Best if done AFTER or ALONG WITH the Entrepreneurship Merit Badge as it does require running a business for 3 months and the Entrepreneurship Merit Badge requires a component of determining how to start and run a business.

1a: Free Enterprise, the Economy, and Monetary Policy From the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
1b: The Industrial Revolution

2e: Types of Business Insurances

4a: AFL-CIO Organizational Chart

4c: US Government Agencies: Labor Union Organizing

6a: E-Commerce Times An online news site specifically for the e-commerce community.

6b: Packaging Information for the Institute for Lifecycle Environmental Assessment

The Unofficial American Business Merit Badge Website

Insurance Information Institute

The African American Registry The story of the first Negro Boy Scout Troop

American Memory - Historic maps, photos, documents, audio and video from the Library of Congress

Center for Applied Studies in American Ethnicity

The Center for Equal Opportunity

Center for the Study of White American Culture

LDS Scouting

National Catholic Committee on Scouting

National Jewish Committee on Scouting

Project Race

Famous Black Inventors

Inventor of the Week An excellent resource for worthy contributions to mankind

Notable Hispanic Americans

American Heritage

Nice merit badge to do in conjunction with an American History class in school or consider coupling the American Heritage Merit Badge ALONG WITH or BEFORE the Indian Lore Merit Badge.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements: 2b, 2c, 2d, 5a, & 5b

National Register of Historic Places

Historical Atlas of the 20th Century

The flag of the United States of America

Purchase a U.S.Flag that has flown over the Capitol

Our Flag - Frequently Asked Questions from the American Legion

The Pledge of Allegiance - A Short History

Fort McHenry - "Home of The Star-Spangled Banner"

Best if done AFTER or ALONG WITH the American Business merit badge.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements:  2, 5c, and 5d

U.S. Department of Labor

AFL-CIO

Labor History Timeline (AFL-CIO)

WWW Virtual Library Labor History

Most of the Animal Science Merit Badge can be done through books and research on the internet, however some planning and visits are required.

Consider working on the Animal Science Merit Badge BEFORE working on the Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge and/or the Mammal Study Merit Badge.

Virtual Livestock Library

WWW Virtual Library: Animal health, well-being, and rights

Avian Option information from the National Chicken Council

A VERY involved merit badge and is recommended mostly for older Scouts.

8a: Archaeological Digs A list of digs and tours currently in progress or planning.

11: Careers in Archaeology in the U.S. From the Illinois State Museum.

ArchNet - WWW Virtual Library of Archaeology

WWW Virtual Library of Archaeology and Prehistory

Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology

Archaeological Resource Guide for Europe

The Museum of Underwater Archaeology

Great merit badge to be done at a Scout Camp.

1: Archery Safety Rules

2a: Parts of an Arrow From South Carolina Hunter Education; also has wonderful illustrations and extensive information on primitive hunting

National Archery Association

National Field Archery Association

Archery Images

Best if done ALONG WITH Landscape Architecture as Scouts earn two merit badges at the same time and many requirements are shared amongst merit badges. Might also want to consider looking into BEFORE or ALONG WITH the Drafting Merit Badge.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 3

2a: Careers in architecture

3: Building Materials

American Institute of Architects

Feng Shui Society

Buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

The Art Merit Badge is one of the merit badges that would be a great starter merit badge for new Scouts.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements: 2a, 2b, and 4

Careers in Art History (UC Santa Cruz)

ArtCyclopedia

A Timeline of Art History

WWW Virtual Library: History of Art

Arts of China Consortium

A more difficult merit badge as there are a lot of fairly involved requirements. Great Scout camp merit badge or Patrol/Troop activity.

Consider working on the Astronomy Merit Badge ALONG WITH the Space Exploration Merit Badge.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 9

5:The planets and when they will be visible

Amateur Telescope Maker's - Stelfane home page

Astronomy and Space - Interactive Web Resources

Astronomy and Space : Fact files : Learning : National Maritime Museum

The Astronomy Cafe

AstroWeb - Astronomy/Astrophysics on the Internet

The Constellations and Their Stars

Current Night Sky - Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Earth & Sky

Infrared Astronomy

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA Eagle Scout Recognition Information

The Nine Planets Solar System Tour

Plans for Building a Dobsonian Telescope

Tonight's Sky - New things to discover every night

Views of the Solar System

Windows to the Universe

Guide to the Planets

Details on Each Planet

Find Satellites, Constellations, Planets and more

Mr R's Astronomy Merit Badge Web Site

The Athletics Merit Badge is pretty easy for most Scouts but gains is given a 3 for difficulty due to the need for planning and scheduled events as a part of the requirements.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 6b

USA Track & Field

Better merit badge for older Scouts, especially as they get closer to driving age.

