Computers Merit Badge Requirements

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:

a. Tell what a program is and how it is developed.

b. Give three examples of programming languages and what types of programming they are used for.

c. 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 (preferred choices shown boldface):

a. Use a database manager...

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.

b. Use a spreadsheet program...

Develop a weekend campout food budget for your patrol.

c. Use a word processor...

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.

d. Use a computer graphics program...

Design and draw a campsite plan for your troop.

5. Do TWO of the following (preferred choices shown boldface):

a. Visit a business or industry that uses computers.

Study what the computer accomplishes and be prepared to discuss what you
observed.

b. Use a computer attached to a local area network or equipped with a modem...

Connect to a computer network or bulletin-board service such as MSN,
CompuServe, or America Online.

Send a message to someone on the network or download a program or file
from the network.

c. 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:

a. Input/output devices

b. Storage Media

c. Memory

d. Processors and co-processors

e. Modems

f. Networks

g. Electronic Mail

h. 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.

	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.

	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.

	Connect to a computer network or bulletin-board service such as MSN, CompuServe, or America Online.
	Send a message to someone on the network or download a program or file from the network.