Levels of cognitive processes in a non-formal science education program: Scouting's science merit badges and the revised bloom's taxonomy

The United States Boy Scout merit badge program provides non-formal educational
experiences for boys from ages 10-17. This study analyzes the objectives of the twentythree
science related merit badges using the lens of the revised Bloom's taxonomy. Merit
badges requirements serve as objectives for this program. The verbs in the requirements
were classified according to the revised taxonomy. Patterns were then analyzed within the
merit badges, within the verbiage of the requirements, and across the entire science merit
badge program. Overall, remembering and applying cognitive processes were emphasized
the most. Recommendations are made for improving the clarity of merit badge
requirements for Scouting and other non-formal educational programs.