2: Check other fluids, Check Oil, Change Oil, Lights, Inspect Belts, Air Filter, Transmission Fluid,

4b: Tire Pressure , Tread Wear

11: True cost of ownership calculator

11b: Detailing, Wiper Blades, Car maintenance,

Bob Hewitt's (Misterfixit's) Auto Repair Page

Animated Engines

WWW Virtual Library: Autos

Other Online Videos: Car Inspection Videos, Car Maintenance

This merit badge can be a lot of fun for any Scout interested in flying but requires some planning and project work.

FPG-9 Foam Plate Glider

Online Learning to Fly - Video Lessons - First Lesson

Aviation Merit Badge Detailed Notebook

Another FPG-9 Resource

Nice merit badge to get started on at Scout Camp. Best if done in conjunction with the Camping Merit Badge as some requirements can apply to both merit badges.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 11b

8a. Wings' The Home-made Stove Archives

8a. PCTHiker.com: Scott's Pepsi-G Stove — Wow! Information on building your own hi-efficiency stove out of pepsi cans.

How to Pack your Backpack

Backpacking Gear Reviews

Backpacking Lightweight

Backpacker Magazine

Chuck's Backpacking Bonanza

Onestep's Ultralight Backpacking Resource

Ultralightweight Backpacking — How To Do It

Backpacking and Hiking TrailHead

Peak to Peak Trail and Wilderness Links

Some cost involved in this one and can easily be done with the materials at camp or as a Patrol/Troop activity.

Allow 10-20 hours to complete the three baskets
Basketry kits for each project are available at your local Scout Shop or online at ScoutStuff.org and other sites.

Free patterns are at: http://www.countryseat.com.

The 301 Rush kit can be used for the campstool requirement but costs about twice as much as the BSA Campstool Seat.

Basketry Information & Supplies

Free Basket Patterns

Basketry Information

Basketry Questions and Basketry Answers!

Native Basketry: Survival, Beauty

Basketweaving 101

Fun Merit badge to do but a lot of study material. This Merit Badge is one of the elective merit badges to earn one of the William T. Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts

This is a great badge to do in February, in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count.

2: Bird Identification Parts of a bird diagrams

3: How to Care for Binoculars

3b: How to Adjust Binoculars

4: How to Use a Field Guide This is from Young Birders, an excellent overall site for the budding birdwatcher.

6: Learn Bird Songs

6: North American Bird Sounds

7a: Surfbirds Find your local birdwatchers and bird watching clubs.

7b: Christmas Bird Count From the National Audubon Society

8: How to Build a Birdbath, Birdhouse, Garden Bench, or Rockwall for Your Garden Illustrated and easy to follow instructions.

Online Bird Study Merit Badge site for Boy Scouts

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Birding on the Web

Sample Bird Study MB Flyer

Bird Study Merit Badge - earn it on the web

An easy merit badge for anyone as the bugle is one of the easiest instruments to learn next to the kazoo. Scouts already with musical instrument experience, especially a brass player, will find this badge easy to complete.

Consider working on the Bugling Merit Badge ALONG WITH the Music Merit Badge as some requirements may be able to be shared across each merit badge's requirements.

Bugle Calls sheet music

Bugle Calls and Marches audio files

Bugle Calls audio files

Bugling Merit Badge Assistance

Bugle Calls by the United States Marine Corps Band - audio files

Bugle Calls by the United States Army Band - audio files

Words for Bugle Calls - audio files

The G Bugle Web Page - history of the bugle

History of Bugling Merit Badge

While most requirements are rather easy, this merit badge will take time for the Scout to earn due to the number of camping events required to finish the requirements.  This merit badge is a great Patrol or Troop Badge that should be started sooner than later.

The Difference between Internal- and External-frame backpacks

How to Choose the Right Campsite

Leave No Trace

Outdoor Code

Camping Essentials

Types of Tents

Water Treatment Basics

Internal Frame vs. External Frame

Sleeping Bags

Very Basic Camp Stove Safety

Basic Outdoor Food Safety

USDA Food Safety While Camping

Ideas for Outdoor Meals

Backpacker Magazine

Although not required, Scouts will find earning the Canoeing Merit Badge a lot easier to earn if they already have completed their Swimming Merit Badge, First Aid Merit Badge and their 1st Class Rank.  Many of the requirements for canoeing are done in these areas and will make the Canoeing Merit Badge much easier to complete. Great Summer Scout Camp Merit Badge

Consider working on the Canoeing Merit Badge BEFORE, AFTER, or ALONG WITH the Rowing Merit Badge, Small-Boat Sailing Merit Badge or BEFORE the Whitewater Merit Badge..

Requires successful completion of the BSA Swimmer Test

Lifting and Carrying Canoes

American Canoe Association

NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center), NC and NOC's Boy Scout program page

The Chemistry Merit Badge is best done by older Scouts in conjunction with a High School Chemistry or Science class.

