Celebrating Native American Heritage Month pg. 17 Future Women in STEM pg. 13 Hot Wheels™ races in to OSC! pg. 6 FALL 2022
FEBRUARY17-20,2023 Celebrating the success and growth of our STEM community, it has evolved into a wider exploration of science, technology, engineering and math. We feel that Spark STEM Fest better exemplifies the vision and focus of what this event has become. Otronicon is now Spark STEM Fest! College of Arts and Humanities | CREATE (Center for Research and Education in Arts, Technology and Entertainment) Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy | School of Visual Arts & DesignCollege of Arts and Humanities | CREATE (Center for Research and Education in Arts, Technology and Entertainment) Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy | School of Visual Arts & Design • Help bridge the STEM literacy gap • Encourage exploration and pursuit of STEM careers • Raise awareness of the value of STEM in everyday life • Work towards equitable access in STEM Spark STEM Fest will engage our community in a robust, active celebration of STEM to: Follow us on social media and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay informed about all the changes coming to our STEM celebration! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
President’s Message 2 Science in Our Lives 3 Weddings 4 Board of Trustees 5 NEW! Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™ 6 Films & Shows 7 Life With Animals 8 Mark Your Calendar 9 Calendar 10-11 Try This At Home! 12 In the Community 13 Education Programs 14 Volunteer Success Story: Aashi Mendpara 15 Grown-Up Science 16 Native American Heritage Month 17 Support 18-21 Upcoming Exhibits 22 Executive Editor JoAnn Newman Editors Christina Schreiber, Jeff Stanford Contributing Writers Nicholas Chapman, Aubrey Coats, Spencer Jones, Megg Murphy, JoAnn Newman, Christina Schreiber, Jeff Stanford, Madison Szathmary, Helen Tillem, Angella van Gelder, Shannon Zimmerman Graphic Designer Kristie Hoover Photographer Roberto Gonzalez On the Cover: Students explore animal appetites with mealworms in our STEM Discovery Center.
Orlando
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin including limited English proficiency, in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance. To learn more, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator Debra Gordon at 407.514.2029 or dgordon@osc.org, email preferred.
CONTACT
SCOPE Magazine is published three times a year by Orlando Science Center. SCOPE accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. SCOPE reserves the right to edit, rewrite or refuse material and is not responsible for products. INFORMATION Phone Number: 407.514.2000 | Website: www.osc.org | Story ideas and suggestions: oscmembership@osc.org Science Center is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, funded in part by Orange County Government through the Arts & Cultural Affairs Program, and sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. © 2022 Orlando Science Center.
777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, Florida 32803 • 407.514.2000 • www.osc.org Orlando Science Center is a private, nonprofit educational facility. 1514 86
no access to mentors, inspiration, and resources, then that potential can never be fully realized. It’s like Benjamin Franklin once said, “Genius without education is like silver in the mine.” Here at Orlando Science Center, we are prospecting that silver by working to provide access to individuals of all ages and backgrounds so they can explore, discover and learn. We believe in science for all.
Our efforts to increase access to valuable STEM learning include discounted admission for guests on the EBT food assistance program, sponsoring school field trips for Title I schools, and scholarships for lowincome students to attend summer camps. But access means more than just bringing students into the Science Center once or twice a year. Real change happens when you make a strong connection. We want to provide culturally relevant experiences, so students understand why these skills are so essential. They need to see themselves represented in the opportunities presented by mentors that look like them. We want to overcome the barriers of cost and transportation by delivering impactful STEM learning several times a week at community centers within underserved neighborhoods.
Orlando Science Center is taking the next big step toward achieving science for all with the launch of our new Neighborhood Science program. It begins with an afterschool program in the Grand Avenue Community Center in the Holden Heights neighborhood, kicking off with authentic STEM programming several days a week throughout the year. A similar program will soon be launched at the Jacqueline Bradley and Clarence Otis Branch of Boys & Girls Club with more to come soon.
Orlando Science Center is building a better future, one mind at a time.
