Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements

COMPUTERS

1. Give a short history of computers. Describe the major parts of a computer system. Give four different uses of computers.
2. Do the following:
   1. Tell what a program is and how it is developed.
   2. Give three examples of programming languages and what types of programming they are used for.
   3. Describe a source program and an object program.
3. Show how the following may be stored in computer memory: text, numbers, pictures, and sound.
4. Do THREE of the following:
   1. Use a database manager to create a troop roster, providing name, rank, patrol, and telephone number of each Scout. Sort the register by rank, by patrol, and alphabetically by name.
   2. Use a spreadsheet program to develop a weekend campout food budget for your patrol.
   3. Use a word processor to write a letter to parents of your troop's Scouts, inviting them to a court of honor. Use the mail merge feature to make a personalized copy of the letter for each family.
   4. Use a computer graphics program to design and draw a campsite plan for your troop.
5. Do TWO of the following:
   1. Visit a business or industry that uses computers. Study what the computer accomplishes and be prepared to discuss what you observed.
   2. Use a computer attached to a local area network or equipped with a modem to connect to a computer network or bulletin-board service such as Prodigy, CompuServe, or America Online. Send a message to someone on the network or download a program or file from the network.
   3. Use a general-purpose programming language to write a program application of your choice, subject to approval by your counselor.
6. Be prepared to discuss several terms used in each of the following categories:
   1. Input/output devices
   2. Storage media
   3. Memory
   4. Processors and coprocessors
   5. Modems
   6. Networks
   7. Electronic mail
   8. Robotics
7. Be prepared to discuss various jobs in the computer field.
8. Is it permissible to accept a free copy of a computer game or program from a friend? Why or why not?
9. Describe several ways in which you and your family could use a personal computer other than for games and recreation.

BSA Advancement ID#: 36
Source: Boy Scout Requirements, #33215D, revised 2001

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Last modified on Monday, August 20, 2001