Loyal/ Our National Treasures/STEM Activities

For February's Round Table We Shared Ideas For
March's Scout Law Point: Loyal
March's Theme: Our National Treasures
March's Interest Topic: STEM Activities

Opening Brain Teaser - This would be a great thing to write on the chalk or white board for boys and parents to have something to think about while they wait for everyone to arrive at a Pack or Den Meeting.  (An idea you could use would be to reward the cub scouts a piece of candy if they get it right).

Place numbers 1-9 in the squares below so each row, column, and diagonal total 15.  (Numbers are only used once.)
Brain Teaser Picture
 *Answer is at the end of this section. (scroll down)
(Brain Teaser taken from: The Little Black Book of Mindbenders by John Samson and Elsie Samson; pg. 78)

Gathering Activity 

How Many Pennies will lift the items?
Materials: A Scale, lots of pennies, a toilet paper roll, a pencil, an eraser, a black marker, a quarter and small children scissors. Write on the Chalk board the question, "How many pennies do you think it will take to equal the weight of the following items?"  Have them write the answer on a piece of paper.  Then later on in the meeting when you talk about the activity, put one item at a time on one side of the scale and the pennies on the other side of the scale until they equal out to find out how many pennies it takes for each item.  

-Here is the internet address for the scale used for this gather activity. It has a better picture of the scale.  https://kriegerscience.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/how-to-make-a-set-of-weighing-scales/   (The first image with the book weighting down the pencil was the one that was used.) *Note in the demonstration I did for Morning Round Table, I set it up wrong and did not use a pencil like I should of.  See image for the correct way of setting up the scale; it is a much more effective way of comparing weight of various objects.
POSSIBLE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO OR THAT CAN BE PASSED OFF (These requirements are updated as of Nov2016)
Tiger Required Adventure Games Tigers Play - Requirement 3
Make up a game with the members of your den, and play it with den members.  After playing the game, talk with your den about the experience. (The game could involve using a scale)
Tiger Required Adventure Games Tigers Play - Requirement 4
Make up a new game, and play it with your family or members of your den or pack.  Then talk with the group about the experience. (The game could involve using a scale)
Tiger Elective Adventure Earning Your Stripes - Requirement 1
Show your loyalty to Tiger orange by bringing in and sharing with your den five items that are the color orange. (Maybe have them weigh their orange items with a scale)
Tiger Elective Adventure Tiger-iffic! - Requirement 2
Play a board game or another inside game with one or more members of your den. (The game could involve using a scale)
Tiger Elective Adventure Tiger-iffic! - Requirement 3
Play a problem-solving game with your den. (The game could involve using a scale)
Tiger Elective Adventure Tiger-iffic! - Requirement 5
With other members of your den, invent a game, OR change the rules of a game you know, and play the game. (The game could involve using a scale)
Wolf Elective Adventure Adventures in Coins - Requirement 1
Identify different parts of a coin.
Wolf Elective Adventure Adventures in Coins - Requirement 2
Find the mint mark on a coin.  Identify the mint where the coin was made and the year.
Wolf Elective Adventure Adventures in Coins - Requirement 3
Choose a coin that interests you, and make a coin rubbing.  List information next to the coin detailing the pictures on it, the year it was made, and the mint where it was made.
Wolf Elective Adventure Adventures in Coins - Requirement 4
Play a game or create a game board with your den or family where you can practice adding and subtracting coins.
Wolf Elective Adventure Adventures in Coins - Requirement 5
Play a coin game.
Wolf Elective Adventure Adventures in Coins - Requirement 6
Create a balance scale.
Wolf Elective Adventure Adventures in Coins - Requirement 7
Do a coin-weight investigation.
Wolf Elective Adventure Code of the Wolf - Requirement 1e
Make a rain gauge or some other measuring device, and use it.
Bear Elective Adventure Grin and Bear It - Requirement 1
Play a challenge game or initiative game with the members of your den.  Take part in a reflection after the game. (The game could involve using a scale)
Bear Elective Adventure Grin and Bear It - Requirement 2
Working with the members of your den, organize a Cub Scout carnival and lead it at a special event. (The scale could be used for one of the booths at the carnival)
Bear Elective Adventure Grin and Bear It - Requirement 3
Help younger Cub Scouts take part in one of the events at the Cub Scout carnival.
Bear Elective Adventure Forensics - Requirement 3b
Do an analysis of four different substances: salt, sugar, baking soda, and cornstarch. (Use the scale to measure these items)
Arrow of Light Required Adventure Building a Better World - Requirement 5
Show that you are an active leader by planning an activity for your den without your den leader's help. Ask your den leader for approval first. (You could use the scale for the activity)

