Insect Study merit badge provides Scouts with a glance into the strange and fascinating world of insects and their relatives. At any given time there are approximately 10 quintillion (that is 1 with 18 zeros) insects living on the planet. Scouts will learn about some of these tiny creatures with strange and amazing abilities, see insects that undergo startling changes in habits and form as they grow, and learn how insects see, hear, taste, smell, and feel the world around them. If you are prepared, and have read the pamphlet, this class will help you fulfill most of the requirements for this badge.
Pre Work: Requirements 5, 6 (create a scrap book of insects you have personally observed in the wild) and 9 (rear an insect) cannot be entirely completed on the day of this course. If possible, try to complete these requirements prior to the class. For requirement 9, rearing mealworms or super worms from the pet store is probably the easiest option (https://www.wikihow.com/Raise-Mealworms take a few pictures along the way to show completion.
The course is being taught by a professional entomologist who is also a Merit Badge Counselor and Scout Master.
Requirements:
- Registered Scout with a Troop
- Permission of a Parent or Guardian
- (Preferred) Approval from Scoutmaster or Assistant Scoutmaster on BSA Blue Card
Things to remember to bring for this Merit Badge Class:
- Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and preferably signed by your Scoutmaster
- Insect Study Merit Badge Pamphlet (available from the Scout shop or online)
- Class A Scout Uniform
- Weather appropriate clothing for the time of year and location of the class for outdoor participation
- Supporting documentation or project work pertinent to this merit badge which may also include a Merit Badge Workbook for reference with notes (http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Insect-study.pdf)
- A positive Scouting focus and attitude
- Packed Lunch that will be eaten outside weather dependent
Most Merit Badges are not designed to be completed in a single session with an instructor, so it is not always possible to walk away with a completed and signed blue card at the end a program.
Almost every badge requires some independent work by your scout. We call this “pre-work” because, if these requirements are performed prior to our program, we can complete and sign the merit badge card. Otherwise, those requirements that were completed will be signed off on the blue card and the partial can be completed by any qualified counselor at a later date.
The Natural History Society of Maryland is a volunteer-led non-profit organization, so the fee you pay will go directly to support the programs, the nature collections, and the building that make this kind of nature education possible.
Thank you for your support!