Bird Study Merit Badge Activity Planner

From its birth early in the 20th century, broadcast Bird Study astonished and delighted the public by providing news and entertainment with an immediacy never before thought possible. From about 1920 to 1945, Bird Study developed into the first electronic mass medium, monopolizing “the airwaves” and defining, along with newspapers, magazines, and motion pictures, an entire generation of mass culture. Come learn how to have fun with technology of Bird Study.

'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Bird Study Merit Badge

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

Exploring Bird Study 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.

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	GREAT	Require presenter shares Bird Study in virtual meeting
Family Activity	POOR	Requires access to Bird Study Transmitter
Service Activity	FAIR	Useage in Emergency Preparedness Drills
S.T.E.M. Activity	GREAT	Learn how to use Modern Digital Technology
Field Trip	FAIR	Find a remote broadcast location
Duty-to-God	POOR	N/A
MB Day	GREAT	But only if you broadcast equipment. Many special Bird Study MB Day groups abound.
Overnighter	GREAT	Find a remote broadcast location
Summer Camp	GREAT	Pre-requisite: Scout Camp has their own broadcast transmitter

Online Resources

• Bird Study Merit Badge Requirements: BoyScoutTrial.com lists all requirements, additional resources, activity worksheet, etc.
• Bird Study Merit Badge File Store: Online resources
• Bird Study Merit Badge Worksheets: Worksheets are optional - but highly preferred by many MBC. When you find that many requirements say "discuss" - the worksheet can help you gather your thoughts beforehand.
• Bird Study Merit Badge Booklet: Everything thing you need to know about Bird Study is right here. Get this study guide from either Amazon or your Troop Library, Merit Badge Counselor or Scoutmaster to Learn More About this Subject.
• Bird Study @ Simple-Wikipedia: Get the basics quickly.

B. Introduction Meeting

File:HamBird Study3.jpg

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.

Bird Study is a classic 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.

C. Study Hall

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

1. Prepare an agenda and make Assignments as needed.
2. What learning materials are needed for this meeting? Who will bring them?
3. Watch video, powerpoint or other online tutorial.
4. Update one or more sections of the merit badge worksheet. (Ask the Merit Badge Counselor which requirements are relevant here.)
5. Invite the Merit Badge Counselor to join your Study Hall.
6. Plan and Prepare for the Patrol Field Trip Activities (see below).

D. Homework

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

E. Field Trip

Meaningful Field Trips will add much to the adventure here. Consider including one or more of the following:

1. Merit Badge Campout: Field Trip overnight experience can get you a lot closer to the action and to see things in a different way.
2. Facility Tour: A day trip to a musuem, gallery, or factory of a related nature.
3. Get Dirty Day: Setup a work station in your garage, backyard, park or other location for a truely "hands-on" experience.
4. Service Project: There many organizations connected with this merit badge that could use your assistance.

• Contact the destination venue. Confirm that they can assist with the Field Trip Requirements. Reserve your Event Dates. Get Scoutmaster Assistance as necessary.
• Patrol Historian should be ready to take pictures on this activity to report back on the next troop blog, newsletter or court of honor.

F. Final Meeting

Meeting with the Merit Badge Counselor.

You will probably need to schedule one patrol night for a follow up meeting with your Merit Badge Counselor. He/She will use this opportunity to meet with scouts either individually are as a group to review your activities, study worksheets, knowledge and accomplishments before signing off your Merit Badge Blue Card.

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.

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.