 Nuclear Science
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Nuclear Science merit badge are: 2, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 5, 6, 7, 8
- 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
Nuclear Science 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.
| a. |
Tell what radiation is. |
| b. |
Describe the hazards of radiation to humans, the
environment, and wildlife. Explain the
difference between radiation exposure and
contamination. In your explanation, discuss the
nature and magnitude of radiation risks to
humans from nuclear power, medical radiation
(e.g., chest or dental X-ray), and background
radiation including radon. Explain the ALARA
principle and measures required by law to
minimize these risks. |
| c. |
Describe the radiation hazard symbol and explain
where it should be used. Tell why and how people
must use radiation or radioactive materials
carefully. |
| a. |
Tell the meaning of the following: atom, nucleus,
proton, neutron, electron, quark, isotope, alpha
particle, beta particle, gamma ray, X-ray,
ionization, radioactivity, radioisotope, and
stability. |
| b. |
Choose an element from the periodic table.
Construct 3-D models for the atoms of three
isotopes of this element, showing neutrons,
protons, and electrons. Use the three models to
explain the difference between atomic number and
mass number and the difference between the atom
and nuclear and quark structures of isotopes. |
3. |
Do ONE of the following; then discuss modern
particle physics with your counselor: |
| a. |
Visit an accelerator (research lab) or university
where people study the properties of the nucleus or
nucleons. |
| b. |
Name three particle accelerators and describe
several experiments that each accelerator performs. |
4. |
Do TWO of the following; then discuss with your
counselor the different kinds of radiation and how
they can be used: |
| a. |
Build an electroscope. Show how it works. Place a
radiation source inside and explain the effect it
causes. |
| b. |
Make a cloud chamber. Show how it can be used to see
the tracks caused by radiation. Explain what is
happening. |
| c. |
Obtain a sample of irradiated and non-irradiated
foods. Prepare the two foods and compare their
taste and texture. Store the leftovers in
separate containers and under the same
conditions. For a period of 14 days, observe
their rate of decomposition or spoilage, and
describe the differences you see on days 5, 10,
and 14. |
| d. |
Visit a place where radioisotopes are being used.
Using a drawing, explain how and why they are being
used. |
5. |
Do ONE of the following; then discuss with your
counselor the principles of radiation safety: |
| a. |
Using a radiation survey meter and a radioactive
source, show how the counts per minute change as
the source gets closer to or farther from the
radiation detector. Place three different
materials between the source and the detector,
then explain any differences in the measurements
per minute. Explain how time, distance, and
shielding can reduce an individual's radiation
dose. |
| b. |
Describe how radon is detected in homes. Discuss
the steps taken for the long-term and short-term
test methods, tell how to interpret the results,
and explain when each type of the test should be
used. Explain the health concern related to
radon gas and tell what steps can be taken to
reduce radon in buildings. |
| c. |
Visit a place where X-rays are used. Draw a floor
plan of this room. Show where the unit, the unit
operator, and the patient would be when the X-ray
unit is operated. Explain the precautions taken and
the importance of those precautions. |
6. |
Do ONE of the following; then discuss with your
counselor how nuclear energy is used to produce
electricity: |
| a. |
Make a drawing showing how nuclear fission
happens, labeling all details. Draw another
picture showing how a chain reaction could be
started and how it could be stopped. Explain what
is meant by a "critical mass". |
| b. |
Build a model of a nuclear reactor. Show the fuel,
control rods, shielding, moderator, and cooling
material. Explain how a reactor could be used to
change nuclear energy into electrical energy or
make things radioactive. |
| c. |
Find out how many nuclear power plants exist in the
United States. Locate the one nearest your home.
Find out what percentage of electricity in the
United States is generated by nuclear power plants,
by coal, and by gas. |
7. |
Give an example of each of the following in
relation to how energy from an atom can be used;
nuclear medicine, environmental applications,
industrial applications, space exploration, and
radiation therapy. For each example, explain the
application and its significance to nuclear
science. |
8. |
Find out about three career opportunities in nuclear
science that interest you. Pick one and find out the
education, training, and experience required for
this profession and discuss this with your
counselor. Tell why this profession interests you. |
|
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
Nuclear Science Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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