Virtual Composite Materials Merit Badge

WHAT: During this merit badge, you will learn about different types of composite materials and how they are used in our daily lives.  Composite materials are made by combining different materials together to make something new.  This new, composite material, will have a mixture of the best properties of the materials used to make it.  Many objects that you are familiar with are made from composite materials, from baseball bats to the space shuttle, and we will discuss many of them during this merit badge!

MEET YOUR COUNSELOR - Jeff DeFelice, Ph. D. is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Troop 1284 Warwick, RI.  Currently, he is located in Huntsville, AL (the “Rocket City”) where he works as an engineer for the defense and aerospace industry.  His background is in chemistry, thermodynamics, and materials science. 

WHO: Open to all Scouts BSA members

HOW:  This Merit Badge will be taught in a virtual classroom. The class has a capacity of 20 Scouts. Small classroom size provides all students with the opportunity to share and interact with the counselors and other scouts. Scouts should be prepared to be challenged and to join the conversation ! Participants who do not engage with the class may not receive credit for the badge. Scouts must be prompt for all badge sessions. Late participants may not receive credit for all requirements. Scouts must use a device with video to access this class.

Before beginning work on any merit badge, scouts are to have a discussion with their unit leader regarding the specific badge and counselor.

WHEN: This class will be held virtually over two sessions:

June 23, 2020 7:00PM-9:00PM EST.

June 25, 2020 7:00PM-9:00PM EST. 

Scouts must attend both sessions to complete the offered requirements.

After registering, Scouts will receive a link and login information via email the day of scheduled class. Scouts will also receive instructor details that can be used to connect to the counselor on Scoutbook. This assures that completed requirements are easily recorded. 

PREREQUISITES: Participants will need to complete requirement #5 (building their own composite materials) on their own after the course is completed.  Help and suggestions will be provided during the course.