5: Definition of Analytical Chemistry

5: Definition of Inorganic Chemistry

5: Definition of Organic Chemistry

5: Definition of Physical Chemistry

5: University of Connecticut Chemistry Divisions

6a: U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board

6a: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

6b: What is Pollution and How Does it Affect us?

6b: Chemical of the Week: Ozone

6b: The Myth of Global Warming

6b: Myths and Facts about the Environment: Acid Rain From the National Center for Public Policy Research

6c2: Coal and the Environment: Land and Air

6d: Phosphate Facts

7b: A Day in the Life of a Chemical Engineer

7b: A Day in the Life of a Chemist

ChemCenter - The American Chemical Society

Basic pH Tutorial

WWW Virtual Library: Chemistry

WWW Virtual Library: Chemical Engineering

WWW Virtual Library: Microscopy

This merit badge is most difficult due to the time, resources, and possibly costs required to complete.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 3a

1:180 Degree Axis Rule and Coverage

2c: Cinematic Techniques

3b: Zoom Lens (how it works, diagram, etc. - Animated

4: Film or video production jobs

Cinematography Mailing List - includes discussion archives on many techniques

American Society of Cinematographers

The Internet Movie Database

Filmmaking

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements: 4b, 5, and 7c

Living in an American Community

US Community Page Index - more about your city and lots of links, too

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 6

1: Citizenship

2a: National Historic Landmarks

2c: Post Office Finder - Your local post office is a federal facility.

2d: National Monuments

3: Major daily newspaper websites

4a: Declaration of Independence

4b: Preamble to the Constitution

4c: The Constitution

4d: Bill of Rights

4e: Amendments to the Constitution

5: Six functions of government from the first six articles

6: Famous speeches

7: Branches of Government

8: Citizenship in the Nation MB Pamphlet, page 41: "You can write a letter online or send a letter by mail."

The American Government - "A Grand Experiment"

National Center for Constitutional Studies Includes an online Constitution quiz and game

Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government

US History A comprehensive site created by the Independence Hall Association

Justices of the Supreme Court

Understanding the Federal Courts

Kids in the House

World's Smallest Political Quiz

Town Hall

50 States and Capitals

LSU Libraries Federal Agencies Directory

The White House

Congress of the United States

This Merit Badges is one of the merit badges required to earn the World Conservation Award for Boy Scouts

2: U.S. Citizenship How to become a U.S. citizen

4c1: United Nations Official page

4c1: United Nations: Get Us Out A Contrary View

4c2: International Court of Justice (World Court)

4c2: The Folly of the International Court A Contrary View

4c3: World Organization of the Scout Movement

4c5: Amnesty International

4c5: Amnesty International and Moral Idiocy A Contrary View

4c6: The International Committee of the Red Cross Official page

4c7: C.A.R.E. A privately-funded, international organization fighting global poverty

5: Republics and Democracies

5: Limited and Unlimited Governments

5: Forms of Government

7: US Department of State Official page

7: Future State - US Department of State for Youth

7d: World Scouting Jamboree

How to Become a Citizen of the United States of America — Written for middle schoolers

CIA World Factbook — Information on every country in the world

Presidential Speech Archive

The Global Environment and the National Interest

Background Notes on geographic entities and international organizations

The Interactive Currency Table

NATO

Foreign Consular Offices in the United States

The Electronic Embassy

Geneva International

WWW Virtual Library: Culture

WWW Virtual Library: Indigenous Studies

WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources

Scouts will find earning the Climbing Merit Badge a lot easier to earn if they already have completed the Pioneering Merit Badge, and their 1st Class Rank.  Great Scout Camp merit badge.

Climb On Safely - A Guide to Unit Climbing and Rappelling

Animated Knots by Grog

On Rope 1 Tech Tips

Learn Climbing

Climbing Glossary - terminology, definitions & slang

Climbing Merit Bagde counselors - Serving the NY area

Laurel Caverns

NorthStar Adventure, Bethlehem, PA

Easy merit badge to earn especially if Scout has a collection already  Best if done in conjunction with the Collections Merit Badge as some requirements can apply to both merit badges.

1. Us Mint Process of Making Coins

2. Dictionary of Coin Collecting Terminology

4. Storing your Coin Collection

5b. Legal Tender

5c. The Federal Reserve — Official site

7. 50 State Quarters Program: A Celebration of the States

10a. Tour the US Mint — An official U.S. Department of Treasury webpage

10b. The U.S. Mint for Kids

10d. The Coins of Colonial and Early America

Craig Murray's Scouting Coins

American Numismatic Association

American Numismatic Society

Have you ever wondered about a $1 bill?

