Nuclear Science Merit Badge
Eight requirements, with 3(b), the two classic experiments of requirement 4, the radiation safety activity of requirement 5 and the nuclear energy route of requirement 6 drawn as questions, the ALARA plan of 1(b) linked ahead of requirements 4 and 5, and the 3-D isotope models of 2(b) marked.
9 steps (19 parts inside them). 10 parts depend on questions you have not answered yet. · Version 1, published 8 October 2026 · About Nuclear Science Merit Badge
No questions answered
This is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering the 4 questions at the address above takes out the parts that are not for you.
Which of this applies to you
You have not answered anything yet, so this is the whole plan: everything that could apply to anybody. Answering 4 short questions will take out the parts that are not for you.
Your progress
26 steps can be started now; 1 is waiting on something else.
Clear ticksYour ticks are kept in this browser, so they will still be here next time. They are in the address as well, so a link to this page carries them to another device.
The steps
Stage 1 of 9
1 step
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1. Radiation Requirement
Five parts, (a) to (e).
Stage 2 of 9
1 step
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2. Basic Nuclear Science Requirement
Two parts: terms, and models.
Stage 3 of 9
1 step
Stage 4 of 9
1 step
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4. Classic Experiments. Do TWO Requirement
The badge states the choice: two of an electroscope, a cloud chamber and a half-life experiment.
3 parts, 1 ticked
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4(a). Build an electroscope Optional May not apply The requirement states: "Adults must handle radioactive materials."
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4(b). Make a cloud chamber Optional May not apply The requirement states: "Adults must handle radioactive materials and dry ice."
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Stage 5 of 9
1 step
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5. Radiation Safety. Do ONE Requirement
The badge states the choice: a survey meter, radon, or an X-ray room.
3 parts
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5(a). A survey meter and a radioactive source Optional May not apply The requirement states: "Adults must handle radioactive materials."
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Stage 6 of 9
1 step
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6. Nuclear Energy. Do ONE, then discuss nuclear electricity Often forgotten Requirement
The badge states the choice: fission and a mousetrap reactor, or a nuclear power plant or reactor. Either way, then discuss with your counselor how nuclear energy is used to produce electricity.
2 parts
Stage 7 of 9
1 step
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7. Beneficial Applications of Nuclear Science Requirement
An example of each, and how nuclear science is used in it: nuclear medicine, environmental applications, industrial applications, space exploration and radiation therapy. For each, the application and its significance to nuclear science.
Stage 8 of 9
1 step
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8. Careers Requirement
Explore careers related to nuclear science and research one: training and education, costs, job prospects, salary, duties and advancement. Your research methods, with your parent or guardian's permission, may include an internet or library search, an interview or a visit. Discuss your findings with your counselor.
Stage 9 of 9
1 step
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Counselor signs it off Milestone
The completion date is the date you met the requirements, not the date of the signature.
Usually comes after 1. Radiation, 2. Basic Nuclear Science and 6 others.
Merit badge requirements are republished annually. A Scout beginning work uses the requirements as they stand then; a Scout already working may finish under the ones they started with. Guide to Advancement 7.0.4.3 governs which applies. This page records the date its copy was read. Check it against the official page before relying on it.
This plan is a planning aid: the current Boy Scouts of America publication is always the authority, and the sources used here are listed in full. Each step names its own.