Chemistry — Merit Badge — Scout Troop 79

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Scout Progress

Scout	AWARD	Req 1				Req 2			Req 3		Req 4Complete any 2				Req 5	Req 6	Req 7	Req 8Complete any one
Scout		1a	1b	1c	1d	2a	2b	2c	3a	3b	4a	4b	4c	4d	5	6	7	8a	8b	8c
Hazel S.Star	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Henry E.Second Class	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□
Robbie H.Second Class	★	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□	□

Requirements

From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.

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For the whole badge

Obtain SDS for sucrose, isopropyl alcohol, and a waterproofing spray; compare properties, hazards, handling/disposal, and toxicity

Identify recommended PPE for each chemical and how PPE changes with toxicity and exposure route

Review each SDS's Section 2 pictograms — what they mean and where you see them in your community

Discuss safe chemical storage — at home, school, in the community, and for the environment

Discuss why soap and alcohol are used on cuts and scrapes, and how to test the hypothesis

Compare washing oil/powder-coated hands with water alone vs. soap and water

Test how rubbing alcohol affects microbial growth using baker's yeast

Perform a Maillard (browning) reaction; discuss whether it's a physical or chemical change

Make red cabbage indicator and measure the pH of five household liquids, including water

(Do any 2 of the following)

Compare at least two waterproofing methods for a tent vs. boots

Describe the four classes of fires and extinguishers, and how sand/baking soda/extinguishers work

Under supervision, conduct flame tests of at least five elements

Under supervision, synthesize nylon (a kit is allowed)

Describe how chemistry can reduce the environmental impact of single-use items (bottles, bags, straws, batteries)

Identify five fields of chemistry, how each applies to your life, and how they interact

Identify three government agencies overseeing chemical use, and discuss their history and responsibilities

(Do any one of the following)

Visit a research lab and discuss the work with a chemist or technician, including their training

Visit a company using chemical processes and talk with an employee about their work and training

Research three chemistry careers, pick one, and dig into training/education/costs and job prospects