It seems a little early to be thinking about summer camp, but I already received the Xplorations Summer Science Adventures 2012 schedule from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. That means they have been thinking about it for quite some time. Every year when I receive their summer camp schedule I wish I was a kid again so I could go to these camps.

The 6-7 age group has some fascinating classes. The Da Vince Science class is “a week of gizmos, gadgets, and ingenious inventions! Discover Leonardo and all of his amazing contraptions. Learn to write in “mirror writing” and explore how Leonardo would have lived in his Renaissance world. Experiment with simple machines and build some of your own inventions.” I’d love to go to this one!

Mummies and Mysteries is another class that is calling my name. The museum has their very own mummy, Ankh-hap. Who wouldn’t want to get a close-up look at the work of Egyptian masters from thousands of years ago?

They have their own version of Survivor for the 8-9 year olds. You don’t watch it, you do it! “Learn to navigate by the stars, tell time with the sun, and find out what kinds of bugs make good snacks. Participate in Friday’s survivor competition. Camp includes optional bug tasting activity.” Not sure if that would be yummy or yuck! Only one way to find out!

Full Tilt Physics shows up in the 10-12 age group classes. They get to “explore the science of speed from acceleration and air resistance to collisions and crashes. Design and build hovercrafts, cars, planes and other vehicles then modify them to maximize their velocity. The race is on!”

That’s how science should be taught: by interaction, by participation, by hands-on experience. If there are any open slots when registration ends, I wonder if the museum would let me register my inner child. I promise to behave.