The National Numismatic Collection

Coin Collecting Merit Badge Web Site

The Communications Merit Badge is best when done AFTER or ALONG WITH the Weather Merit Badge as requirement #3 of the Communications Merit Badge is similar to the Weather Merit Badge Requirement #9.

Also consider working on the Communications Merit Badge BEFORE, AFTER, or ALONG WITH the Public Speaking Merit Badge as some requirements may be shared between the two merit badges

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 6

Advice for personal and unit Web sites — Official BSA web site

Effective Presentations

Confidence in Public Speaking - First Speech

Cartographic Communication

MSDS List - Contains thousands of materials safety data sheets.

Wikipedia: Composite Materials - Category:Composite Materials; contains a multitude of useful information on composites.

Composite Material Key Concepts - Easy reading on composite materials. Suitable for low-level reading.

Society of Manufacturing Engineers - SME's area for composites.

ACMA's BSA Page - The American Composites Manufacturers Association's page for the Composite Materials merit badge. Great for merit badge research as it is directed towards Scouts

Almost a must have for any Scout, highly recommended and should be an Eagle Requirement merit badge.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements: 6e, 7c, and 7d

Many of the requirements can be satisfied using Free (often called "Freeware") and Open Source software programs. These programs are free to download and use under Free/Open Source software licenses. Such licenses remove many of the restrictions on sharing software imposed by proprietary software licenses.

1   How to Keep Children Safe Online From McAfee Protection

2

4a  Computer Hardware

4b  File Formats  and   Wotsit.org

5b  A Complete List of Programming Languages

5e  How Internet Infrastructure Works

6    OpenOffice.org is an open source suite that includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database programs. It is also capable of opening and saving documents in Microsoft format allowing users to work with and save to Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint files

6   Google Docs contains basic spreadsheet, word processor and presentation software. Imports Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint formatted files. Requires only a web browser and a (free) Google account.

6a  See the sample duty roster table in the Camping Worksheet Req. 4b

6b  See the sample food list & cost table in the Cooking Worksheet Req. 3c & 5b

6e  10 slide presentation is similar to: Art #1, Communications #3, Photography #4b

6g

7b

7d

8   Glossary of Computer Terms  or  Online Dictionary of Computing

9b  DRM Information on music copyright protection

10  Computer Science Career Guide

Computer Merit Badge Resource for Scouts and Merit Badge Councilor

The Computer Merit Badge

Scouting Website & Software Information

Welcome to Triumph of the Nerds! - accidental dynasties in computing history

Calculating Machines

ACM's Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction

WWW Virtual Library: Logic Programming

WWW Virtual Library: Artificial Intelligence

WWW Virtual Library: Web Design

A fun merit badge for most Scouts and a definite one you will want for your camping experiences. The Cooking Merit Badge is a great one to start new Scouts on after their first camping trip in preparation for their next camping outing.

4b/6b. Wings' The Home-made Stove Archives

4b/6b. PCTHiker.com: Scott's Pepsi-G Stove — Wow! Information on building your own hi-efficiency stove out of pepsi cans.

Scout Camp Cooking

Camping Food & Dutch Oven Recipes

WAGGGS-L Cyber-Cookbook

Cooking for Scouts and Scouters

Troop 237 Dutch Oven Recipes

The Trailside Cookbook

Buckskinner Cookbook

RecipeSource! — orginally SOAR: The Searchable Online Archive of Recipes

The Recipes Folder

CampRecipes.com

Camp Kitchen — recipes, cooking gear, etc.

U.S. Scouting Service Project Cooking page

Ol' Buffalo Outdoor Cooking Page

How to Build a Solar Cooker

The International Dutch Oven Society

My-Recipe.com

AsiaRecipe.com

Foodborne illness information from the Partnership for Food Safety Education

Best if done AFTER or ALONG WITH the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, Safety Merit Badge and Traffic Safety Merit Badge as all of these merit badges share some of the same requirements. There are quite a few trips and visits to make to earn this merit badge so it may take quite a bit of time.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 7b

3b: Cops Office: Gangs From the Department of Justice

8: Social Programs that Work Compares, through scientific studies, prevention and rehabilitation programs that work with those that don't.

8f: The Three R's of Youth Protection

Crime Prevention Division - Metro Nashville Police

The BSA Crime Prevention Program

National Crime Prevention Council On-Line Resource Center

Lots of bike riding involved in this one

Harris Cyclery Articles

USA Cycling

United States Cycling Federation

International Human Powered Vehicle Association

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center

The Youghiogheny River Trail

http://www.routeslip.com/

Bicycle Ride Across Georgia

1: How to Read Dental X-Rays Great examples, and language written for young folks.

2a: Causes of Gum Disease

4a: Dental Instrument Setups An in-depth look at dental instruments.

