LOWER RANKS

LabRat

This is the entry-level rank. To earn it one must memorize the LabRats Credo, Motto and Slogan and understand their meaning and agree to try to live by them.

Explorer

This is the "Feet on the Path" rank. The LabRat must understand why science is "everything we know about the physical universe and how we know it," and grasp why doing science is all about "making sure you are not fooling yourself." To become an Explorer the candidate must understand certain key facts about how to make discoveries. The candidate must also memorize at least three of the LabRats "Rules of Thumb," as well as demonstrate a through understanding of at least three fundamental principles of science from the list of LABRATS "Jewel Concepts." The LabRat must also have completed at least three months of the core program.

Adventurer

To advance to the rank of Adventurer the Explorer member must demonstrate certain basic skills that are essential for discoveryÑmost importantly the candidate must understand the importance of self-skepticism. The candidate must have memorized at least six "Rules of Thumb" and demonstrate a working knowledge of at least five "Jewel Concepts." In addition, the LabRat must have earned at least one first-rank merit badge and demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of the program. In addition, the candidate must have spent at least three months as an Explorer.

Citizen Scientist

To enter the rank of the Citizen Scientist members must demonstrate the basics of "Thinking Like a Scientist." They must show that they understand the scientific process at an elementary level. They must know how to create a narrowly defined question that has a unique answer and they must be able to design a simple experiment to find that answer. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to conduct a science fair-level research project that is appropriate for the candidate's age. They must know at least eight Rules of Thumb, demonstrate that they understand at least eight "Jewel Concepts," and be able to solve a science challenge put to them by their Chief Mentor. The candidate also must have earned a grand total of one level-one merit badge, one level-two badge, and one level-three badge. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the principle of "Work Towards a Higher Purpose." Also, to obtain this rank members must have been active as an Adventurer for at least three months and attended at least two LabRats fieldtrips since first joined.

Citizen Scientists have earned the right to begin working with adult mentors on science projects that deeply interest the member.

HIGHER RANKS

Youth Mentor

To reach the rank of Youth Mentor one must distinguish oneself by one's service to others. Candidates must complete a mentoring requirement; that is, they must show a genuine commitment to bringing lower ranking members along in the program. Youth mentors must also have earned at least six level-on merit badges, three level-two badges and one level-three merit badge. Further, they must have completed at least one research project with an adult mentor since they started the program. Candidates must also perform a community service project that takes not less than four hours of their time and that is approved by their Chief Mentor. In addition, they must have memorized at least ten Rules of Thumb, be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of at least fourteen Jewel Concepts and solve three science challenges given to them by their Chief Mentor. They must have served in a junior leadership position within their Synergy and they must have held the rank of Citizen Scientist for no less than three months.

Inventor

To reach the rank of Inventor one must demonstrate their ability to invent something new that solves a real-world problem. The invention doesn't have to be patentable or marketable, but it does have to work. It can be a physical device, a mathematical insight, or a computer program that does something non-trivial. The candidate must have earned a total of at least ten level-one merit badges, four level-two merit badges, two level-three merit badges and one level-four merit badge. The member must also perform a community service project that takes not less than ten hours and that is approved by their Chief Mentor. They must have served in a leadership position for not less than five months and held the rank of Youth Mentor for not less than six months.

Discoverer

To join the rank of the Discoverers one must make an original discovery - something that is new to science.** To earn this rank a member must understand the elements of experimental design and basic statistics. The candidate must have earned not less than fifteen level-one merit badges, six level-two merit badges, three level three-merit badges and two level-four merit badges. They must also know fifteen Rules of Thumb, be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of at least thirty Jewel Concepts. The member must also perform a community service project that takes not less than 24 hours of their time and that is approved by their Chief Mentor, and have served in a Senior Leadership position. The candidate must have held the rank of Discoverer for not less than six months.

** An experiment that yields a null result can also count if the result reveals something non-trivial that was not previously known.