Requirement 3 of 10

Morse Code and ASL

Learn what Morse code and American Sign Language are, how they are used, and practice sending or receiving short messages.

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Checklist

3a Morse code practice

Practice spelling your first name in Morse code and sending or receiving a six- to 10-word message.

How to prepare

  • Start by learning the Morse code pattern for each letter in your first name.
  • Practice sending each letter clearly before trying a longer message.
  • When you are ready, send or receive a short message of six to 10 words.
  • Morse code uses dots and dashes to represent letters, numbers, and punctuation.
  • It can be sent by sound, light, taps, radio, or other visual or audio signaling methods.
  • Morse code chart example
  • Morse code translator example

Helpful tips

  • Keep a steady rhythm between dots, dashes, letters, and words.
  • Use a method you can repeat clearly, such as tapping, flashing light, or sound.
  • Practice with a partner so one scout can send and the other can decode.

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3b ASL name and message practice

Practice spelling your first name in American Sign Language and sending or receiving a message of six to 10 words.

How to prepare

  • Start by learning the handshapes for the letters in your first name.
  • Practice spelling your name slowly and clearly before moving on to a longer message.
  • When you are ready, send or receive a short message of six to 10 words using ASL.
  • ASL is a full language used by many deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the United States and parts of Canada.
  • It uses handshapes, movement, position, and facial expressions to communicate.
  • ASL alphabet example
  • ASL basics example

Helpful tips

  • Keep your handshapes clear and consistent.
  • Pay attention to position, movement, and facial expression where appropriate.
  • Practice with a partner so you can both send and receive a short message.

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