5a: How Fluoride Prevents Tooth Decay

5a: Fluoride Action Network A contrary view.

7: Career Opportunities in Dentistry From Dentistry.com.

American Dental Association Public Oral Health Information

So, You Want To Become A Dentist?

The Wisdom Tooth

Oral & Dental Health Basics

CDC's Oral Health Resources

Dental terms

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 5a

1: Language and Usage Guide for Editors How to properly refer to a person with a disability.

7: Rewarding Work Human Services for those with Disabilities

Easter Seals

Goodwill Industries

American Association of People with Disabilities

Learning Disabilities Association of America

Canine Companions for Independence

Special Olympics

Americans with Disabilities Act Document Center

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights

MOVE International (Mobility Opportunities Via Education and Mobility Opportunities Via Experience)

Very Special Arts

Family Empowerment Network - Down syndrome

National Sports Center for the Disabled

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

Online Mainstream - News & Advocacy in Disability Rights

OASIS - Online Asperger's Syndrome Information & Support

AASCEND - Autism and Asperger Syndrome Coalition

Helps to have a dog but maybe you could borrow someone else's for a couple months to complete this badge.

Consider doing the Dog Care Merit Badge AFTER or ALONG WITH the Pets Merit Badge. Even consider working on the Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge AFTER earning the Dog Care Merit Badge

Dog Care - by the ASPCA

Helpful Dog Care Tips

The American Kennel Club

A simple first aid kit for dogs

Best if done AFTER or ALONG WITH the Architecture Merit Badge..

American Design Drafting Association International

AutoDesk - makers of AutoCAD

The CADdepot - AutoCAD add-on

CADsoft - AutoCAD add-on

Professional AutoCAD Users Group of Denver

FBE online learning AutoCAD - 2D tutorials

Design Visions

Index Librorum Liberorum

Best if done BEFORE or ALONG WITH the Electronics Merit Badge also good if done BEFORE Radio Merit Badge

2: The checklist to use from the pamphlet is in the last pages of the Electricity Worksheet.

2: Underwriter Laboratories Home Safety Inspection

eMeritBadges.org

WWW Virtual Library: Electrical Engineering

Best if done AFTER or ALONG WITH the Electricity Merit Badge also good if done ALONG WITH the Radio Merit Badge as the Electronics Merit Badge and Radio Merit Badge share similar requirements.

3a: The Basic Soldering Guide

eMeritBadges.org

Electronics Plus

Electronics tutorials

Electronic References & Scholarly Citations of Internet Sources

It is STRONGLY recommended that you FIRST earn your First Aid Merit Badge as it is required in order to complete the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge. Best also if the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge is done AFTER or ALONG WITH the Pioneering Merit Badge.

Best if done AFTER or ALONG WITH the Crime Prevention Merit Badge, Safety Merit Badge and Traffic Safety Merit Badge as all of these merit badges share some of the same requirements

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements: 8b and 9a

8.c. Emergency Kits

FEMA Independent Study List — If you have an older Scout working on this badge, FEMA self-study units can be converted to college credits. The courses from FEMA are free; there is a small charge to convert them to college credits.

SARBC - Survival: Signalling for Help!

Be Lightning Wise!

Natural Disaster Program for Families

"After a Disaster" Series of Publications

American Red Cross - Disaster Safety

Surviving out in the Desert Southwest

NFPA Emergency Preparedness Kits (National Fire Protection Association)

NFPA Natural Disasters Link

Stop Disasters! A disaster simulation game from the UN/ISDR

The Energy Merit Badge is one of the required and/or elective merit badges to earn one of the William T. Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts

Rather intense Merit Badge requiring a lot of in depth field study

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement:1

1: How Things Work

2: Engineering Achievements or Greatest Engineering Achievements

3: Fields (Type) of Engineering

4: [http://www.creatingtechnology.org/sysapp.htm Systems Approach}

6b: Appliance Energy Usage

6f: Science Fair Projects - More

7: Best Engineering Programs

8: Professional Engineer - Overview

9: Engineer's Code of Ethics

Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland at College Park

Fire Protection Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

The Code of Ethics of Engineers - Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society

Exhibits Collection -- Amusement Park Physics

Satellites - You Be the Engineer

WWW Virtual Library: Civil Engineering

WWW Virtual Library: Electrical and Electronics Engineering

WWW Virtual Library: Mechanical Engineering

Great badge for a new troop or patrol when deciding on a fundraising project. Good companion or follow up badge with the American Business Merit Badge as the Entrepreneurship Merit Badge does require you to start a business..

Boy Scouts Entrepreneurship Merit Badge

Better Business Bureau Alerts and News

Young Entrepreneur

The Environmental Science Merit Badge is one of the required merit badges to earn one of the William T. Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts.

