The Environmental Science Merit Badge is all about understanding the natural world around us and how we can protect it. In this merit badge, you'll learn about ecosystems, pollution, conservation, and more!
Hey there, scouts! Are you ready to learn about the environment? Great! Let's get started.
First, let's talk about ecosystems. An ecosystem is a community of living and nonliving things that interact with each other. Can you give me an example of an ecosystem? That's right, a forest is an ecosystem!
Now, let's talk about pollution. Pollution is when harmful substances are released into the environment. Can you think of some examples of pollution? That's right, car exhaust and litter are both types of pollution.
Conservation is also an important part of environmental science. Conservation means protecting and preserving natural resources. Can you think of some ways to conserve resources? That's right, turning off lights when you leave a room and using reusable bags instead of plastic ones are both ways to conserve resources.
Now, let me tell you a story. When I was a kid, I used to love going to the beach. But one day, I went to the beach and it was covered in trash. It was really sad to see. That's why it's so important to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials. Can you think of some ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle? Great!
Okay, let's move on to careers in environmental science. There are so many cool jobs you can have in this field! Can you think of any? That's right, you could be a park ranger, a wildlife biologist, or an environmental engineer.
Finally, let's talk about laws that protect the environment. One example is the Clean Air Act, which was passed in 1963 to reduce air pollution. Can you think of any other laws that protect the environment?
Remember, if you have any questions about the Environmental Science Merit Badge, be sure to ask your merit badge counselor. Good luck!
| Week | Task |
|---|---|
| 1 | Make a timeline of the history of environmental science in America. |
| 2 | Do an experiment to show how living things react to changes in their environment. |
| 3 | Find out about three career opportunities in environmental science. |
| 4 | Do a project that shows how to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials. |
| 5 | Visit a wildlife refuge, park, or other natural area near you and write a report about what you saw. |
| 6 | Find out about two endangered species in your area and what is being done to protect them. |
| 7 | Do a project that shows how to protect water resources from pollution. |
| 8 | Find out about a law that helps protect the environment and explain its purpose. |
| 9 | Do a project that shows how to improve air quality in your community. |
| 10 | Find out about a current environmental issue and explain how it affects you and your community. |