Nuclear Science Merit Badge
Eight requirements. Radiation and basic nuclear science are explained, with 3-D models of three isotopes. Then four choices: a visit to a scientist or a study of three accelerators; TWO of three classic experiments (electroscope, cloud chamber, half-life); ONE of three radiation safety activities; and a fission drawing with a mousetrap reactor or a visit to a reactor, followed by a discussion of nuclear electricity. Adults handle any radioactive materials.
The plan behind this
Four choices
| requirement | choose | from |
|---|---|---|
| 3(b) | ONE | (1) visit an accelerator, research lab or university and discuss with a scientist how they study the nucleus or nucleons; (2) list three particle accelerators and describe several experiments, with their basic science and practical applications |
| 4 | TWO | (a) build an electroscope; (b) make a cloud chamber; (c) a half-life experiment with nonradioactive materials such as candy or coins, and decay chains |
| 5 | ONE | (a) a radiation survey meter and a radioactive source: counts per minute against distance and through three materials; (b) radon detection and testing in homes; (c) visit a place where X-rays are used and draw the room's floor plan |
| 6 | ONE, then a discussion | (a) a fission drawing and a mousetrap reactor; (b) a nuclear power plant or reactor, in person or online, and a graph of electricity sources; then, either way, discuss how nuclear energy is used to produce electricity |
Adults handle the materials
The requirement text says so in each place it applies:
| part | what adults handle or set up |
|---|---|
| 4(a) electroscope | radioactive materials |
| 4(b) cloud chamber | radioactive materials and dry ice |
| 5(a) survey meter | radioactive materials |
| 6(a) mousetrap reactor | set up by an adult |
ALARA comes first
1(b) asks you to explain the ALARA principle, and what process you would go through to keep your dose ALARA "when performing the requirements in this merit badge". Work that out before the experiments in 4 and 5.
Things to make
2(b): choose an element, build 3-D models of the atoms of three of its isotopes showing neutrons, protons and electrons, write the isotope notation for each, and show in a separate model or diagram how quarks make up protons and neutrons.
What this page is
The Nuclear Science merit badge, drawn so the four choices are drawn as questions, with the parts adults must handle quoted and the ALARA plan of 1(b) drawn before the experiments. It is not a copy of the requirements: each step is a short label with a link to the official requirements, which are what actually governs and which change from year to year. The free official pamphlet is the fuller guide.
Sources for this page
- Nuclear Science Merit Badge Requirements, Merit Badge Hub, last modified 2026-02-19 · The requirements themselves, and the free official pamphlet linked from them.
- Guide to Advancement, 2025, Section 7.0.0.3 · The process every merit badge is earned through, which this page does not repeat.
- Guide to Advancement, 2025, Section 7.0.4.3 · Which version of a changed requirement applies to a Scout who has already started.
- Guide to Advancement, 2025, Section 4.0.0.1 · Why the requirements are not in the Guide to Advancement and are expected to change annually.
Last checked against its sources on .