Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge

Artificial Intelligence and the Trail to Eagle

Artificial Intelligence is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.

Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 8 main requirements for Artificial Intelligence. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Define key terms including AI, AI agents, automation, bots, data, machine learning, narrow AI, general AI, superintelligent AI, tasks, triggers, workflows, and variables.
2
AI basics. Do the following and share what you learned:
1. a.Identify 10 examples of how AI is used in everyday life.
2. b.Identify 5 examples of how AI is used in the workplace.
3. c.Identify 5 examples of how AI can support your education.
4. d.Play 10 rounds of the "AI or Not?" game.
5. e.Create a timeline with five key milestones in AI development.
3
Automation basics. Do the following and share what you learned:
1. a.Identify 10 examples of automation in everyday life.
2. b.Identify 5 examples of automation in the workplace.
3. c.Identify 5 examples of automation at school or in your education.
4. d.Explain how automation performs repetitive tasks, reduces human error, and optimizes resources.
5. e.Create a timeline with five significant milestones in automation.
4
Ethics in AI. Do the following and share what you learned:
1. a.Research ethical concerns in AI, including bias, privacy, and AI decision-making.
2. b.Work through 5 rounds of the "What Would You Do?" ethical scenarios.
3. c.Develop your own ethical guidelines for using AI.
4. d.Explain what the Turing test is.
5
Deepfakes. Do the following and share what you learned:
1. a.Explain what a deepfake is and how it can affect a person.
2. b.Describe what to do if you or someone you know is affected by a deepfake.
6
Developing AI skills. Do the following and share what you learned:
1. a.Discuss how AI learns and the limits of that process.
2. b.Identify 5 methods for communicating effectively with AI.
3. c.Explain why prompt engineering produces better output.
4. d.Demonstrate 3 examples of writing clear instructions for a school task.
5. e.Complete the "Clear Communication Challenge" activity.
6. f.Teach the AI a skill or something you know well.
7
Do ONE of the following:
1. a.With approval, plan and build an AI project based on a personal interest or community need, then present it to your counselor.
2. b.With approval, design a short AI lesson and teach it to your patrol or a group of Scouts.
8
Do ONE of the following:
1. a.Identify three AI or automation careers. Research one in depth and discuss it with your counselor.
2. b.Interview an AI or automation professional about their work, challenges, and how to enter the field.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Artificial Intelligence, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Artificial Intelligence is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 34 Artificial Intelligence requirements for you.

Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Artificial Intelligence merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

No. Artificial Intelligence is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.

How long does the Artificial Intelligence merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Artificial Intelligence in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Artificial Intelligence merit badge?

Artificial Intelligence is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Artificial Intelligence can sign off requirements.