The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts identify examples of light pollution using photos and discuss simple ways to reduce its impact.

• Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Cadette Space Science Researcher badge requirements.

Info Needed: Light pollution is excess artificial light at night that can harm animals, waste energy, and affect human health. Good lighting design helps protect wildlife, conserve energy, and support healthy sleep patterns.

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Items Needed:

• Camera or phone
• (Optional) Low-light app
• (Optional) Flashlight for comparison

Before the Meeting:

• Leader or Scouts should take 1–2 photos of poor lighting near the meeting space or a familiar area. Look for overly bright lights or light spilling into areas it’s not needed.
• (Optional) take 1–2 photos of good lighting near the meeting space or a familiar area.

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 15 min):

1. Briefly explain what light pollution is and why it matters. (3 min)
   • Include examples like glare, light trespass, and unshielded fixtures.
2. Scouts discuss each photo of poor lighting. (3 min)
   • Include what they see and why it might be a problem.
3. (Optional) Scouts discuss each good lighting photo. (3 min)
   • Decide what is making it better than the poor lighting areas.
4. As a group, brainstorm one or two ways to improve the lighting. (4 min)
   • Ideas can include shielding lights, using timers, or lowering brightness.