Environmental Science Merit Badge Activity Planner

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Environmental Science when done right is a fascinating look at many of the hidden wonders of our planet and how it works. It is most frequently done at summer camp - but works well with a scout patrol in any extended outdoor setting.
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Environmental Science Merit Badge

*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***

Exploring Environmental Science can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.

  • Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
  • This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
  • While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.
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A. Make Your Plan

Sample Patrol Activity Flyer
  1. Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
  2. Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
  3. Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.
Patrol Activity GREAT Awesome MB to work as a patrol / Max Size 12 scouts
Virtual Field Trip POOR Hands on tour and projects
Family Activity FAIR n/a
Service Activity GREAT Pollution control on field trip
S.T.E.M. Activity GREAT
Field Trip FAIR Multi-day Field obervations -
Duty-to-God POOR N/A
MB Day POOR Multi-day Field obervations -
Overnighter GREAT Multi-day Field obervations -
Summer Camp GREAT Most frequently done as Summer Camp


Online Resources

B. Introduction Meeting

Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips. Send out the activity flyer in advance to use as an meeting agenda. Your scouts will then know what to expect.

Environmental Science is a great example of a patrol sized activity. When you have too few scouts it is hard to finish the projects, and if you have too many scouts then there is not enough space or equipment and many end up just standing around. But for the typical patrol (4-10 scouts) you should find that there is plenty for everyone to become fully immersed in the activity and have fun.

News Flash

C. Homework / Prerequisites

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Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.

  • Required Reading:

D. Study Hall Patrol Night

While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.

Pre-Open Gathering Activity

A gathering activity before the official meeting start is a great way to set a fun theme for the meeting.

MBC Discussion Group Part A:


Req #1: Make a Timeline about Environmental Science and Boy Scouts
Req #2: Quiz - Common Terms of Environmental Science
Req #8: Careers in Environmental Science

MBC Discussion Project - Part B:

Using the construction project provided or a plan you create on your own, identify the items that would need to be included in an environmental impact statement for the project planned.

  • My favorite construction project - we plan to build a hotel near "here".

E. Outdoor Science Projects

Req #3: Science Project

Do just ONE of the following scientific experiments. See the Merit Badge book for directions. Discuss with MBC which one is best for this group:

  • Ecology
  • Air Pollution
  • Water Pollution
  • Land Pollution
  • Endangered Species
  • Conservation
  • Pollination
  • Invasive Species

Req #4: Outdoor Study Area

Choose two outdoor study areas that are very different from one another (e.g., hilltop vs. bottom of a hill; field vs. forest; swamp vs. dry land). For BOTH study areas, do ONE of the following:
A) Plant/Animal Life Inventory
B) Make three "observation" visits to both area.

E. Field Trip

A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:


F. Extra Credit

Meeting with the Merit Badge Counselor.
  1. Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
  2. Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.

Env Sci Humor Collection

  • True Stories from the "Roadkill Patrol" : Scoutmaster to patrol hiking down the Nature Trail, "Scouts - we are going to stop right here and I want you to look carefully around you and tell me what you observe." SPL responds, "Scoutmaster, you are standing on a ant hill."

Related Merit Badges

Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:


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G. See Also

  • 9 Things to Know about Merit Badges - BoysLife.org - There are more than 135 merit badges. By earning them, you can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Here’s how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.
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