The Environmental  Science Merit Badge is one of the merit badge required to earn the World Conservation Award for Boy Scouts.

Great Scout Camp merit badge.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement:3e3

EnviroLink

Fort Collins Science Center

Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change

Introduction to Terrarium & Vivarium Keeping

The Internet Consumer Recycling Guide

MAPS - Measurement of Air Pollution from Satellites

Earth Awareness Educational Resources

Earth911

Nonpoint Source Pointers (Factsheets)

GLOBE - Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment

Green Peace

Endangered Species Program

CRC Endangered Species Science - from the Smithsonian

EE-Link: Endangered Species

EnviroInfo

Find Endangered Species in Your State Clickable map, good for requirement 3e1.

Rather easy Merit Badge but it does require some time (90 days) to complete requirement 3

Because I Love You

ERIC - Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Families Under Construction

Being an urban based troop the biggest challenge on this merit badge is finding a resource in order to complete the requirements. Can be easily completed with the proper resource. Consider working on the Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge BEFORE, AFTER, or ALONG WITH the Farm Mechanics Merit Badge.

1, 2: How to Plan a Farm ShopFrom North Dakota State University; includes sections on tools and safety.

AgriNet

Agriculture Online

U.S. Department of Agriculture

A fun and easy merit badge, great activity to do if offered at Scout Camp or for a Patrol/Troop meeting with a few simple supplies.

1, 2, & 3. FBI Fingerprint Identification, History, etc.  or  Wikipedia Fingerprint Resources

1. Fingerprint History

1. Criminal versus Civil Fingerprint Identification

2. AFIS versus Biometrics (Fingerprint versus Finger-Scan)

3a. What is a Fingerprint?

3b. Is Fingerprint Indentification a "Science"?

3c. Latent Print Examination: Fingerprints, Palm Prints, and Footprints

4. FBI How to take Fingerprints and  FBI Fingerprinting Video Lesson ·

5. Taking Legible Fingerprints

Biometric Watch Includes a brief history, and identification of the three major types.

National Center For Missing And Exploited Children

Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers

The Thin Blue Line: Fingerprinting A detailed history of fingerprinting.

Fingerprinting Merit Badge website

Although not required, Scouts will find earning the Fire Safety Merit Badge a lot easier to earn if they already have completed their First Aid Merit Badge and their 1st Class Rank.  First aid and Injury care requirements for fire safety are done in these areas and will make the Fire Safety Merit Badge much easier to complete

Not a difficult merit badge to do, but lots of requirements including a visit to a fire station. Consider working on the Firem 'n Chit Requirement for Boy Scouts at the same time..

6c: NFPA Fire Extinguishers' page

6e: NFPA: Sprinkler Systems

NFPA Safety in the Home (National Fire Protection Association)

The Fire Station

Fire Safety and Protection Tips

Fire Department News and Safety Tips

Operation Safe Home

Fire Fighters Creed

Sparky the Fire Dog

National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors

Federal Emergency Management Agency

A difficult merit badge, but required for Eagle requirements. and benefits Scouts immediately with practical skills and knowledge they can use the rest of their life.

Scouts will find earning the First Aid Merit Badge easier if they already completed and know the First Aid requirements from the Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks. While not required to have completed these ranks in order to work on the First Aid Merit Badge, this is definitely a good merit badge to start with as several other merit badges require aspects found in completing this merit badge.

Good merit badge to do BEFORE the Canoeing Merit Badge. Great one to take advantage of if offered at Scout Camp.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 6c

Satisfy your counselor that you have current knowledge of all first aid requirements for Tenderfoot Rank, Second Class Rank, and First Class Rank.

Guide to Safe Scouting - Section VI - First Aid

Intro to First Aid A free basic training course available online

Learn CPR - You Can Do It!

Realistic First Aid How to use theatrical makeup to teach First Aid

Good Summer Scout Camp merit badge to work on.

This Merit Badge is one of the required and/or elective merit badges to earn one of the William T. Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts

This Merit Badges is one of the merit badges required to earn the World Conservation Award for Boy Scouts

FINS: The Fish Information Service

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The Fishing Merit Badge can be a very easy and fun merit badge to complete but can also be a long and frustrating merit badge as well. Hardest requirement is that in order to successfully complete the Fishing Merit Badge you must catch two fish.  If you really are into fishing consider doing the Fly Fishing Merit Badge ALONG WITH or AFTER the Fishing Merit Badge.

The Fishing Merit Badge is one of the elective merit badges to earn one of the William T Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts.

Take Me Fishing

One of the least earned merit badges but a good merit badge to do AFTER or ALONG WITH the Fishing Merit Badge.

