Inventing Merit Badge with USPTO & HERL UPITT

This summer, the United States Patent & Trademark Office and HERL of University of Pittsburgh (Human Engineering Research Laboratories) are hosting a hybrid event for Scouts BSA youth and friends to earn the Inventing Merit Badge. 

The event is graciously being hosted by the University of Pittsburgh's Human Engineering Research Laboratories and will include tours and demos of their labs and machine shop! There is also an option for virtual participation.  
 

Class Overview

The live class on June 24th balances education with lab/shop tour time, so youth can gain insight into innovative, practical applications and the behind the scenes of inventing. Then, scouts will then develop their inventions on their own schedule (at home) over a month's time, ultimately presenting in a virtual Inventing Showcase to complete the award. 
 

Event Schedule

Main Event: June 24th, 12:30 - 4 pm. In-person at HERL UPitt or ZOOM option.

Asynchronous, post-requisite deadlines: Scouts inventing ideas due to counselors July 31. Scouts invention prototypes due to counselors August 20: 

Final Inventing Showcase: September 2nd, 1-2pm. via ZOOM
Please note, that if you are unable to attend the September 2nd virtual inventing showcase, that is okay - scouts may submit their work in advance in order to complete the badge!

In-Person Event Requirements and Details

Uniforms: Attendees must wear close-toed shoes. SBSA may wear Class A uniform. 

Location: UPITT HERL  | 6425 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Covid-19 guidance: At this time, masks are required indoors. We will follow HERL's guidance and update all registrants the week of the event if the policy changes.  

What to bring: pencil, merit badge workbook, water bottle

Parents and guardians: are welcomed to volunteer in your scouts session or elsewhere with the event. Please select your volunteer availability/preferences during registration or email 082stem@gmail.com so we may plan accordingly. 

Registration Fee: $10 per youth payable to Laurel Highlands Council to cover the costs of the merit badge. This fee covers the event costs of tech licenses, printing, and awards.  If you or another scout requires financial assistance to attend, we have scholarships available. Please email 082stem@gmail.com 

Tentative Agenda for  Main event

June 24, 2023

12:15  Checkin at HERL lobby

12:30 - 1:30 Opening remarks & Intro to Inventing

1:45– 3:15  Laboratory Tours and Engineering Demos  

3:15 - 3:30 Why do you invent | Conclusion

3:30  Checkout at HERL Lobby

FAQ 

When will I receive instructions from my Merit Badge Counselor?

Normally, you will receive your instructions from your Merit Badge Counselor 24 hours before class begins. Please check your junk mail, sometimes the email classifies the opt-in link email as junk mail.

How will I communicate with my MBC between the sessions?

We use Basecamp for asynchronous communication and review of merit badge requirements. We will send you a link inviting you to join the Basecamp - a forum for scouts to upload their workbooks, invention ideas, ask questions, etc. Youth Protection is applicable as no one-on-one communications are permissible in Basecamp; all MBCs communicate to scouts in this forum. 

How will I receive notice of completion?

We will issue completion letters (or partial completion letters) to you by email within a few weeks of the final session. These letters have been approved by our Council Advanacement Commitee for use in the MeritBadges@Home program and may be shown to your units to be entered into your advancement records. 

Can I register if I am not from Laurel Highlands Council, or not from National Capital Area Council? 

Absolutely! Please be aware of the time zone difference if you live out of state. University of Pittsburgh is in Eastern Standard Time (EST).

I'd like to get involved as a Merit Badge Counselor/volunteer. How can I connect?

Great! please email: 082stem@gmail.com or call 240.395.0601

See here for photos of USPTO's past Inventing Merit Badge sessions : 

• https://weownadventure.com/uspto-invites-scouts-bsa-to-learn-about-inventing/
• https://weownadventure.com/scout-inventors-with-thanks-to-the-uspto/