naturalization process?
• Have you ever been to a cultural festival or read a book about a different cultural group?

Don't forget to follow up with your merit badge counselor to complete the American Cultures Merit Badge. Good luck!

Schedule

Week	Requirements
1	Requirements 1 and 2a
2	Requirements 2b and 3a
3	Requirements 3b and 4a
4	Requirements 4b and 4c