WE BELIEVE IN SCIENCE FOR ALL
PRESIDENT/CEOSincerely,
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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We are excited to get started on this new effort with special thanks to partners like NASA, Kiwanis Club of Central Florida Foundation, the DeVos Family Foundation, the Department of the Navy, the LEGO Group, and others for their generous support, including some multi-year commitments. With their help, Neighborhood Science is becoming another opportunity to kick off a lifetime journey of discovery.
Orlando Science Center creates an environment conducive to creating a better future. Through iconic experiences like hands-on exhibits, engaging workshops, live shows and demonstrations, we show how science and technology are solving problems and improving lives. We inspire and educate through events at the Science Center, within schools and community centers and even at community festivals. Our team is dedicated to being the spark that ignites the genius that resides in However,everyone.ifthere’s
The physicians and scientists at Nemours Children’s perform many different types of studies in a wide range of medical areas. These findings help their patients – often children in our community – live healthier, more active lives.
Nemours Children’s is committed to making familycentered care the cornerstone of their health system, which means families are supported and encouraged to actively participate in their child’s care. Taking care of kids is the driving motivation for their team, which is celebrating 10 years of providing extraordinary pediatric care in Orlando in 2022. To that end, Nemours Children’s employs the latest technology and research to make sure they are doing everything they can to help our community’s children live to their fullest potential. Without proper maintenance, a race car might not achieve its peak performance. Without proper instruction, drivers might go so fast they end up hurting themselves. These concepts apply to children too, and that’s the mentality at Nemours Children’s and its focus on living well beyond medicine. They tend to the needs of patients and their families when it comes to their mental, spiritual, developmental, social and cultural health. Nemours Children’s has been at the forefront of pediatric research and care for more than 80 years, providing the latest findings to help kids everywhere. Innovation is a neverending process, and just as cars become optimized for speed and safety, medical practices do the same.
From lab-based research to participating in clinical trials and studies working with patients, Nemours Children’s helps turn lab-based discoveries into practical clinical applications. They take care of the test drive so families don’t have to worry. It’s all part of a team effort to bring insights and discoveries to patients — faster than a racecar. Moving beyond the hospital, Nemours Children’s has developed resources to support caregivers, kids, teens and educators on a host of topics, from health to behavior to growth and development. For more information, please visit www.kidshealth.org.
HELPING YOUR CHILD ACHIEVE THEIR PEAK PERFORMANCE
SCIENCE IN OUR LIVES
Orlando Science Center is proud of the partnership with Nemours Children’s because both organizations educate and empower families to make informed choices that help them live to their full potential.
Nemours Children’s Health has recently partnered with Orlando Science Center as the local presenting sponsor for the upcoming Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™ exhibit. Just like a pit crew is dedicated to keeping a race car in peak performance, the skilled medical team at Nemours Children’s works to care for your child and keep them running (and playing and laughing and learning). They have an extensive network in Central Florida and surrounding communities to support every aspect of a child’s development.
Orlando Science Center invites you to host an unforgettable wedding at a venue as unique as you are. Make a dramatic statement by holding your wedding in our grand five-floor facility conveniently located in beautiful Loch Haven Park. Dine with the Dinosaurs, Dance Under the Stars, Celebrate with Orlando Science Center. www.osc.org/weddings
PatrickCOMMITTEEEXECUTIVEAland
Meredith Sand MeredithPresident/DesignerSandDesigns Lynn Sedwick Tax RSMPartnerUS,LLP
Dr. Maggy Tomova Dean of College of Sciences University of Central Florida Andrea Wesser-Brawner
JoAnn Newman President and CEO Orlando Science Center CENTER
leadership
Dr. Peter Wearden Director & Chair Nemours Children’s Health Systems Dr. Anjali Vyas
Commanding Officer Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Amy Chapman CPA, CFE, CliftonLarsonAllen,Principal LLP Roi Ewell Founder and Principal Ewell & Associates, LLC Jenise Osani Vice President of Marketing & New Products OUC Nirav Pandya President & CEO Orion Technologies Rina Patel Rose’FounderGirls Dr. Richard Signer Chief Medical Director Pediatric Surgeon, Retired AdventHealth for Children Demetria Sloan Founder and President Vantage Point Coaching, LLC VOTING TRUSTEES
life.
