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Physics
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Test Lab

Physics

NOTICE

These test lab requirements are available for Scouts until August 2026. At that time, these requirements will disappear and the surveys will be closed. Learn more About the Test Lab.

Physics Overview

Physics is the science of how things move, interact, and exist—from the tiniest particles inside atoms to the vast galaxies stretching across space. It’s the foundation of modern technology, the reason rockets fly, and the explanation behind everyday phenomena like why your phone works or how a soccer ball curves through the air.

By working on these requirements, you’ll explore the mysteries of motion, energy, and forces. You’ll learn how the laws of nature govern everything around us—from the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep. Whether you’re fascinated by space, curious about electricity, or just love asking “why?”, physics will help you see the world in a whole new way.

Get ready to experiment, discover, and be amazed. Physics isn’t just a subject—it’s a journey into how the universe works. And it starts right here.

So, welcome to the world of Physics—your gateway to understanding the incredible forces that shape our universe!

Physics REQUIREMENTS

1. Safety. Before conducting any experiments, explain to your counselor the safety precautions and personal protective equipment necessary for working with physics-related equipment.

 

 

2. What is Physics? Define physics in your own words and discuss with your counselor various areas of physics.

 

 

3. Fundamentals of Physics. Explain these key physics concepts: force, motion, energy, and waves. Provide real-world examples demonstrating each principle.

 

 

4. Hands-On Experimentation. Conduct THREE  physics experiments, selecting from the following options. Each experiment must include: a hypothesis, materials used, safety precautions, observations, and conclusions based on results. Explain how each experiment demonstrates key physics principles. For each experiment, be sure to try variations/variables to test your hypothesis.

 

 

5. Physics All Around You.  Discuss with your counselor:

 

 

6. The Future of Physics. Physicists try to explain the universe and apply these concepts to novel technologies. Discuss one option with your counselor:

 

 

 

7. Engineering and Physics Challenge. Solve a simple engineering problem using physics-based reasoning. Define the problem, allowable materials, and safety constraints. You may enlist friends or family in completing your challenge. All plans must be approved in advance by your counselor. Do ONE of the following options:

 

                   

 

  • Option C: Egg Drop Challenge. Explore the physics of energy and momentum by building a structure using household materials to prevent an egg from breaking when dropped from a significant height. The location of the egg drop must be approved by your counselor.
  • Option D: Water Bottle Rockets. Explore propulsion and Newton’s Third Law. The challenge is to land an air pressured rocket, using water as a propellant, exactly at a specific distance (for example, 70 m)  from launch point, three times, with extra points for flight duration.
  • Option E: Design your Own Physics Challenge. Create a physics challenge with your counselor’s approval.

 

8. Careers Do ONE of the following:

 

  • (a) Explore careers related to this badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include — with your parent or guardian’s permission — an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
  • (b) Explore how you could use knowledge and skills from this badge to pursue a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research any training needed, expenses, and organizations that promote or support it. Discuss with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.

9. Complete the survey below to complete the test lab requirements

Go to Survey

About The Test Lab

Scouts can complete these requirements in order to provide feedback and receive a certificate

You decide if this activity becomes an official Merit Badge of Scouting America.  By filling out the survey, you vote for or against this becoming a Merit Badge.  You can also suggest changes to make the merit badge more engaging.  The fate of this potential merit badge rests in your hands.  Come back and complete the survey after you finish the requirements to make your voice heard and to get your certificate of completion.

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Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.