Scouts BSA

Scouts BSA Merit Badge classes are designed for boys or girls who are 11 to 17 years of age, have earned the Cub Scouting Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old or have finished the fifth grade. Classes are at least four hours long and will begin at 9:30 a.m. Scouts need to bring a sack lunch with them.

Scouts@HMNS is proud to offer several classes for Merit Badges required to attain the rank of Eagle! These special courses are denoted with an asterisk (*). All classes aim to fulfill the requirements of the badge, but outside work may be required in some instances.

If prerequisite work is incomplete prior to class, please mail the blue card with proof of completed requirements to:
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
Attn: Michelle Connor
5555 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030

Our certified Merit Badge counselors will review the work and return all materials within 1-2 weeks.

Spring Break Classes

New this year, one-day classes (except for Environmental Science – 3 days) for Scouts BSA, Webelos and Girl Scouts! Avoid the Museum District traffic—take a Scout class during Spring Break at HMNS at Sugar Land. Each class will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. from March 13-15. Click here to learn more. /hmns-at-sugar-land/Scouts-at-sugar-land/boy-Scouts/

Archaeology – Learn about human cultures through the clues they left behind, all while examining actual museum artifacts!
Astronomy – Study how activities in space affect our own planet, and bear witness to the wonders of the night sky. Prerequisites: 4a, b & c (observations), 5d & 6b (STEM/Nova)
Chemistry – Explore how substances react with each other and change, how certain forces connect atoms and how molecules are made.
Citizenship in the Community* – Scouts will explore how our local governments work within their community. Must be completed with Troop leader’s approval. Prerequisite: 3, 7
Citizenship in the Nation – Scouts will learn the rights, duties and obligations of a responsible and active American citizen, as well as the history and structure of our national government. (Eagle) Prerequisite 2, 3, & 8
Citizenship in the World* – Discuss international relations and the various political systems around the world.
Communications* ‒ Learn effective communication skills. Prerequisite: 4, 5, 8
Disabilities Awareness – Learn to understand and appreciate each individual’s strengths and challenges while exploring how the museum provides resources to meet the needs of our patrons and make the museum accessible to all audiences. (Prerequisite 2 & 4 Option A or B, just one other place to visit, the museum will count as one of the two visits)
Electricity – Learn electrical safety, and build electrical circuits and conductors, while exploring the science of electricity. Prerequisites requirement 2, 8 and 9a. (STEM NOVA)
Electronics – Investigate electrical devices and how they work while exploring circuits, soldering and Ohm’s Law. (STEM/Nova)
Energy – Explore how energy works, from thermodynamics to alternative fuels. Find out about energy conservation, natural resources and different forms of energy. Tour the new Wiess Energy Hall. STEM/Nova and Hornaday Merit Badges. Prerequisite Home Energy Audit and 4a
Family Life – Scouts will learn the roles families play within the community, the importance of family life and how to strengthen their own families. Prerequisites 3, 4, and 5.
Geology – Step into the world of geology with this class discussing the rock cycle, natural resources and aging rocks and fossils.
Indian Lore – Using the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas as a lens into human history, discover the groups that called the Americas home.
Insect Study – Discover the wide variety of insect life in the world, and explore the Brown Hall of Entomology. Prerequisite 5 a & b.
Mining in Society – From deep in the ground to your dinner table, learn the processes, dangers and environmental impacts of mining. (STEM NOVA)
Personal Management – Scouts will explore budgets, finance and investment strategies. Prerequisites 2a, 2b 1-4, 8a-d.
Reptiles & Amphibian Study – Learn about reptiles and amphibians and their similarities and differences with the museum’s live animal collection! Prerequisites: 8, 9
Soil and Water Conservation – Scouts will explore the conservation practices of soil and water and the care of these natural resources. Prerequisites 7. Bring a sack lunch, McDonald’s will not be an option offered.
Weather – Study the Earth’s atmosphere, learn about the water cycle, predict the weather and discuss extreme weather. (STEM/Nova)