Digital badges are graphical representations of an accomplishment. Open badges are a subset of digital badges that allow the badge owner to demonstrate achievement and the viewer to see the criteria for the badge. Open badges offer the opportunity to evidence and reward skill development, and to learn that existing formal qualifications do not. In this, the first of three articles discussing open badges in science education, the reader is introduced to the scope for using these technologies to benefit pupils, teachers and schools. Part 2 proposes a badge framework for the 'Working Scientifically' strand of the National Curriculum in England. Part 3 details a case study involving pupils aged 7-11 years in an informal education setting in which practical skills were taught overtly, using language and processes detailed in the badging framework, to facilitate the transition into secondary school science. Open badges offer the scope for explicit learning trajectories and a personalised record of skills, experience and interests to the benefit of an array of stakeholders. [For "Open Badges Part 2: The 'Working Scientifically' Framework," see EJ1248925. For "Open Badges Part 3: Framework and Strategies in Action," see EJ1248945.]