Environmental Science and the Trail to Eagle
Environmental Science is Eagle-required as part of a choice group. Every Eagle Scout must earn Environmental Science or Sustainability. Earning Environmental Science satisfies that requirement. If you also earn another badge from the same group, it counts as one of your 8 elective badges.
Choice group B: earn one of
- Environmental Science
- Sustainability
Environmental Science Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 6 main requirements for Environmental Science. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Make a time line of the history of environmental science in America.
- 2
Define the following terms: ecology, ecosystem, biosphere, symbiosis, niche, habitat, conservation, threatened species, endangered species, extinction.
- 3
Do ONE activity from EACH of the following categories: Ecology, Air Pollution, Water Pollution, Land Pollution, Endangered Species.
- 4
Choose two outdoor study areas. Make a species inventory for each one.
- 5
Identify the contribution of five environmental scientists or naturalists.
- 6
Find out about three career opportunities in environmental science.
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 Environmental Science Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Environmental Science, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Environmental Science is usually earned anywhere. Pick whichever setting lets you work with your counselor most consistently.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 months for a challenging 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 6 Environmental Science requirements for you.
Environmental Science Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Environmental Science merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
Yes, as part of a choice group. To earn Eagle, a scout must earn Environmental Science or Sustainability. Environmental Science satisfies that requirement, and any other badge from the group can count as one of the 8 electives.
How long does the Environmental Science merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Environmental Science in about 2 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Environmental Science merit badge?
Environmental Science is most often earned anywhere. Any registered merit badge counselor for Environmental Science can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Environmental Science merit badge have?
Environmental Science has 6 main requirements, for 6 items in total.
