John Swindling, age 10, of Douglas Cub Scout Pack 316 was recently awarded the Dr. Charles Townes Supernova Award. Supernova awards recognize superior achievement by a Cub Scout in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to Scouting America’s official website: “The [BSA] developed the STEM Nova Awards program to excite and expand a sense of wonder in our Scouts. By working with an adult counselor or mentor, the various modules allow them to explore the basic principles of STEM and discover how fun and fascinating STEM can be. The Supernova awards are offered for those who enjoy a super challenge.”

John’s accomplishments are particularly impressive, as he has earned all 11 of the BSA STEM Nova Awards available for Cub Scouts, plus both the Dr. Luis W. Alvarez Supernova Award and the Dr. Charles Townes Supernova Award.  Supernova awards are available for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venture Scouts. They are challenging to earn—less than 1% of Cub Scouts in the Heart of New England Council earn a Supernova award, and even fewer earn both levels.

Each Supernova award is named after a famous inventor or scientist. To earn his newest Supernova award, John had to learn about Dr. Townes, in addition to completing other science and math activities. “Dr. Townes earned the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1964 for inventing lasers,” shares John. John also conducted several studies and experiments which helped him learn about math, statistics, and the scientific method. “My favorite experiment was building hearing enhancement devices with my classmates. It had to be wearable, lightweight, and not use electricity. We tested several different designs before we found one that worked!”. Along with other members of his Cub Scout den and school, he visited science museums, met with engineers, and did an investigation into the science of food packaging.

Scouts also have to research careers, scientists and inventors in addition to completing math and science-related requirements. John notes that you can be from any background and create amazing inventions. “For example, Hedy Lamarr invented frequency hopping (which is used for WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth today) in 1942. George Westinghouse invented the railroad air brake in 1869 after he witnessed a wreck where the existing brakes could not stop the trains in time. And Cubmaster Don Murphy invented the Pinewood Derby in 1953— an activity Cub Scouts still enjoy today!” As part of his work for the awards, John even designed and built his own Pinewood Derby car based on the Reading Crusader, a streamlined steam locomotive from the 1930s. He learned about aerodynamics and weight distribution, and his car came in 3rd place in his Pack races!

As a Cub Scout who has spent more than two years working towards earning every single Nova and Supernova Award, John shared some key things he has learned from his research, mentors, and interviews with individuals in STEM careers. “Nearly everything involves math and science. In 2014, Dr. Townes gave a speech where he said ‘Science is exploration’. When I talked to other scientists and engineers, they told me they were always curious about how things worked. And my teacher always says ‘everyone’s life needs at least a little bit of math and science in it!’”

If you’re interested in joining Pack 316, reach out to [email protected]. Check out www.beascout.org for other local Scout units. You can also support all the adventures Scouting has to offer by visiting https://trails-end.com/store/scout/P94X0TJZ. Congratulations John!