Federation of Fly Fishers web site for Fly Fishing Merit Badge

animated knots

Trout Unlimited

Killroy's Fly Tying

Rather intense Merit Badge requiring a lot of in depth field study Ideally done BEFORE, AFTER, or ALONG WITH the Nature Merit Badge as Requirement 1 is identical to Requirement 4g of the Nature Merit Badge.

The Forestry Merit Badge is one of the required and/or elective merit badges to earn one of the William T Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 5

Requirement 1 is identical to requirement 4g of the Nature merit badge

American Forest & Paper Association: Forest Products Resources

Plant-It 2020

Forest Puzzles

Key to Leaves of Virginia Trees

Environmental Effects of Whole-Tree Timber Harvesting

TAPPI Paper University

WWW Virtual Library: Forestry

3b: Locate Your Watershed Enter your zip code to find your watershed. From the EPA.

4: Forest Management USDA Forest Service site

The Gardening Merit Badge is a pretty easy merit badge, ideal for a Patrol/Troop project.  Takes a little time as you need to observe and tend to your garden for a few months.

Consider doing the Landscape Architecture Merit Badge and/or the Plant Science Merit Badge BEFORE working on the Gardening Merit Badge.

The Gardening Merit Badge is one of the elective merit badges to earn one of the William T Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts.

2: The Food Coach: Food Value Database

5: Common Garden Pests A comprehensive guide on garden pests and how to get rid of them.

6a: How to Build a Compost Bin Several designs from the University of Missouri.

6c: Building a Floating Hydroponic Garden From the University of Florida.

6d: How to Build a Water Garden Illustrated.

American Horticultural Society

Aquaculture Information Network

Common Garden Pests

Home and Garden Television

Garden Web

Growing Herbs in the Home Garden

The Garden Gate

The Gardener's Guide to Finding Answers on the Internet

Master Gardeners

National Gardening Association

Old Farmer's Almanac

Trust for Public Land

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. National Arboretum

World Aquaculture Society

USDA National Organic Program

World’s Healthiest Foods

Great merit badge to work on and get a good start and introduction to genealogy. You might even discover relatives that are Scouts too.

6: Make My Family Tree A free site with step-by-step directions to make a family tree.

Julie's Genealogy - BSA Merit Badge

Kindred Trails A comprehensive genealogy site with free downloads, free forms, and free software.

Beginner's Guide to Family History Research

The Learning Center - National Genealogical Society

RootsWeb Genealogical Data Cooperative

Ancestry HomeTown

Genealogy: Free Advice for Effective Searches

Family Tree Searcher

GenSite - ranks genealogy sites by popularity

Kindred Konnections Genealogy and Family History Home Page

Daughters of the American Revolution Library

The USGenWeb Project

The WorldGenWeb Project

Genealogy: Ultimate Family Tree - several free databases available

FamilySearch Internet Genealogy Service

Family Tree Maker's Genealogy Site: Genealogy Help

Cyndi's List of Genealogy Sites on the Internet - hundreds of thousands of links

The Geology Merit Badge is one of the elective merit badges to earn one of the William T Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements: 4a and 5c

Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark website

Careers in Geology - Help with requirement 4b. Includes information on many careers concerning the geosciences.

Iron Refining - Help with requirement 2. Gives an easy-to-understand overview on how iron refining works.

Oil Refining - Help with requirement 2. Good overview on oil refining.

Minerals.Net - Great for the Mineral Resources Option concerning requirement 5.

WebMineral.Com - Another good site for the Mineral Resources Option in requirement 5. This one is more concerned on the properties, classification, and characteristics of minerals.

http://www.laurelcaverns.com

Rockhounding Arkansas

Earth Science Enterprise

Educational Resources

A Wonderful World of Minerals

The US Geological Society

The USGS and Science Education

USGS Water Resources Education Resources

USGS: Ask-A-Geologist

Although not required, Scouts will find earning the Golf Merit Badge a lot easier to earn if they already have completed their First Aid Merit Badge and their 1st Class Rank.  First aid and Injury care requirements for golf are done in these areas and will make the Golf Merit Badge much easier to complete

Fun merit badge to do as a Patrol/Troop weekend outing

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 8

Great merit badge to earn and get a basic introductory to the Graphic Arts industry.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 4a

Wikipedia Printing Category

offset lithography, screen printing, electronic/digital, relief, gravure, continuous tone, line, and halftone, binding

Although not required, Scouts will find earning the Hiking Merit Badge a lot easier to earn if they already have completed their First Aid Merit Badge and their 1st Class Rank.  First aid and Injury care requirements for hiking are done in these areas and will make the Hiking Merit Badge much easier to complete

The hikes in requirements 5 and 6 can be used in fulfilling Second Class Rank (2a) and First Class Rank (3) rank requirements, but only if Hiking merit badge requirements 1, 2, 3, and 4 have been completed to the satisfaction of your counselor.   In other words, if you go ahead and knock out the first four requirements early, you'll be able use later hikes to kill two birds with one stone

Backpacker Magazine

Hiking First Aid Tips

Rails to Trails Converted railroad routes throughout the country.