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ORLANDO SCIENCE
Michael Knorst Senior Vice President Axiom Bank, N.A Nicolas Layus Senior Director FTC Solar Rusty McCranie WFTV,MeteorologistChannel 9Cox Media Group Tom Mirek Vice President of Engineering & LockheedTechnologyMartin Arun Mitra MitsubishiCFO Power Americas, Inc Sean Murphy 3N2CEO Sports Brandon Naids CEO & Co-Founder Talon Simulations
EX-OFFICIOTRUSTEES
Dr. Susan Singer Vice President of Academic Affairs & Provost Rollins College Divinne Smith SmithPartnerand Williams Trial Group Lindsay Vermuth Accounts Executive Weld North Education
Sarah Nemes Director of Public Affairs Embrace Families Luke Partridge Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment Michael Piccoli President and CEO On Target Digital Marketing Sibille Pritchard Director of Executive Affairs Chelonian Research Institute Ben Robinson HollandPartner & Knight, LLP
Dr. Eugene Jones Executive Dean Valencia College, Downtown Campus Linda Kobert School Board Member, District 3 Orange County Public Schools
Tony Krogh NavalPresidentDefense Industrial Association (NDIA)
Fiscal Year 2023
Chris Carmody Government Relations Attorney GrayRobinson
Karoom Brown Founder and CEO Robinson Brown Consulting Juliana Calloway BlackOwner/OperatorRoosterTaqueria Oluchi Chuku Senior Vice President Bank of America Lisy Correa Audit Senior Manager Deloitte & Touche, LLP Jim DeCarlo GreenbergTraurig,Shareholder LLP Michelle DeVos OrlandoPhilanthropistMagic Ownership Group Devin Elmore UniversalCIO Orlando Arash Farshid DoorbellCEO Capital, LLC Melanie Forbrick VP of SiemensCommunicationsEnergy Gary Heath Director of Business Analysis Massey Services
Thank you for your and commitment to inspire learning for
Vice President of Engineering Presidio Jim Atchison President and CEO, Retired SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Dr. Tina Calderone School Board Vice Chair Seminole County Public Schools
President, Orlando Health Physician Associates Orlando Health
science
Chris Bowman Director, Distribution Design DukeEngineeringEnergy Robert Bowser Akerman,Partner LLP
Dr. Laura Ross Vice President of Academic Affairs Seminole State College
Martin Carmody Budget Manager City of Orlando Captain Dan Covelli
Board of Trustees
PERK ALERT!
Members are invited to an exclusive first look on Saturday, October 8 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
But first: safety! Racing is a dangerous sport – winning the race is the goal, but the safety of the driver is always top priority. From helmets to fire suits, learn how technology keeps drivers, crews, and fans SAFE at a race! With over a dozen interactive exhibit pieces, this behindthe-scenes look at the thrilling world of racing investigates the scientific process for designing super-fast cars and helps those who have the need for speed understand how it is achieved.MEMBER
Gather your pit crew, start your engines, and race into our Fall exhibition Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™ Presented by Nemours Children’s Health opening October 8! From choosing an aerodynamic design to securing the safety of your driver, you and your crew will work together to design, build, test, and play with some of the most iconic and nostalgic racecars on the planet!
HOT WHEELS and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel ©2022 Mattel All Rights Reserved We’re Revving Up for We’reFall!Revving Up for Fall! TRAVELING EXHIBIT: PREMIERING OCTOBER 8
What makes one car faster than another? Getting ready to race means choosing the right body and tires designed to maximize your speed! Visitors will design their own vehicles while learning how factors like wind resistance, track design, and building material can affect their racer. Take a drive down memory lane and see the evolution of Hot Wheels and racecars! Over the years, advances in engineering and aesthetics may change, but the need for speed has been passed down from generation to generation. Teamwork makes the dream work! Suit up for the Pit Stop Challenge and complete a timed stock car pit stop –which team can jack the car, change the tires, and refuel the fastest?!
