Models help people test ideas before building the real thing, from bridges to buildings to movie spaceships. You'll plan, design, and build a model of your own. It's a great way to mix creativity with careful planning.
Why it's worth it
Before a skyscraper, a bridge, or a movie spaceship is built for real, someone builds it small. Models let architects show clients a design, engineers test how something works, and filmmakers shoot scenes that would be impossible full size. This badge teaches you to plan carefully, measure to scale, and choose materials that look right. You'll finish with a model you can show off and a spacecraft that's all your own imagination.
Start this week
- Look around your home for a model, like a toy car, a dollhouse, or a train set, and figure out its scale by comparing it with the real thing.
- Ask your Scoutmaster for the name of a Model Design and Building counselor, and send them a short message with a parent copied to set up a first meeting.
- Decide which type of model you'd like to build for requirement 4, like a house, the corner of a wood-frame building, or a machine that uses simple machines.
- Start a materials box with cardboard, foam board, craft sticks, bottle caps, and old toy parts you can use for your spacecraft.
Stay safe
- Use hobby knives with an adult nearby, cut away from your body, and put the cap back on when you set the knife down.
- Use glues, spray paints, and finishes only in a well-ventilated space, and follow the label directions.
Requirements · 6
Every official requirement and part, numbered to match Scouting America, in plain language. Sign off against the official wording (opens in a new tab) (updated 2025).
- Requirement 1
Before starting your project, discuss all safety procedures with your counselor for both traditional and computer-assisted design and building, and explain why each one matters
Tip: Learn to use hobby knives, glue, and paint safely. Cut away from your body and work in a ventilated space.
For example: Show your workspace: a cutting mat, a sharp hobby knife with a cap, cutting away from your fingers, glue and paint used near an open window, and safety glasses when sanding or cutting plastic.
- Requirement 1a
Explain how to stay safe with modelmaking hand tools and when to use protective equipment
- Requirement 1b
Explain good digital safety habits when using design software and digital fabrication tools
- Requirement 1c
Explain the precautions to take with flammable or hazardous materials
- Requirement 2
Types of models and materials
Tips for this section: Look at different kinds of models in a hobby shop, museum, or online and notice what each one is used for.
Example for this section: Compare model types: an architectural model shows what a building will look like, a structural model tests how a bridge carries weight, a process model shows how something like a water plant works, and a mechanical model shows moving parts.
- Requirement 2a
Explain what architectural, structural, process, mechanical, and industrial models are used for
- Requirement 2b
Explain to your counselor how traditional or computer design tools (or both) help create plans, simulate function, visualize models, and help build or fabricate parts
- Requirement 2c
Describe for your counselor the traditional and modern materials and ways of fabricating these models, both physical and digital
- Requirement 3
With your counselor's advice, pick one of the requirement 4 model types as your subject. It must be your own original design, not a kit
Tip: Bring sketches and a list of materials to your counselor so you can agree on a plan before you build.
For example: Bring your counselor a plan: what you'll build, the scale (like 1 inch equals 1 foot), a sketch from the top and side, a materials list, and a timeline. Agree on it before you cut anything.
- Requirement 3a
Draw the plans you need at the correct scale
- Requirement 3b
List the materials
- Requirement 3c
List the tools you'll need
- Requirement 3d
Explain why you chose this subject (the model must be your own original work)
- Requirement 3e
Discuss with your counselor whether you'll use computer design tools on the project
- Requirement 4
Build ONE model below, by hand and/or with computer design. Before you start, discuss your approach with your counselor, including any CAD or 3D modeling software, and present your plans and finished model to your counselor. Choose 1 of 5
Tip: Pick something you care about, like a house you'd love to design or a gadget built from simple machines, and measure carefully as you build.
For example: An architectural model of a house at 1/4 inch to 1 foot: draw the floor plan and elevations, cut foam board walls with door and window openings, add the roof, and finish the outside with walks and shrubs. It shows whether your design works before anyone builds it.
- Requirement 4a
Architectural: design and build a house model at 1:48 (1/4 in. = 1 ft). Start with floor plans and elevations, and include doors, windows, and structural parts. Discuss with your counselor your materials, level of detail, exterior treatment (finish, shrubs, walks), and colors. You may 3D print or laser-cut parts from your computer design. Present your design and finished model to your counselor
- Requirement 4b
Structural: build a 1:8 (1 1/2 in. = 1 ft) model of a wood-frame building corner. First lay out the floor and wall frame parts, such as intermediate girder, joists, bridging, subfloor, sill, sole plate, studs, and rafters, then build from it in cardboard, foam board, or wood. Review the parts with your counselor and discuss challenges in design, building, materials, and support
- Requirement 4c
Process: plan a model of your home's plumbing at 1:16 (3/4 in. = 1 ft) or a scale you agree on, showing hot and cold supply, all drains, and vents. Talk with your counselor about how to start, the scale, and your materials, then build it from tubing, straws, printed parts, or similar. Present it to your counselor and be ready to discuss any problems
- Requirement 4d
Mechanical: build a working model of a device that uses two or more of the six simple machines. You may design and simulate it digitally first. After your counselor approves the design, build it from wood, plastic, 3D-printed parts, or similar. Present it and be ready to discuss the materials, how the machine works, and the challenges you faced
- Requirement 4e
Industrial: build a model of a real passenger vehicle at 1:12 or 1:24 (1 in. or 1/2 in. = 1 ft). Measure the real vehicle and draw or digitally model it from the top, front, rear, and sides. From those plans, build a physical model or produce it by digital rendering or 3D printing. Discuss with your counselor which parts were hardest
- Requirement 5
Design and build a fantasy spacecraft model fit for a sci-fi movie, using traditional and/or computer methods at a sensible scale you choose
Tip: Have fun with this one. Use everyday materials like bottle caps and old toy parts to make your spacecraft look detailed.