Flag Ceremony 

STEM
( Write a large letter S on a 11x8.5 piece of paper or cardstock.  Do the same for the letters, T, E and M. On the back write the script below).

Narrator: We know that STEM Stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.  What would we have if we applied those four letters to our boys?
Speaker#1: S is for the Scouts. May we always remember they are the reson we are part of this great program.
Speaker #2: T is for Teaching. Let's strive daily to use the Scout Oath and Law to guide our Scouts on the right path.
Speaker #3: E is for Empowering.  Remember that everything we do in Scouting is preparing them for the world of tomorrow.
Speaker #4: M is for Magic - that wonderful experience that trasfigures a group of people into a Scouting family.

Narrator: Will you please join me in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.
2016-2017 Cub Scout Roundtable Planning Guide; page 91

POSSIBLE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO OR THAT CAN BE PASSED OFF (These requirements are updated as of Nov2016)
Tiger Elective Adventure Good Knight - Requirement 1
With your den, parent/guardian, or other caring adult, say the Scout Law.  Explain to your den one of the 12 points of the Law and why you think a knight would have the same behavior.
Wolf Required Adventure Council Fire (Duty to Country) - Requirement 1
With your den or pack, participate in a flag ceremony, and learn how to properly care for and fold the flag.
Bear Required Adventure Paws for Action (Duty to Country) - Requirement 1
Learn about our nation's flag.  Display it at home for one month. Say the Pledge of Allegiance and learn its meaning.
Arrow of Light Required Adventure Building a Better World - Requirement 1
Explain the history of the United States flag. Show how to properly display the flag in public, and help lead a flag ceremony.
Arrow of Light Required Adventure Scouting Adventure - Requirement 1e
Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance.  In your own words, explain its meaning.

Egg Drop

Materials: Divide the cub scouts in groups of four. Have each group pick a name for their group and write it down on a chalk board. For each group of cub scouts provide 1 egg,  1 TP empty roll, one water bottle with lid, 1 gallon size zip lock bag, 1 zip lock sandwich bag, 2 pipe cleaners, 1 piece of bubble wrap 3"x 1foot, 12 cotton balls, 4 paper clips, 3 - 8.5x11 sheets of paper, 4 small rocks, 6 popsicle sticks, 1/2 of a sponge, scotch tape, 4 straws, 2 cup cake papers, 1 -  3ft. string and scissors.  

Don't forget extra eggs just in case one gets broken prematurely.   

 

You will also need a 6 ft. ladder, 4 large garbage bags taped together to keep the egg from breaking and getting all over the floor.

Rules:

Give them 30 minutes to put something together using the items provided that will keep the egg from breaking when it is dropped.  If you want to increase the difficulty,  tell each group that the team which uses the least amount of the items and their egg does not break will win. - Maybe use a point system where all the cotton balls equal one point, all the paper clips equal one point etc... Then the team with the least amount of points and their egg does not break wins. (This level of difficulty may be frustrating to cub scout age. You be the judge; maybe include their parents on the teams to increase their chances for success.) 
At the end have the boys go over these questions with their group members.
1) Did any of the eggs not break?
2) What did the group do to the egg so it did not break?
3) Why would those materials keep the egg from breaking?
4) If your egg broke, what would you do differently to keep the egg from breaking the next time you dropped it from a high location?

