One of the Nation’s Leading STEM Universities Hosted a Merit Badge Clinic for Scouts
Story contributed by Matthew Tikhonovsky of the Atlanta Area Council
Over 60 Atlanta area Boy Scouts completed the Chemistry merit badge at the Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the nation’s leading STEM universities, on October 29th. Organized and led by Tech students, the one-of-a-kind merit badge clinic gave Scouts a 2-hour course in chemistry and a firsthand glimpse into Tech’s state-of-the-art laboratories.
Although the clinic was open to Scouts of all ages, it was primarily attended by high school-aged Scouts, all of whom left the clinic with an increased understanding of chemistry. The Scouts also left the clinic with something perhaps more important: a newfound inspiration to pursue careers in the STEM field.
“I now want to pursue a career in science, and I’ve been learning about chemistry elements in school, so this merit badge clinic was really amazing!” Teddy, a Scout from Troop 431, said.
Harrison, who is part of Troop 3143, was inspired by Tech’s Chemistry laboratories: “The lab tour was the best part because I got to see what chemistry looks like in real-life and what I could do with a chemistry degree.”
The unique merit badge clinic was hosted by Tech’s Alpha Chi Sigma academic fraternity. Composed of chemistry and science majors, the fraternity is committed to educating Atlanta-area youth about Chemistry.
“We strive for young minds to gain interest in chemistry and to be inspired to pursue careers in the chemical & STEM fields. We feel as though our event gives exposure of chemical concepts to many bright, eager young minds,” according to Aashna Punwani, the Science Outreach Chair.
Scouting Wire would like to thank Matthew Tikhonovsky of the Atlanta Area Council for submitting this story.
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One of the Nation’s Leading STEM Universities Hosted a Merit Badge Clinic for Scouts