Best if done ALONG WITH the Painting Merit Badge. Consider doing the Home Repairs Merit Badge ALONG WITH the Plumbing Merit Badge or even the Woodworking Badge.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

A rather easy to do merit badge but the tough part is having a horse or access to a horse in order to accomplish a couple of the requirements. Consider coupling the Horsemanship Merit Badge BEFORE, AFTER, or ALONG WITH either the Animal Science Merit Badge or (if you own a horse) the Pets Merit Badge.  Even consider working on the Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge AFTER completing the Horsemanship Merit Badge.

4. Western Saddle — including diagram of saddle parts.

Easily done merit badge, consider coupling the Indian Lore Merit Badge ALONG WITH or AFTER the American Heritage Merit Badge.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 2b

1: History of the Makah

1: History of the Squaxin Island Indians

1: History of the Suquamish Tribe Chief Seattle's tribe

3a: Authentic Indian Games

4d: Indian Sign Languages: Hand-Signals to Communicate From the National Parks Service

4h: Indian Chiefs and Leaders by Tribe

4i: The Iroquois Confederacy and the US Constitution From Portland State University

The Insect Study Merit Badge is one of the elective merit badges to earn one of the William T Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts. Great merit badge to work on at Summer Scout Camp if offered.

1: Insect definition, species, parts, etc.

2: Structure of Insects Excellent graphics and explanation.

3: Insect Families or Insect Orders - Another site

4: A & M online scrapbook with photos, articles, scientific names, etc.

5a: Helpful Insects - More or Harmful Insects - More

6: Butterflies - Butterfly Website or Grasshoppers - Arizona Edu

8: colony webcams - USDA Beehive webcam or More

Nice introductory merit badge to Journalism

Requires prior counselor approval for requirements: 3b and 3c

Best if done ALONG WITH the Architecture Merit Badge as Scouts earn two merit badges at the same time and many requirements are shared amongst merit badges. Might also want to consider looking into BEFORE or ALONG WITH the Gardening Merit Badge

Consider working on the Landscape Architecture Merit Badge ALONG WITH or AFTER the Plant Science Merit Badge or even the Surveying Merit Badge.

The Landscape Architecture Merit Badge is one of the elective merit badges to earn one of the William T Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts

2b. American Society of Landscape Architects' Web site

The Law Merit Badge is not as difficult as one might think, it gives a great introduction to Scouts that might be interested in Law or just learning a little more about Law; much can be done online.

1: Definition, Overview, History, etc.   Definition of "Law"   Sources of Law

2a: The Code of Hammurabi   Another source
       Justinian Code   Another source
       Magna Carta      What is the Magna Carta?

2b: History of the Jury System

2c: Famous Trials

3: Civil Law & Criminal Law   Differences between civil law and criminal law

5: Consumer Protection laws & organizations

7: Job of an attorney

8: Legal Education topics: Bachelor's degree, Law School, Juris Doctorate Degree, and Bar Exam.  Federal Judge

The Leatherwork Merit Badge is an ideal Scout Camp merit badge as most Scout camps have the materials required to complete this badge. The Leatherwork Merit Badge is also a good Patrol/Troop activity merit badge if resources are available.

Information about leather from Answers.com

Having earned the BSA Lifeguard Award helps greatly with the earning of the Lifesaving Merit Badge.

In order to complete the Lifesaving Merit Badge it is required that the Scout has completed Second Class Requirements 7a through 7c and First Class Requirements 9a through 9c.

Consider working on the Lifesaving Merit Badge AFTER or ALONG WITH the First Aid Merit Badge. You may also consider working on the Lifesaving Merit Badge in conjunction with a CPR course outside of Scouting.

The Mammal Study Merit Badge is one of the elective merit badges to earn one of the William T Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts.

Consider working on the Mammal Study Merit Badge AFTER completion of the Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 5

1: Animal

2: Animal kingdom classification    Examples: Dog - Cat - Fox

2c: Nongame mammal examples: Bat - Mole - Rat

4b: Game animals Game animals   Examples: Deer - Rabbit - Wild Boar

4g: Food Chains

5: Managing Mammals

The Medicine Merit Badge is not for the beginning Scout. There are lots of requirements for this merit badge which take a lot of time, more geared towards older Scouts.

Requires prior counselor approval for requirement: 10

2: Survivor M.D. Explains the Hippocratic Oath, both modern and historical.

9: Privatization and Its Discontents The Evolving Chinese Health Care System The New England Journal of Medicine looks at China's failing health care system.

9: Health and medical care policy and dental care The official Swedish government information page for the single-payer system.