Scouts BSA – Kopernik Observatory & Science Center

Kopernik hopes to restart the Merit Badge Program in 2022. This page will be updated once we have more information.

Merit Badge Offerings
Overnight Programs

Individuals and troops may register!

Troops and individual Scouts may register for our merit badge programs. These events are called “overnights” but scouts do not have to stay over. The actual merit badge program itself usually takes 3-4 hours. Most merit badges have prerequisites that scouts should do ahead of time. During and after the program – celestial viewing through our telescopes takes places if clear skies prevail.

Merit Badge Offerings

Kopernik Observatory currently offers twelve merit badge programs. We have several merit badge counselors that are certified to teach the following merit badge

Astronomy

During the evening, Scouts will use Kopernik’s professional telescopes and computer lab to complete the badge requirements. Scouts will learn about planetary motion and observational astronomy using computer simulations. If clear, they will receive a tour of the constellations in the night sky and other objects through the telescopes.
Prerequisite: Requirement 1

Chemistry

Scouts will have the opportunity to complete the Chemistry Merit Badge with a focus on chemical reactions, how chemicals are used in industry and how we track them in the environment. Scouts will also learn about the various chemistry careers and the education needed for them.
Requirements 6a, 6b, & 6c

Digital Technology

Scouts will learn about digital technology, its history, how the internet works, and how our lives intertwine with this technology.
Prerequisite: Requirement 1 – Cyber Chip

Electronics

Scouts will learn the basics of electronic components and how they are used to create a useful electronic circuit. They will build electronic circuits using innovative, modular Snap Circuit kits, and in addition, will learn how to solder components in a circuit.

Prerequisite: None

Engineering

Scientists discover how things work. Engineers make it work! Build or use a catapult to learn about projectile motion! Show how you can use air pressure or levers to lift a friend, and do many other amazing feats using engineering principles.
Prerequisite: None

Geology

Scouts learn about the different rock types and identify 15 different rocks and minerals. They simulate erosion and deposition in our Earth Science room using stream tables. They learn how earth materials are used in industry and home construction.
Prerequisite: Requirement 4b

Model Design & Building

Model making, the art of creating copies of objects that are either smaller or larger than the objects they represent. Scouts will learn about the tools used for model building, build their own architectural model, and build a special-effects model of a fantasy spaceship. There is an additional $5 materials fee.

Prerequisite: Requirement 1

Photography

Kopernik Observatory has excellent facilities for photography including digital cameras and a state of the art computer lab with software to process your digital images. Our staff will help you understand this equipment, the software, and technical details required for the badge. There is an additional $5 materials fee.

Prerequisite: Requirement 1

Robotics

Scouts explore robotics by designing, building and programming a robot. Using Lego Wedo robotics scouts will learn how robots move (actuators), sense the environment (sensors), and understand how to control robots through programming. Scouts will also learn about the different careers available in robotics!
Prerequisite: None

Space Exploration

Scouts will learn about rockets, satellites, Newton’s laws and complete this merit badge. In addition, all scouts will have an opportunity to build and launch a rocket – a major requirement for this merit badge. There is an additional $10 materials fee for rocket & engine.
Prerequisite: Requirement 2

Radio

You will have the opportunity to see and use our amateur radio station under the guidance of a licensed amateur radio operator. There is the possibility (conditions permitting) of talking to people around the globe. Satellites may be contacted and allow you to download images of what they are viewing.
Prerequisite: None

Weather

Learn all about measuring and forecasting the weather. Build an anemometer to measure wind speed. Scouts will identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere and relate these to specific types of weather.
Prerequisite: Requirement 6

Troops may book Kopernik on their own!

Scouts BSA troops can have a customized STEM program at the Kopernik Observatory! Kopernik can offer a STEM program designed by the Kopernik staff with input from scout leaders. There are many scientific and engineering topics to choose from. Some of these topics may be applicable for merit badge work if desired. After the program, if the skies are clear, observe through our telescopes late into the night and wake up to a continental breakfast.

Troop Fee Structure

Basic Evening Programs:
1.5-hour program on various topics.

Friday evenings: $6.00/scout or a $100 minimum fee (March – mid-December).
Other evenings: $8.00/scout or a $150 minimum fee.

Overnight: $35/scout, $6/chaperone or non-participating sibling, to reach a $450 minimum to run the program.

Merit badge Workshops:
Non-overnight: $35/Scout or sibling, or a $400 minimum fee.

(Some badges have an additional materials fee. See badge description above.)

Overnight: $35/scout or sibling, $6/chaperone/non-participating sibling, $450 minimum fee.