POSSIBLE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO OR THAT CAN BE PASSED OFF (These requirements are updated as of Nov2016)
Tiger Required Adventure Games Tigers Play - Requirement 1a
Play two initiative or team-building games with the members of your den.
Tiger Required Adventure Games Tigers Play - Requirement 1b
Listen carefully to your leader while the rules are being explained, and follow directions when playing.
Tiger Required Adventure Games Tigers Play - Requirement 1c
At the end of the game, talk with the leader about what you learned when you played the game.  Tell how you helped the den by playing your part.
Tiger Elective Adventure Tiger-iffic! - Requirement 3
Play a problem-solving game with your den.
Bear Elective Adventure Grin and Bear It - Requirement 1
Play a challenge game or initiative game with the members of your den.  Take part in a reflection after the game.

S.T.E.M. Aprons

Materials: One black small apron per boy (I bought my online), scissors, chalk, 3 different florescent colors of fabric paint, painters blue tape, a copy of the S.T.E.M. picture of your choice, paper towels, or news paper(to cover your table if you think your boys will get the fabric paint all over), a ball point pen with its lid on, scrap paper and a large flat book (to help you carry the apron to another location where the fabric paint can dry for 72 hours).

 

Click here to print off the design "Real Men Do S.T.E.M.":https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0revQcSgs4ObkxKVGk2NzVVREE

Click here to print off the design "Den S.T.E.M.":https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0revQcSgs4OVFR3R1BBcWREZnc

Click here to print off the design "S.T.E.M. Guru":https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0revQcSgs4ORnNLN1FCQVBYY28
Directions:

1) Wash and iron the aprons first.
2) Print out the S.T.E.M. picture of your choice. 
3) Cut out the picture with scissors.

4) Tape the picture to a window with the front side facing the window.
5) scribble some chalk over the letters and picture. 

 
6) Position the picture on the apron and tape it.
7) Using the ball point pen with its lid on (so the boys will not get ink on their hands), apply pressure to the letters and the picture outline.
8) Lift the picture off carefully so you do not get extra chalk on the apron.
 

 

 

  

9) First practice applying paint on a piece of paper then paint the picture and letters with the fabric paint.  (I found it helpful to look at the picture while putting on the paint.  Some of the chalk did not transfer to the fabric so the picture helped me fill in the blank spots).

10) Put the apron in a place where it can dry. To move the apron, slide a book under the apron where the picture is and hold the apron taught and tight so it does not fall to the ground. It needs to dry 72 hours before it can be washed.  Once it is dry, wash off the extra chalk.

PAINTING TIPS

1) With the lid on the ball point pen, you can use the end of the pen to scrape off any fabric paint "opps." Then wipe off the paint from the end of the pen using a piece of paper towel.
2) Start at the top and work your way down so you do not smear the paint.
3) Practice on a scrap piece of paper first if needed.
4) Start squeezing a little bit of the paint out onto some scrap paper first to get rid of the bubble in the tip of the fabric paint bottle before painting the apron.

5)When painting the scientist with the test tube, you will need to fill in the eye glasses with fabric paint.  Then using a ball point pen with the lid on, scrape the fabric paint using the end of the pen. Go from the right side of the eyes inward a little to create the look you see in the picture above.   
POSSIBLE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO OR THAT CAN BE PASSED OFF(These requirements are updated as of Nov2016)
Besides passing off the requirements below, this apron would be great for the boys to use to keep their clothes clean while working on projects in your den.

