Resource Library·Merit Badge

Digital Technology

Elective merit badge — requirements, troop progress, and nothing shelved yet (be the first to suggest something).Official BSA page ↗Workbook (PDF) ↗

1
Earned
0
In Progress
27
Not Started
28
Active Scouts
Scout Progress
ScoutAWARDReq 1Req 2Req 3Req 4Req 5Req 6Complete any 3Req 7Req 8Complete any 2Req 9Complete any one
12a2b3a3b3c3d3e4a4b4c4d5a5b5c6a6b6c6d6e6f6g6h7a7b7c8a8b8c8d8e9a9b
Oliver K.First Class
Requirements

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

View resources · shown when a requirement has any Suggest a resource · always

Sign in to see your scout’s progress on each requirement and to send in proof when one is done.

1
View the Personal Safety Awareness 'Digital Safety' video
2
2a
Give a brief history of digital technology; compare your lifetime to an adult's
2b
Describe what devices you imagine might exist when you are an adult
3
3a
Explain how text, sound, and pictures are digitized for storage
3b
Describe lossy vs. lossless compression with an example of each
3c
Describe two digital devices made more useful by their programming
3d
Compare computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles
3e
Explain computer networks and the difference between LAN and WAN
4
4a
Explain what a program/app is and how CPU and memory execute it
4b
Name four programs or apps your family uses and how each helps
4c
Describe malware and how to protect devices and stored information
4d
Explain barcodes, QR codes, and RFID tags with two or more uses each
5
5a
Describe at least two ways data can be transferred through the internet
5b
Search three websites for court of honor or campfire ideas; present findings
5c
Connect to an HTTPS site; explain certificate trust and secure connections
6
(Do any 3 of the following)
6a
Spreadsheet/database: campout food budget OR sortable troop roster
6b
Word processor: draft letter inviting parents to a troop event
6c
Graphics program: campsite plan OR event flyer with text and visual
6d
Presentation: report of at least five slides with text and visuals
6e
Take a digital picture of a troop activity; transfer and share it
6f
Record your voice, transfer the file, and play it back for your counselor
6g
Create a Scouting blog with at least five entries and two images
6h
Create a webpage with three articles, two images, and one link
7
7a
Explain copyright, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets and why they exist
7b
Explain when accepting a free copy of a program is permissible
7c
Discuss a recent legal case involving an intellectual property dispute
8
(Do any 2 of the following)
8a
Describe proper disposal; list three hazardous chemicals in digital devices
8b
Explain why to use a certified recycler of digital hardware
8c
Research an organization that collects discarded devices; report findings
8d
Visit a recycling center that handles digital hardware; share what you learned
8e
Find a battery recycling center and learn proper battery recycling methods
9
(Do any one of the following)
9a
Research one digital technology career: training, costs, prospects, duties
9b
Explore using digital technology skills for a hobby; research training and goals