Astronomy Class Preparation
Read and review ALL requirements prior to the class.
Even though a requirement may be identified as one to be done in class, Scouts are still expected to familiarize, review, and prepare for the requirement – BE PREPARED!
Active interaction/participation is expected and mandatory.
Share in your own words – avoid reading your answers.
Pay attention to the action verbs in the requirements.
Bring proof of completion, even partially completed work.
Requirement Insights
| Requirements | Expectations |
|---|---|
| 1a, 1b | You will be able to successfully complete these requirement components during the class when you have prepared ahead of time. While the counselor will facilitate aspects of this requirement during the class, the only way to guarantee the opportunity to complete these requirement components is to come to the class prepared and to actively participate during the class. |
| 1c, 1d, 2, 4d, 5, 6, 7, 9 | Scouts will be able to successfully complete these requirements during the class when they have prepared ahead of time. Time will be allotted for those Scouts who have prepared to share their work for sign off consideration. |
| 3 | It is preferred that Scouts having their own binoculars and/or telescope (if practical) bring their equipment for use and demonstration during the class. Please note that it is the Scout's responsibility to manage and maintain their personal equipment and any damage or loss of these items is strictly the Scouts responsibility |
| 4a, 4b | These requirement components will be miopssible to complete during the class. Scouts should come to class with notes, drawings, sketches, or other documentation showing that they have observed the night skies and identified 10 constellations along with at least 8 stars of which 5 are of magnitude 1 or brighter (check you Merit Badge Pamphlet for explanation and guidance). The easiest way to do this is to record the date and time of the observation and describe the location of the constellation or star as it appears in the sky. NOTE: Stars and Constellations move about the sky depending on time of year and time of night they are observed, so the tracking of date and time of the observation is crucial. Many online resources are available to aid in the identification of these stars and constellations throughout the year. Drawing the constellation as it appears during your observation in the sky may be helpful as well. It must also be noted that just saying you have done these two components of requirement 4 will NOT be enough to be signed off during the class. You must provide some sort of supporting documentation to the counselor to show that you have worked on and met the expectations of these components; Requirement 4a and 4b. |
| 4c | You will need to prepare by making your sketches prior to the class. Don't forget to include the date and time of each sketch. |
| 8 | This requirement will NOT be covered during the class. HOWEVER, Scouts who have selected one of these options to complete for this requirement, will have an opportunity to share their work during the class for consideration by the counselor for sign off. Please remember that any and all requirements, for any merit badge, are signed off ONLY at the discretion and satisfaction of the merit badge counselor that the requirement has met THEIR interpretation of the requirement. |
Things to Remember to Bring
- Your BSA ID# and / or your Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and signed off by your Scout Leader.
- Notes and questions from reading the Astronomy Merit Badge Pamphlet.
- Wear your Scout Uniform.
Bring appropriate outdoor weather clothing for the forecasted weather conditions (some/all components of the class will take place outdoors).
- binoculars or telescope (optional)
- Supporting documentation or project work pertinent to this merit badge, which may also include a Merit Badge Workbook for reference with notes.
- A positive Scouting focus and attitude.
