The Badge Archive

Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Bugs badge requirements.

Info Needed for Badge Requirements: They observe and talk about what the bugs are doing without touching or disturbing them. This activity builds observation skills and curiosity about nature.

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Items Needed:

Absolutely! Here’s the restructured and simplified version of the hornet nest model activity, formatted for 2nd grade scouts and consistent with your other activities:

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Info Needed for Badge Requirements
Scouts work together to build a model hornet nest using paper and glue. They learn how hornets use natural materials to build strong homes and recreate that process through a fun craft.

Items Needed:

• 1 cup flour
• 1¼ cups water
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Wax paper
• Newspaper (cut into 1-inch strips)
• One balloon
• Small bowl (to hold the balloon in place)
• String (for hanging) or a stick
• Optional: markers or paint

Instructions (Total Time: 60 minutes):

1. Make the Paste (5–7 minutes)
   • Whisk flour and water together in the large bowl until smooth and glue-like
2. Build the Nest Shape (15–20 minutes)
   • Blow up the balloon and rest it on the small bowl
   • Dip one newspaper strip at a time into the paste
   • Wipe off extra paste with your fingers
   • Layer the wet strips onto the balloon, leaving the tied end uncovered
3. Create the Nest Entrance (10–12 minutes)
   • At the tied end of the balloon, stack extra strips to make a small raised area
   • This will look like the entrance hornets use
4. Strengthen the Nest (10–12 minutes)
   • Add one more layer of newspaper strips over the whole surface
   • Make sure everything is pressed flat and sealed
5. Dry and Finish (5–9 minutes)
   • Let the nest dry completely
   • Pop the balloon and gently remove it
   • Scouts can color the nest or leave it plain
   • Hang it with string or hot glue it to a stick

References:

Slideshow on Google Docs from GSCI _{– Archived Copy of PPT}