# Choose an Accelerator Path

Part of the Nuclear Science Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/nuclear-science/guide/index.md)

*3. Exploring Accelerator Research*

> **3b.** Do ONE of the following:

For this requirement, you choose exactly one option. Both paths teach you how accelerator science is used in the real world, but they fit different kinds of Scouts.

## Your Options

- **[Req 3b1 — Visit a Lab or University](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/nuclear-science/guide/req3b1/)**: Meet or speak with a scientist and learn how real researchers study nuclei or nucleons. This option is great if you like hearing directly from people doing the work.
- **[Req 3b2 — Compare Major Accelerators](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/nuclear-science/guide/req3b2/)**: Research three accelerators and the experiments they support. This option is great if you enjoy reading, comparing, and organizing information.

## How to Choose

**Choosing your option** — Pick the path that matches your access and interests

- [ ] **Best for in-person learners**: choose 3b1 if you can visit a university, national lab, or research facility, or arrange a conversation with a scientist.
- [ ] **Best for independent researchers**: choose 3b2 if travel is difficult but you enjoy comparing major facilities and their discoveries.
- [ ] **What you will gain with 3b1**: a first-hand look at how scientists talk about their work, solve problems, and use equipment.
- [ ] **What you will gain with 3b2**: a broader view of the field and a better sense of how different accelerators serve different purposes.

> **Tip**
>
> If you already know a teacher, professor, engineer, or hospital physicist who can connect you with a facility or researcher, option 3b1 often leads to the most memorable conversation. If not, option 3b2 can still give you a strong big-picture understanding.

Before you choose, these two official videos can help you picture what large accelerator facilities look like and why scientists use them.

Video: [Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Nuclear Science Division (video)](https://youtu.be/N3i6CgUHSoc?si=tXJzA1pfqwIYRlXE)

Video: [Inside the World's Largest Science Experiment (video)](https://youtu.be/nrXhK3Gh5EE?si=kH7N_aBRmhyZOkpJ)

If you want the people-and-places version of this requirement, start with the visit option first.

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- Previous: [How Accelerators Work](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/nuclear-science/guide/req3a/index.md)
- Next: [Visit a Lab or University](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/nuclear-science/guide/req3b1/index.md)