Big news for Scouts across the USA! The Boy Scouts of America just launched a brand-new merit badge. You can now earn a badge for learning about Artificial Intelligence. This exciting badge helps you understand AI technology.
The new AI merit badge started on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. This means Scouts can begin working on it right now. It is a big step for Scouting. It helps you prepare for new technologies.
Scouts Learn About AI’s Power
What is Artificial Intelligence? It is when computers can think and learn. AI helps many things work around us. This new badge teaches you all about it.
You will learn what AI is. You will see how it works in your daily life. Think about movies you watch online. AI helps suggest them to you.
What about smart assistants like Siri or Alexa? They use AI too. Self-driving cars also need AI to work safely. Even when you search on the internet, AI is helping.
The badge teaches you different kinds of AI. You will see how machines learn. You will also learn about its good sides. But you will also learn about its tricky parts.
Sometimes, AI can be unfair. This is called bias. The badge teaches you why this happens. It helps you think about what is right and wrong with AI.
You will also learn about future jobs. Many jobs will use AI more and more. This badge can give you a head start.
To earn the badge, you must complete 8 requirements. Here are some things you will do:
- Explain what AI is in simple words.
- Show where AI is used every day.
- Talk about good and bad things AI can do.
- Discuss fairness and bias in AI.
- Find out how AI might change jobs.
- Talk to an expert who works with AI.
- Either build a simple AI program OR talk about current AI tools.
- Make a short talk about AI for your troop.
These tasks help you really understand AI. You will become smart about this new technology.
Many people helped make this badge. Deloitte is a big company that helped. They work with technology all over the world.
Punit Renjen used to be the boss at Deloitte. He said AI will shape our future. He is proud that Deloitte supported this badge.
Dan Helfrich leads Deloitte Consulting now. He thinks AI is a key skill. It will help Scouts get ready for important jobs.
You can learn more about what AI is by visiting this Wikipedia page on AI.
Why This Badge Matters Now
AI is growing very fast. It is changing how we live and work. The Boy Scouts of America wants to keep up. They want to offer badges that are current.
Roger Mosby is the CEO of BSA. He said Scouting always tries to stay modern. He believes AI is changing many industries. This badge helps Scouts understand AI better.
Elizabeth Gorrell works for BSA too. She helps create these programs. She said AI is everywhere now. It is as common as electricity. Scouts need to know how it works.
Scouting has offered tech badges before. In 2011, they launched a Robotics badge. In 2014, they added a Digital Technology badge. These badges help Scouts learn new skills.
Older badges show how times change. Long ago, Scouts could earn badges for blacksmithing. They also had badges for carpentry. Now, new skills like AI are important.
Today, there are over 135 merit badges you can earn. The AI badge is the newest one. It helps both boys and girls in Scouts BSA.
This badge is very important for your future. It teaches you to use AI smartly. It helps you think about technology’s impact. What kind of AI do you see most often?
Here are some examples of AI in your daily life:
- Smartphones: Face ID or voice commands.
- Video games: Characters that act smart.
- Online shopping: Suggestions for things to buy.
- Social media: Showing you posts you might like.
- Music apps: Playlists made just for you.
This badge is not just about computers. It is about thinking. It is about solving problems. It helps you become a better citizen in a tech-filled world.
Are you excited to earn this badge? It sounds like a great way to learn new things! You can find more information about Scouting on the official Boy Scouts of America website.
