 Weather
This Merit Badge requires 1 session to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Weather merit badge are: 3, 6, 9, 10, 11
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Weather Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
1. |
Define meteorology. Explain what weather is and what
climate is. Discuss how the weather affects farmers,
sailors, aviators, and the outdoor construction
industry. Tell why weather forecasts are important
to each of these groups. |
2. |
Name five dangerous weather-related conditions.
Give
the safety rules for each when outdoors and
explain
the difference between a severe weather watch
and a
warning. Discuss the safety rules with your
family. |
3. |
Explain the difference between high- and low-
pressure systems in the atmosphere. Tell which
is related to good and to poor weather. Draw
cross sections of a cold front and a warm front,
showing the location and movements of the cold
and warm air, the frontal slope, the location
and types of clouds associated with each type of
front, and the location of precipitation. |
4. |
Tell what causes wind, why it rains, and how lightning and hail are formed. |
5. |
Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather. |
6. |
Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its
major processes. Explain the water cycle to your
counselor. |
7. |
Identify some human activities that can alter the
environment, and describe how they affect the
climate and people. |
8. |
Describe how the tilt of Earth's axis helps
determine the climate of a region near the
equator,
near the poles, and across the area in between. |
9. |
Do ONE of the following: |
| a. |
Make one of the following instruments: wind vane,
anemometer, rain gauge, hygrometer. Keep a daily
weather log for one week using information from
this instrument as well as from other sources such
as local radio and television stations, NOAA
Weather Radio All Hazards, and Internet sources
(with your parent's permission). Record the
following information at the same time every day:
wind direction and speed, temperature,
precipitation, and types of clouds. Be sure to
make a note of any morning dew or frost. In the
log, also list the weather forecasts from radio or
television at the same time each day and show how
the weather really turned out. |
| b. |
Visit a National Weather Service office or talk
with a local radio or television weathercaster,
private meteorologist, local agricultural
extension service officer, or university
meteorology instructor. Find out what type of
weather is most dangerous or damaging to your
community. Determine how severe weather and flood
warnings reach the homes in your community. |
10. |
Give a talk of at least five minutes to a group
(such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) explaining
the outdoor safety rules in the event of
lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Before
your talk, share your outline with your counselor
for approval. |
11. |
Find out about a weather-related career
opportunity
that interests you. Discuss with and explain to
your
counselor what training and education are
required
for such a position, and the responsibilities
required of such a position. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2026"
Download the workbook for the
Weather Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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