For example: For a fantasy spacecraft, start with a plastic bottle body, add wings from cardboard, and cover it with details called greebles, like bottle caps, game pieces, and bits of old toys. Paint it gray, then add weathering with a dry brush.
- Requirement 5a
Study real aircraft, submarines, and naval ships for design ideas
- Requirement 5b
Design the separate components, such as the cockpit, living quarters, engines, and storage
- Requirement 5c
Make a final sketch or rendering of the whole model from several angles
- Requirement 5d
Discuss with your counselor your design process, scale choice, materials (physical or digital), how you engineered the model, the difficulties you hit, and what you learned
- Requirement 6
Research one career related to model design: training and education, costs, job outlook, pay, duties, and advancement. With a parent's or guardian's OK you may search online or at a library, interview a pro, or visit a workplace. Discuss your findings with your counselor and what makes the career appealing
Tip: Ask an architect, engineer, or model maker how they use models in their job.
For example: Ask how models are used at work: an architect who builds foam models for clients, an engineer who 3D prints test parts, or a model maker who builds miniature sets for movies and museums.
Places to visit
Ask an adult to set it up, and go with your family, den, patrol, or crew.
A science, history, or building museum
Many museums display architectural models, dioramas, and scale models of ships, planes, and cities.
How: Check the museum's website for model exhibits or youth workshops, and go with your family or patrol.
An architecture or engineering office
You can see the models professionals build to test and present designs.
How: Have your counselor or a parent contact a firm and ask whether a few Scouts could visit for a short tour.
A model railroad club or show
Club members build detailed scenery, buildings, and trains to exact scale and love sharing tips.
How: Have a parent find a club open house or show and go together. Ask a builder to explain how they made a scene.
Where it can lead
- Architectural model makerBuilds scale models that show clients what a building will look like.
- ArchitectDesigns buildings and uses models to test ideas; needs a degree and a license.
- Industrial designerCreates models and prototypes of products before they're manufactured.
- Prop and miniatures makerBuilds models and sets for movies, theaters, and museums; many learn through art programs and hands-on work.
- 3D modelerDesigns models on a computer for engineering, games, or 3D printing.
Ask yourself
- What have you built before, and what did you learn from it?
- How did planning with your counselor change what you built?
- Which part of your model took the most patience, and how did you keep going?
- What would you do differently if you built it again?
- How could models help you plan a real project, like a service project or something for your troop?
Good questions to ask an architect, engineer, or model maker
- How do you use models in your work, and why not just use a computer drawing?
- How do you choose the scale for a model?
- What materials and tools do you use most?
- What's the most detailed model you've ever built?
- What skills should I practice if I want to do this kind of work?
Helpful reads
- Earning a merit badge, step by step, From picking a badge to getting the final signature: how to find a counselor, set up meetings safely, work the requirements, and keep your progress., Youth · Families · 6 min read
- Contacting counselors, experts, and organizations, Email and phone scripts, who to ask for, how to follow up, and how to say thanks, with a parent copied every time., Youth · Families · 7 min read
- Choosing your next merit badge, How to pick a badge you'll actually finish: start with what you care about, balance Eagle-required and just-for-fun badges, and make the most of camp., Youth · Families · 6 min read
For leaders & parents
- Set up a build night where scouts can share tools and ideas.
- Display finished models at a court of honor so scouts can explain their designs.
People & places that can help
- Merit badge counselor — Talk with them early; they can explain what's expected.
- Hobby and craft store — Supplies, tools, and staff who know model building.
- Science or history museum — See professional models and dioramas up close.
- Public library — Books, videos, and a librarian who can help you dig deeper.
- National Building Museum (opens in a new tab) — Exhibits and activities about how buildings and cities are designed.
- National Model Railroad Association (opens in a new tab) — Find model railroad clubs and learn how scale models and scenery are built.
Pairs well with
Into this? Explore more
Tips, examples, and questions are ideas from experienced leaders, not extra requirements. Your unit leader or counselor decides when a requirement is complete.