The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts use a night sky app or website to explore stars and constellations.

• 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.
• Fulfills Step 3 or 4 of GSUSA Cadette Space Science Researcher 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:

• A phone, tablet, or computer with internet access
• A night sky app or website
• (Optional) Headphones for quiet listening
• (Optional) Paper and pencil to write down star names or draw constellations

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 10–20 min):

1. Open the night sky app or website (2–3 min)
   • Choose a night sky tool and allow location access if needed.
   • Make sure scouts can see the current sky view or star map.
2. Explore the stars (5–10 min)
   • Scouts look for stars, planets, or constellations visible from their location.
   • They can tap or click to learn names and facts.
3. (Optional) Record or sketch findings (3–5 min)
   • Scouts write down one star or constellation they found.
   • They can draw a simple version or describe what they liked about it.
4. Share one discovery (2–3 min)
   • Scouts take turns saying one thing they saw or learned using the app or website.