Antarctica is a land of mystery, and yet what happens here affects us all. It is the coldest, driest and windiest place on Earth with the roughest oceans and yet, weird and wonderful creatures thrive here in astounding abundance. Dive beneath sea ice to experience the alien world of the Antarctic sea floor. Swim alongside playful seals, soar above mountain peaks and vast penguin colonies and witness the largest congregation of fin and humpback whales ever Althoughfilmed.so remote from us, Antarctica plays a vital role for the entire planet, regulating ocean currents, sea levels and carbon recapture. New science suggests that dramatic changes are occurring here, and it will take global cooperation and collaboration to protect Antarctica and ensure the future health of our planet. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, Antarctica explores this magical continent, which is both remote and hostile, beautiful and awe-inspiring.
7 FILMS & FEATUREDSHOWSFILMS ADVENTUREDIGITALTHEATERDR.PHILLIPSCINEDOME Antarctica 3D Dino Dana: The Movie Wings Over Water Amazon Adventure Into America’s Wild The Living Sea Sea Monsters LASER LIGHT SHOWS Pumpkins & Protons Holiday Laser Show DISCOVERY. CONNECTION. HOPE. ANTARCTICA IS HERE - IN 3D! For upcoming film and show schedules, please visit osc.org/theaters Film schedule varies and is subject to change.
Antarctica 3D Premieres October 1, 2022
The gopher tortoise is Florida’s only native tortoise species! With shovel-like front legs perfect for digging, the gopher tortoise has been known to burrow more than 20 feet deep and 50 feet long. Come say hello to our resident gopher tortoises and find out why they are considered a “keystone” species in Florida! AMBASSADORS ON STAGE
Since we broke ground on the new Life exhibit on June 1, you may have noticed a little less squeaking and squawking going on at Orlando Science Center. But that doesn’t mean the animals have all gone into hibernation – there are still plenty of ways for you to interact with your favorite Animal Ambassadors! Every day at 1:10 pm on the Science Live Stage, our incredible Animal Keepers bring out a few of our favorite friends to say hello! With a different show every day, Life With Animals is the perfect way to enhance your experience at the Science Center. You never know if you’re going to meet a sleek snake, a feathered friend, a creepy crawler, or even a happy Whilehopper!Life will allow us to expand our living collection, Life With Animals lets us show off our established animal pals! Plus, while you learn more about the animal kingdom, our critter counterparts enjoy a unique opportunity for enrichment. From our reptiles to our chinchillas, our birds to our arachnids, we have curious creatures for every aspiring zoologist! Shake a tail feather and fly in to learn more about life with animals!
The vinegaroon is sometimes called whip scorpion, despite the fact that they inhabit their own scientific order! True scorpions are part of the order Scorpiones, while vinegaroons are part of the order Thelyphonida. Visit the Science Center to learn more about this truly unique creature!
Prehensile-Tailed Skinks are the largest skinks in the world! Native only to the Solomon Islands off the coast of Australia, these skinks can grow to nearly three feet long! Stop by Life with Animals and you might just meet our prehensile-tailed skink rescues.
DID YOU KNOW?
LIFE ANIMALSWITH ANIMAL
9 ASTRO FEST Benefiting: SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY: NOVEMBER 19 & 20 3… 2… 1… Blast off into Astro Fest! Join us as we explore the solar system, launch engaging hands-on astronomy and engineering challenges, and learn about the science of rockets! OCTOBER 26 Join us for a Members-Only spooktacular! Bring your little monsters in for a safe night of Halloween fun, where creatures of all ages are welcome! Limited tickets available. Member Guest Passes not valid. Afterhours event from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. SEPTEMBER 11 – OCTOBER 2 Join us for a food drive - driven by design! Created with the help of architects, sculptures composed of non-perishable food items will be on display for a limited time. Vote for your favorite creation and celebrate the good that STEAM education can do! NOVEMBER 5 – JANUARY 3 See some of your favorite prehistoric creatures in a whole new light! Watch Stan the T. rex and his fossil friends show off their twinkling talent in a festive display of music and light. SEPTEMBER 24 & 25 Hear ye, hear ye! The Kingdom of KidsTown cordially invites you to steer your horsedrawn carriage to an enchanting weekend of STEM learning inspired by your favorite fables. Cross the troll bridge if you dare! MARK YOUR CALENDARS OSC.ORG/CALENDAR
10 CALENDAR 1 & 2 SATURDAY & SUNDAY Bank of America Weekend 4 MONDAY Grades K –Homeschool8 Program* 8 SATURDAY Exhibit Premiere Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™ Presented by Nemours Children’s Health Member-Only Preview 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 15 SATURDAY Kids Night at the Museum* (Ages 5 – 12) 6:00 – 10:00 pm 22 SATURDAY Science Night Live Dead (Ages 21+) Spooky Science Edition 8:00 – 11:30 pm 26 WEDNESDAY PumpkinsMembers-Only&Protons Party Sponsored by Florida Dairy Farmers 5:00 – 9:00 pm SEPTEMBER OCTOBER SPOOKY SCIENCE MONTH BOO! From phantom physics to Oogie Boogie Oobleck, creep in all month long for spooky STEM activities. Learn about the science of slime in Dr. Dare’s Lab, check out a not-so-scary StoryTime in KidsTown, or help the Ghostflusters capture mischievous spirits in the live show! LITERACY MONTH Here’s a novel idea — join us as we celebrate the stories and characters that inspire us to write our own adventures! Not only do books encourage learning and curiosity, but they can offer a window to experiences and conversations that we might not have otherwise. 3 & 4 SATURDAY & SUNDAY Bank of America Weekend 5 MONDAY Labor Day – OSC is Open! 5 MONDAY Bionic Me Final Day 11 SUNDAY $12 Day Discounted Admission! 11 SUNDAY Canstruction Orlando Premieres 12 MONDAY Grades K –Homeschool8 Program* 24 SATURDAY Kids Night at the Museum* Sponsored by Pizza Hut (Ages 5 – 12) 6:00 – 10:00 pm 24 & 25 SATURDAY & SUNDAY Fairy Tale Weekend Sponsored by Florida Prepaid
11 All events subject to change *Additional fee required 3 & 4 SATURDAY & SUNDAY Bank of America Weekend 5 MONDAY Grades K –Homeschool8 Program* 19 – 23 MONDAY – FRIDAY Break Camps* 24 & 25 SATURDAY & SUNDAY OSC is Closed 26 – 30 MONDAY – FRIDAY Break Camps* 31 SATURDAY Noon Year’s Eve 5 & 6 SATURDAY & SUNDAY Bank of America Weekend 5 SATURDAY Dinos In PremieresLights 7 MONDAY Grades K –Homeschool8 Program* 11 FRIDAY Veteran’s Day Wreath Ceremony Sponsored by Lockheed Martin 11:00 am 12 SATURDAY Kids Night at the Museum* (Ages 5 – 12) 6:00 – 10:00 pm 19 & 20 SATURDAY & SUNDAY Astro Fest 21 – 23 MONDAY – WEDNESDAY Break Camps* 24 THURSDAY OSC is Closed DECEMBERNOVEMBER SCI-FI MONTH From the moons of Jupiter to the moons of Endor, we don’t just love science, we love science fiction! Whether you’re a Wookie or a Trekkie, teleport in during SciFi Month and explore the science behind some of our favorite books and movies. WINTER SCIENCE MONTH The cold never bothered us anyway! From (literally) cool science activities & demos to Dinos In Lights, we’re wrapping up the year with a few of our favorite things! 1 SATURDAY New Year’s Day – OSC is Open! 1 SATURDAY Summer Camps Member Pre-Sale Begins* 2 & 3 MONDAY & TUESDAY Break Camps* JANUARY
12 MATERIALS:PROCEDURES: Skittles or other coated candy Warm water Timer Light shallowcolored,dish/bowl glassMagnifying(optional) TRY THIS AT HOME 5+ RECOMMENDEDFORAGES
4. Try the experiment again, this time changing the temperature of the water. See if it takes more or less time for the water to change color.
