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!
Test Lab Badge Patch
For most achivements and events in Scouting, patches are created to commemorate the accomplishment. Looking back on the patches you have earned is a great way to remember your Scouting experiences. Also, patches are a major trading item among Scouts.
Scouting America does not create or sell patches for the Test Lab badges during their pilot phase. However, an unofficial patch has been created by Scoutmaster Bucky. This patch can only be worn on the back of the merit badge sash as the front is reserved for official merit badges.
Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of January 6, 2026
This Test Lab offering is valid until August 2026.
1.
Safety. Before conducting any experiments, explain to
your counselor the safety precautions and personal protective equipment
necessary for working with physics-related equipment.
Fundamentals of Physics. Explain these key physics
concepts: force, motion, energy, and waves. Provide real-world examples
demonstrating each principle.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
