Physics
Physics is the science of how things move, interact, and exist—from the tiniest particles inside atoms to the vast galaxies stretching across space. It’s the foundation of modern technology, the reason rockets fly, and the explanation behind everyday phenomena like why your phone works or how a soccer ball curves through the air.
By working on these requirements, you’ll explore the mysteries of motion, energy, and forces. You’ll learn how the laws of nature govern everything around us—from the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep. Whether you’re fascinated by space, curious about electricity, or just love asking “why?”, physics will help you see the world in a whole new way.
Get ready to experiment, discover, and be amazed. Physics isn’t just a subject—it’s a journey into how the universe works. And it starts right here.
So, welcome to the world of Physics—your gateway to understanding the incredible forces that shape our universe!
Physics Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of November 13, 2025
as of November 13, 2025
This Test Lab offering is valid until August 2026.
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1.
Safety. Before conducting any experiments, explain to
your counselor the safety precautions and personal protective equipment
necessary for working with physics-related equipment.
2.
What is Physics? Define physics in your own words and
discuss with your counselor various areas of physics.
3.
Fundamentals of Physics. Explain these key physics
concepts: force, motion, energy, and waves. Provide real-world examples
demonstrating each principle.
4.
Hands-On Experimentation. Conduct THREE physics
experiments, selecting from the following options. Each experiment must
include: a hypothesis, materials used, safety precautions, observations,
and conclusions based on results. Explain how each experiment
demonstrates key physics principles. For each experiment, be sure to try
variations/variables to test your hypothesis.
A.
Option A: Newton’s Laws in Action: Balloon-Powered
Car. Make and test a balloon-powered car to show how force
and motion interact.
B.
Option B: Momentum: Stacked Ball Drop. Drop
different-sized stacked balls to show momentum.
C.
Option C: Centrifugal Force. Make spinning toys to
demonstrate centrifugal force.
D.
Option D: Centripetal Force. Swing a water bucket
or tray filled with water glasses to demonstrate centripetal force.
E.
Option E: Balance. Explore center of gravity,
inertia, and harmonic motion using a Tweety Bopper.
F.
Option F: Visualize Sound. Visualize Chladni
patterns using a tonoscope.
G.
Option G: Cartesian Diver. Demonstrate buoyancy
and the ideal gas law with Cartesian divers.
H.
Option H: Air Pressure: Bernoulli’s principle and the
Coandă Effect. Balance different objects in a stream of
air.
I.
Option I: Electromagnet. Make an electromagnet and
explore how to increase its strength.
5.
Physics All Around You. Discuss with your
counselor:
a.
Physics in Everyday Life. Describe FIVE ways
physics is applied in daily life, such as in transportation,
sports, or household appliances.
b.
Physics in Space Exploration. Describe how physics
is used in space travel, satellite technology, or planetary
exploration.
c.
Physics in the Environment. Explain how physics
contributes to renewable energy, climate science, or environmental
conservation.
d.
Physics in Scouting. Explain how physics is found
in Scouting, such as knot tying, fire building, cooking, or
pioneering.
6.
The Future of Physics. Physicists try to explain the
universe and apply these concepts to novel technologies. Discuss one
option with your counselor:
A.
Option A: Unsolved Mysteries of Physics. Discuss
the following with your counselor:
a.
Dark Matter & Dark Energy. Scientists
know it exists—but what is it?
b.
Black Holes & Wormholes. Can we harness
their energy or travel through them?
B.
Option B: Quantum Mechanics & Computing.
Discuss the following with your counselor:
a.
Quantum Computers. How can super fast
computers be made of atoms instead of microchips?
b.
Quantum Entanglement. Can we communicate
instantly across space?
C.
Option C: Space Exploration & Astrophysics.
Discuss the following with your counselor:
a.
Colonizing Mars. How can physics help humans
live on other planets?
b.
Interstellar Travel. Can we reach other
stars with warp drives or solar sails?
D.
Option D: Advanced Theories & Future
Discoveries. Discuss the following with your counselor:
a.
Time Travel. Is it possible under extreme
conditions?
b.
Artificial Gravity. Can we create Earth-like
gravity in space stations?
7.
Engineering and Physics Challenge. Solve a simple
engineering problem using physics-based reasoning. Define the problem,
allowable materials, and safety constraints. You may enlist friends or
family in completing your challenge. All plans must be approved in
advance by your counselor. Do ONE of the following options:
A.
Option A: Fastest Pinewood Derby Car. Build
pinewood derby cars using physics principles to get the fastest
time on the track.
B.
Option B: Rube Goldberg Machine. Build a machine
using household materials to perform a simple task. You can use
examples of tasks from the annual Rube Goldberg competition, or you
can create your own task:
C.
Option C: Egg Drop Challenge. Explore the physics
of energy and momentum by building a structure using household
materials to prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from a
significant height. The location of the egg drop must be approved
by your counselor.
D.
Option D: Water Bottle Rockets. Explore propulsion
and Newton’s Third Law. The challenge is to land an air pressured
rocket, using water as a propellant, exactly at a specific distance
(for example, 70 m) from launch point, three times, with extra
points for flight duration.
E.
Option E: Design your Own Physics Challenge.
Create a physics challenge with your counselor’s approval.
8.
Careers. Do ONE of the following:
a.
Explore careers related to this badge. Research one career to learn
about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects,
salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods
may include — with your parent or guardian’s permission — an
internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the
field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work.
Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this
profession might make it an interesting career.
b.
Explore how you could use knowledge and skills from this badge to
pursue a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research any training needed,
expenses, and organizations that promote or support it. Discuss
with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might
have if you pursued this.
9.
Complete the survey below to complete the test lab requirements