Tiger Elective Adventure Stories in Shapes - Requirement 3
Create a piece of art on paper, poster board, or canvas.
Wolf Elective Adventure Cubs Who Care - Requirement 5
Paint a picture two different ways: Paint it once the way you usually would paint it and then again by using a blindfold.  Discuss with your den the ways the process was different. (Using Fabric paint is one way. Then use the blindfold to draw on paper).
Bear Elective Adventure Bear Picnic Basket - Requirement 3
Select and prepare two nutritious snacks for yourself, your family, or your den. (You can wear your STEM Apron)
Bear Elective Adventure Bear Picnic Basket - Requirement 4
With the help of an adult, select a recipe to prepare in a kitchen for your den or your family.  Help to select the needed ingredients, perhaps from a garden, grocery store, or farmers' market.  Cook and serve your planned meal.  Clean up after the preparation and cooking. (You can wear your STEM Apron)
Bear Elective Adventure Bear Picnic Basket - Requirement 5
With the help of an adult, select a recipe to prepare in the outdoors for your family or den. Help to select the needed ingredients, perhaps from a garden, grocery store, or farmers' market.  Cook and serve your planned meal.  Clean up after the preparation and cooking. (You can wear your STEM Apron)
Bear Elective Adventure Forensics - Requirement 3b
Do an analysis of four different substances: salt, sugar, baking soda, and cornstarch. (You can wear your STEM Apron)
Webelos Required Adventure Cast Iron Chef - Requirement 2
Prepare a balanced meal for your den or family.  If possible, use one of these methods for preparation of part of the meal: camp stove, Dutch oven, box oven, solar oven, open campfire, or charcoal grill.  Demonstrate an understanding of food safety practices while preparing the meal. (You can wear your STEM Apron)
Webelos/AOL Elective Adventure: Art Explosion - Requirement 3f
Use a computer illustration or painting program to create a work of art.
Webelos/AOL Elective Adventure: Art Explosion - Requirement 3g
Create an original logo or design.  Transfer the design onto a T-shirt, hat, or other object.
Webelos/AOL Elective Adventure: Art Explosion - Requirement 4
Choose one of the following methods to show your artwork: A. Create a hard-copy or digital portfolio of your projects.  Share it with your family or members of your den or pack., B. Display your artwork in a pack, school, or community art show.

Audience Participation Activity
Skit: Measurement Problem

Players: Three people - two acting as older Scouts and one as a Cub Scout
The two other Scouts enter carrying a long pole. They prop it up, then stand back and look at it.

Scout #1: Now, there are several ways we can figure out the height of this pole.  ;How do you want to start?
The Scouts unsuccessfully try various methods of estimation to calculate the height of the pole.  The conversation goes something like:
Scout #1: According to my calculations, that pole is about 2-feet high.
Scout #2: There's no way. It has got to be shorter than that.  Just look at it.
This sort of exchange is repeated several times, and the sCouts become more and more exasperated.  Then a Cub Scout strolls onto the stage.
Cub Scout: Hi! (He watches a bit.) What are you guys trying to do?
Scout #2: We're trying to measure the exact height of this pole.
Scout #1: We haven't had too much luck yet, but we'll get it.
Cub Scout: Why don't you just lay the pole on the ground and measure its length?
Scout #1: (sighs): Cubs!
Scout #2: I'll say. (To the Cub Scout.) Didn't you hear right? We want to know how tall the pole is - not how long it is!
2016-2017 Cub Scout Roundtable Planning Guide; page 90

POSSIBLE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO OR THAT CAN BE PASSED OFF(These requirements are updated as of Nov2016)
Tiger Required Adventure Tigers in the Wild - Requirement 5
Participate in an outdoor pack meeting or pack campfire.  Sing a song or act out a skit with your Tiger den as part of the program.
Wolf Required Adventure Howling at the Moon - Requirement 2
Work with your den or family to create an original skit.
Wolf Required Adventure Howling at the Moon - Requirement 3
Work together with your den or family to plan, prepare, and rehearse a campfire program to present at a den meeting or pack program.
 Wolf Required Adventure Howling at the Moon - Requirement 4
Perform your role for a den meeting or pack program.
Bear Elective Adventure Roaring Laughter - Requirement 1
Think about what makes you laugh.  Write down three things that make you laugh.

Cheers / Run-ons
Engineer Cheer: Push up on your glasses and pretend to pull out a pencil out of an imaginary front pocket and say, "I can calculate that!"
The Pie Cheer: Pretend to write 3.14159 with your finger. 
Robot Cheer: Pretend to walk around like a robot and say, "Beep, beep, beep, I can compute."

Opening Brain Teaser Answer: