Digital Technology

Merit Badge Workbook

This workbook can help you but you still need to read the merit badge pamphlet.
This Workbook can help you organize your thoughts as you prepare to meet with your merit badge counselor
Merit Badge Counselors may not require the use of this or any similar workbooks.
You still must satisfy your counselor that you can demonstrate each skill and have learned the information.
You should use the work space provided for each requirement to keep track of which requirements have been completed,
and to make notes for discussing the item with your counselor, not for providing full and complete answers.
If a requirement says that you must take an action using words such as "discuss", "show",
"tell", "explain", "demonstrate", "identify", etc, that is what you must do.
No one may add or subtract from the official requirements found on Scouting.org/meritbadges/.
The requirements were last revised on January 1, 2024 • This workbook was updated in January 2024.

Bradley Dang
Scout’s Name: ___________________________ 980
Unit ____________________________________ Date Started _______________________

Counselor’s Name: _______________________ Phone No.: ______________________________ Email: ____________________________

Please submit errors, omissions, comments or suggestions about this workbook to: [email protected]
Comments or suggestions for changes to the requirements for the merit badge should be sent to: [email protected]

 1. View the Personal Safety Awareness "Digital Safety" video (with your parent or guardian's permission).
 2. Do the following:
 a. Give a brief history of the changes in digital technology over time.
Since the early 2000s, digital technology has rapidly evolved. The rise of
smartphones, social media, and broadband internet transformed communication.
Cloud computing, AI, and IoT have connected devices, while innovations like 5G and
virtual reality continue to shape technology today.

 Discuss with your counselor how digital technology in your lifetime compares with that of your parent’s,
grandparent’s, or other adult’s lifetime.
In my lifetime, digital technology like smartphones and social media has made it easy for me to connect
with people instantly, while my parents or grandparents used landline phones or letters. For
entertainment, I have streaming services and video games, while they mostly watched TV or went to
events. I use many devices like smartphones and laptops, while they had fewer devices, such as
desktops or early mobile phones. It's interesting to think about how these changes have affected our
daily lives, work, and socializing.

 b. Describe what kinds of computers or devices you imagine might be available when you are an adult.

When Im an adult, I imagine that computers and devices will be even more advanced
and integrated into daily life. We might have ultra-thin, foldable screens that can
transform into different shapes or sizes depending on our needs. Virtual reality (VR)
and augmented reality (AR) could be common, allowing us to interact with digital
content in a more immersive way, almost like it's part of the real world. Artificial
intelligence might be built into everyday devices, helping us with tasks,
decision-making, and even offering personalized assistance.

Workbook © Copyright 2024 - U.S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. - All Rights Reserved
Requirements © Copyright, Boy Scouts of America (Used with permission.)
This workbook may be reproduced and used locally by Scouts and Scouters for purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy
Scouts of America (BSA), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or other Scouting and Guiding Organizations.
However it may NOT be used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without
the express permission of the U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. (USSSP).
Digital Technology Scout's Name: Bradley
________________________
Dang

3. Do the following:
 a. Explain to your counselor how text, sound, and pictures are digitized for storage.
Text Text is converted into binary code using a character encoding system like
ASCII or Unicode. Each character is assigned a unique binary number, which
the computer stores and processes.

Sound Sound is digitized by sampling the audio signal at regular intervals (sampling
rate) and converting these samples into digital numbers using an
analog-to-digital converter (ADC). These numbers represent the sound wave
and can be stored and manipulated by a computer.

Pictures Pictures are digitized by breaking them down into tiny elements called pixels.
Each pixel is assigned a color value using binary numbers, which are stored in
a grid format to recreate the image digitally.

 b. Describe the difference between lossy and lossless data compression, and give an example where each might be
used.
Lossy Lossy compression reduces file size by permanently eliminating some data,
resulting in a loss of quality. Its used where a slight reduction in quality is
acceptable for a significant decrease in file size.

Example: JPEG image compression

Lossless Lossless compression reduces file size without losing any data, preserving the
original quality. Its used when it's important to retain exact original data.

Example: PNG compression

 c. Describe two digital devices and how they are made more useful by their programming.
1. Phone Phones are made more useful by their programming
because software allows them to perform many tasks
beyond calling and texting. Operating systems like Android
and iOS let phones run apps for communication, navigation,
gaming, and work.

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 2 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

2. Speaker Speakers are made more useful by their programming

because it allows them to do more than just play sound. With
built-in software, modern speakers can connect wirelessly
through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, stream music, and even pair with
other devices. Smart speakers, like those with voice
assistants, use programming to recognize voice commands,
answer questions, control smart home devices, and play
specific content.

 d. Discuss the similarities and differences between computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.
similarities differences
Computers connect to the internet General computing, high performance

Mobile can run apps Portability, communication focus,

devices cheaper

Gaming used for entertainment Optimized for gaming, exclusive titles,

consoles mroe expensive.

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 3 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

 e Explain what a computer network is and the difference between a local area network (LAN) versus a wide area
network (WAN)

A Local Area Network (LAN) covers a small geographic area like a building with
high-speed connections, while a Wide Area Network (WAN) spans larger areas, such
as cities or countries, and typically has slower speeds

The difference between a local area network (LAN) versus a wide area network (WAN)
LAN LAN covers less of an area and is faster

WAN Covers wider areas and is slower

4. Do the following:
a. Explain what a program or software application or "app" is and how a computer uses a CPU and memory to execute
it.
When you run an app, the computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit) processes these
instructions by performing calculations and making decisions. The CPU retrieves the
necessary data and instructions from memory (RAM), executes them, and then stores
the results back in memory or saves them to storage.

 b. Name four software programs or mobile apps you or your family use, and explain how each one helps you.
1. Google Maps Traverse unknown areas easily

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 4 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

2. Imessages Communicating between family and friends.

3. Spotfiy Plays music to relax and listening to podcast.

4.. Health Helps tracks my activity to tell if I've been physcial active more
or less than the other day

 c. Describe what malware is, and explain how to protect your digital devices and the information stored on them.
shorten it to one sentence
Malware is harmful software designed to damage or exploit devices, and you can
protect your digital devices by using antivirus programs, keeping software updated,
using strong passwords, enabling firewalls, being cautious with downloads, avoiding
phishing scams, backing up data, and using encryption

5. Do the following:
 a. Describe how at least two different ways data can be transferred through the internet.
`1 Email Attachments, sending files like photos or documents through email.

2 Cloud Storage Services uploading and downloading files from services like Google
Drive or Dropbox.

 b. Using an internet search engine (with your parent or guardian's permission), find ideas from at least three different
websites about how to conduct a troop court of honor or campfire program. Present the ideas to your counselor, and
explain how you used a search engine to find this information.
ScoutSmarts: Plan and organize the event with Scouts taking the lead
Troop Program Resources:Include a standard flag ceremony, Scout demonstrations,
and a special presentation of the Scout Law and Scout Promise
Scouter Mom: Incorporate skits, songs, and stories to make the campfire memorable

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 5 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

 c. Use a Web browser to connect to an HTTPS (secure) website (with your parent’s permission).
 Explain to your counselor how to tell whether the site’s security certificate can be trusted, and what it means to use
this kind of connection.
To tell if a site's security certificate can be trusted, look for a padlock icon in the
address bar and ensure the URL starts with "https://". This means the connection is
encrypted and secure, protecting your data from being intercepted by malicious actors.

6. Do THREE of the following. For each project you complete, copy the files to a backup device and share the finished
projects with your counselor.
 a. Using a spreadsheet or database program, develop a food budget for a patrol weekend campout OR create a troop
roster that includes the name, rank, patrol, and telephone number of each Scout. Show your counselor that you can
sort the roster by each of the following categories: rank, patrol, and alphabetically by name.
 b. Using a word processor, write a draft letter to the parents of your troop’s Scouts, inviting them to a troop event.
 c. Using a graphics program, design and draw a campsite plan for your troop OR create a flier for an upcoming troop
event, incorporating text and some type of visual such as a photograph or an illustration.
 d. Using a presentation software program, develop a report about a topic approved by your counselor. For your
presentation, create at least five slides, with each one incorporating text and some type of visual such as a
photograph or an illustration.
 e. Using a digital device, take a picture of a troop activity. Send or transfer this image to a device where it can be
shared with your counselor.
 f. Make a digital recording of your voice, transfer the file to a different device, and have your counselor play back the
recording.
 g. Create a blog and use it as an online journal of your Scouting activities, including group discussions and meetings,
campouts, and other events. Include at least five entries and two photographs or illustrations. Share your blog with
your counselor. You need not post the blog to the Internet; however, if you choose to go live with your blog, you
must first share it with your parents AND counselor AND get their approval.
 h. Create a Web page for your troop, patrol, school, or place of worship. Include at least three articles and two
photographs or illustrations. Include at least one link to a website of interest to your audience. You need not post the
page to the Internet; however, if you decide to do so, you must first share the Web page with your parents AND
counselor AND get their approval.

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 6 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

7. Do the following:
 a. Explain to your counselor each of these protections and why they exist: copyright, patents, trademarks, trade
secrets.
What they do Why they exist
Copyright Grants exclusive rights to use, Encourages creativity and
distribute, and profit from their innovation.
creations. Ensures creators can benefit
financially from their work.

Patents A patent grants inventors exclusive Patents encourage innovation and

rights to make, use, and sell their technological advancement. They
inventions. It also prevents others provide inventors with a financial
from making, using, or selling the incentive and recognition for their
invention without permission. work.

Trademarks A trademark protects brand names, Trademarks exist to ensure that

logos, and symbols that distinguish consumers can identify the source
goods or services. It prevents others of goods and services. They help
from using similar marks that could businesses protect their brand
cause confusion among consumers. identity and reputation.

Trade A trade secret protects confidential Trade secrets exist to encourage

secrets business information, such as businesses to innovate without the
formulas, processes, or strategies, fear of losing their competitive
that provides a competitive edge. It advantage. They allow companies to
keeps this information private to invest in research and development,
prevent competitors from gaining an knowing their unique information is
advantage. protected.

 b. Explain when it is permissible to accept a free copy of a program from a friend.

It is permissible to accept a free copy of a program from a friend only if the program is
legally shared and within the terms of its license. For example, if the software is
open-source or free to distribute, then sharing it is allowed. However, sharing software
that requires a paid license or subscription without proper authorization is illegal and
against copyright laws.

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 7 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

 c. Discuss with your counselor an article or (with your parent of guardian's permission) a report on the internet about a
recent legal case involving an intellectual property dispute.
One recent legal case involving an intellectual property dispute is Google LLC v.
Oracle America, Inc. This case revolved around whether copyright protection extends
to a software interface and how fair use applies to Google's use of Java code in its
Android system. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Google, stating that the use of
the Java API was fair use.

8. Do TWO of the following:

 a. Describe why it is important to properly dispose of digital technology.
Properly disposing of digital technology is crucial to protect your personal information
and the environment. When you dispose of devices without securely wiping them,
sensitive data such as passwords, financial information, and personal files can be
accessed by unauthorized individuals, leading to identity theft and other security
breaches.

 List at least three dangerous chemicals that could be used to create digital devices or used inside a digital device.
1. lead
2. mercuary
3. cadmium
 b. Explain to your counselor what is required to become a certified recycler of digital technology hardware or devices.
To become a certified recycler of digital technology hardware or devices, you need to
meet specific standards set by accredited certification programs like the Responsible
Recycling (R2) Standard and the e-Stewards Standard.

 c. Do an Internet search for an organization that collects discarded digital technology hardware or devices for
repurposing or recycling. Find out what happens to that waste. Share with your counselor what you found.
One organization that collects discarded digital technology hardware or devices for
repurposing or recycling is Human-I-T. They offer secure e-waste pickup and removal
services, refurbish and redistribute technology to those in need, and ensure proper
data destruction.

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 8 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

 d. Visit a recycling center that disposes of digital technology hardware or devices. Find out what happens to that waste.
Share what you learned with your counselor.
Devices are gathered from various drop-off locations. Personal data is securely wiped
from all devices. Devices are taken apart into their components. Valuable materials
are extracted and sent for recycling. Usable parts are refurbished and reused.
Hazardous materials are separated and disposed of safely.

 e. Find a battery recycling center near you and find out what it does to recycle batteries. Share what you have learned
with your counselor about the proper methods for recycling batteries.
I found a battery recycling center called Interstate All Battery Center in Upland, CA.
They collect used batteries from drop-off locations and sort them by type. Any
personal data stored in devices is securely wiped. Batteries are dismantled, and
valuable materials like lead and lithium are extracted and sent to specialized recycling
facilities. Hazardous materials are separated and disposed of safely to prevent
environmental contamination.

9. Do ONE of the following:

 a. Investigate three career opportunities that involve digital technology
1. Software Developer
2. Data Analyst
3. Information Security Analyst
 Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession.
Career: Data analyst
Education: A degree in data science, statistics, or a related field is often necessary

Training:, Data analysts usually need a bachelor's degree in data science, statistics,
computer science, or a related field. Proficiency in data analysis tools and
software like Excel, SQL, R, or Python is essential. Additionally, courses or
certifications in data analytics can enhance your skills and employability

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 9 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

Experience: To gain experience as a data analyst, start with internships or entry-level

positions to get hands-on experience. Work on real-world projects and build
a portfolio showcasing your skills. Pursue certifications and continually
update your knowledge through courses and industry events

 Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you. Report what you learn to your
counselor.
I might be interested in a career as a data analyst because I enjoy working with
numbers and solving puzzles. This role allows me to make significant contributions by
uncovering valuable insights that guide business decisions. Additionally, it's an
in-demand field with ample opportunities for growth and a promising salary potential.

 b. Visit a business or an industrial facility that uses digital technology.

Apple
 Describe four ways digital technology is being used there.
1. Apple integrates AI in its products, such as Siri, to provide intelligent personal
assistants for their products

2. Apple uses AR technology in apps like Pokémon Go and its own ARKit framework,
allowing developers to create immersive experiences.

3. Apple employs ML to improve features like facial recognition in Face ID and

predictive text in its keyboard.

4. Apple uses technology to develop health and fitness features, such as the ECG app
and activity tracking in the Apple Watch.

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 10 of 11

Digital Technology Scout's Name: ________________________
Bradley Dang

 Share what you learned with your counselor.

Throughout our conversation, you've learned about patents, trademarks, and trade
secrets, and their importance in protecting intellectual property. You also explored the
significance of properly disposing of digital technology to protect personal data and
the environment. Additionally, you discovered career opportunities in digital
technology and the training required for a data analyst. Lastly, you learned about the
innovative ways Apple uses technology, such as AI, AR, ML, and health and fitness
advancements.

When working on merit badges, Scouts and Scouters should be aware of some vital information in the current edition of
the Guide to Advancement (BSA publication 33088). Important excerpts from that publication can be downloaded from
http://usscouts.org/advance/docs/GTA-Excerpts-meritbadges.pdf.
You can download a complete copy of the Guide to Advancement from http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/33088.pdf.

Digital Technology - Merit Badge Workbook Page. 11 of 11