The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts take a field trip to explore stars and space by visiting a dark outdoor area, planetarium, or space museum.

• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Daisy Space Science Explorer badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 2 or 4 of GSUSA Brownie Space Science Adventurer badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 3 or 4 of GSUSA Junior Space Science Investigator badge requirements.
• Leaders – please be aware of double dipping and make your own informed choice.

Info Needed: Stars are big balls of hot gas that shine in the sky, even though they look tiny from Earth. We see stars at night because the sun’s light doesn’t block them. Stars form patterns called constellations, which people have named and imagined stories about for thousands of years. Telescopes help us see stars better.

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Items Needed:

• Permission slips and transportation plan
• A flashlight with red paper cover (to protect night vision)
• (Optional) Star map or night sky app
• (Optional) Binoculars or telescope
• (Optional) Notebook and pencil
• (Optional) Jacket or blanket for outdoor viewing
• (Optional) Museum or planetarium tickets

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 60–90 min):

1. Travel to the field trip location (15–30 min)
   • Choose one: a dark outdoor space, a planetarium, or a NASA museum.
   • Make sure scouts are prepared for the weather and setting.
2. Explore the stars or exhibits (30–45 min)
   • If outdoors, scouts look for stars, planets, or constellations using a star map or app.
   • If indoors, scouts view space displays, watch a planetarium show, or explore hands-on exhibits.
3. Share one thing they noticed (5–10 min)
   • Scouts take turns saying one star, planet, or fact they learned.
   • (Optional) Write or draw something they saw or learned.
4. Wrap up and reflect (5–10 min)
   • Talk about how the trip helped scouts learn more about space.
   • (Optional) Plan a follow-up activity or thank-you note for the host location.