Weather

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Weather Merit Badge
Field of study: Natural Science
Status: Elective BSA Advancement ID: 116
Created: 1927 Requirements Revision: 2007
Discontinued: N/A Pamphlet Revision: 2006

Contents


This is the Boy Scout Weather Merit Badge.
Cub Scouts & Webelos Scouts can earn the Cub Scout Weather Belt Loop & Pin.


Weather Requirements

  1. Define meteorology. Explain what weather is and what climate is. Discuss how the weather affects farmers, sailors, aviators, and the outdoor construction industry. Tell why weather forecasts are important to each of these groups.
  2. Name five dangerous weather-related conditions. Give the safety rules for each when outdoors and explain the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning. Discuss the safety rules with your family.
  3. Explain the difference between high and low pressure systems in the atmo­sphere. Tell which is related to good and to poor weather. Draw cross sections of a cold front and a warm front, showing the location and movements of the cold and warm air, the frontal slope, the location and types of clouds associated with each type of front, and the location of precipitation.
  4. Tell what causes wind, why it rains, and how lightning and hail are formed.
  5. Identify and describe clouds in the low, middle, and upper levels of the atmosphere. Relate these to specific types of weather.
  6. Draw a diagram of the water cycle and label its major processes. Explain the water cycle to your counselor.
  7. Define acid rain. Identify which human activities pollute the atmosphere and the effects such pollution can have on people.
  8. Do ONE of the following:
    a. Make one of the following instruments: wind vane, anemometer, rain gauge, hygrometer. Keep a daily weather log for one week using information from this instrument as well as from other sources such as local radio and television stations, NOAA Weather Radio, and Internet sources (with your parent's permission). Record the following information at the same time every day: wind direction and speed, temperature, precipitation, and types of clouds. Be sure to make a note of any morning dew or frost. In the log, also list the weather forecasts from radio or television at the same time each day and show how the weather really turned out.
    b. Visit a National Weather Service office or talk with a local radio or television weathercaster, private meteorologist, local agricultural extension service officer, or university meteorology instructor. Find out what type of weather is most dangerous or damaging to your community. Determine how severe weather and flood warnings reach the homes in your community.
  9. Do ONE of the following:
    a. Give a talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) explaining the outdoor safety rules in the event of lightning, flash floods, and tornadoes. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.
    b. Read several articles about acid rain and give a prepared talk of at least five minutes to a group (such as your unit or a Cub Scout pack) about the articles. Before your talk, share your outline with your counselor for approval.
  10. Find out about a weather-related career opportunity that interests you. Discuss with and explain to your counselor what training and education are required for such a position, and the responsibilities required of such a position.
Boy Scout Requirements, ({{{1}}}) Edition The official source for the information shown in this article or section is:
Boy Scout Requirements, 2008 Edition
(BSA Supply No. 33215)
The text of these requirements is locked and can only be edited by an Administrator.
Please make a note of any errors in the requirements on this article's Talk Page


Notes

Worksheet Click here for the Weather Worksheet.
Optional Adobe Reader pdf worksheets can help you organize notes, listen actively, find resources, and document your work. See the Merit Badge Worksheets (FAQ), Webelos Worksheets, or Cub Scout Worksheets for more information.
  1. Per the BSA: You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Merit badge pamplets are available at your local Scout Shop or online at ScoutStuff.org.
  2. This badge is one of the elective merit badges of the William T. Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts.


Requirement resources

Related awards

See also

Boy Scout portal


External links

Personal tools