5. Try a different color pattern to see what new color effects you can produce with the water. Will different types of candy produce a similar effect? SCIENCE AT HOME: Skittles and other coated candies are covered in sugar. When you pour water over the candies, the color coating dissolves and spreads into the water.
1. Place the candies in a circle on the dish so that they are about an inch away from the edge. Decide what color pattern the candies will be placed within the circle. Will you chose a rainbow color pattern? An alternating color pattern? Repeating color patterns?
2. Carefully pour warm water in the center of the dish until there is a thin layer of water over the bottom of the whole dish.
3. Start the timer and see how long it takes for the water to change colors!
As a recent recipient of the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP)’s IF/THEN Gender Equity Grant, we found opportunities to address this issue head-on with our STEM Explorers program. To help inspire change and bring about opportunities for access and representation in STEM, NGCP created the IF/THEN program “to bring together organizations throughout the United States that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics" (STEM).
The STEM Explorers Program provided Girl Scout troops in Grades K-8 with opportunities to visit the Science Center. They experienced hands-on STEM discovery labs, allowing the girls to learn about incredible female scientists (IF/THEN Ambassadors), gain relevant career exposure, and cultivate 21st-Century skills, such as collaboration and problem-solving.
Troops were also given customized Exploration Guides, created by the Orlando Science Center education team in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Citrus, to lead them through interactive exhibits. As the girls explored the Science Center, they worked to earn Girl Scout Badges aligned to focus areas such as math, science, and nature.
Neighborhood Science Launches at Grand Avenue
13 Innovation is a collaborative process. The best ideas, inventions, and discoveries are not created by a single person, but rather by a group of people with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences. This is one of the many reasons diverse representation in the STEM workforce is crucial to us all. Although there has been progress over the years, women are still vastly underrepresented in most STEM careers. At Orlando Science Center, we strive to create prosperity in our community that enhances lives. Working towards gender equity is a crucial step in achieving this goal, including exciting new initiatives like our funded STEM Explorers program, which provided engaging STEM opportunities for Girl Scouts!
Orlando Science Center creates STEM opportunities for local Girl Scouts IN THE COMMUNITY
With the demand for STEM careers on the rise throughout Florida and an intense underrepresentation of women and people of color in STEM fields across the country, Orlando Science Center is joining the efforts to break down barriers and revitalize STEM education in our community through a new communitybased program called Neighborhood Science. Neighborhood Science will directly serve underrepresented Central Florida youth through consistent and engaging STEM educational programming. This summer, we began offering programming in the City of Orlando’s brand-new Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center (Grand Ave). It is a newly renovated facility that serves as a hub for more than 17 community centers as a vital part of the City of Orlando’s Families, Parks, & Recreation Department. We are honored to be part of this city-wide collaborative model to provide yearround recreational, environmental, and educational programs for more than 11,000 youth from low-income families across Orlando. We look forward to filling our dedicated space in Grand Ave with technology and resources for the members of our community who most need access to crucial educational experiences. Neighborhood Science programming will also serve a second location, Bradley and Clarence Otis Branch of the Boys & Girls Club beginning in September. STEM education programs in low-income communities are crucial to providing employment pathways and economic mobility. This high-impact, transformational project will amplify our efficacy by providing more frequent and long-term, authentic STEM learning experiences. Neighborhood Science will support afterschool programs and community centers identified by our community partners and local government officials as being in distressed communities that lack access to quality STEM experiences.
14 FALL 2022 AVAILABLE ONCE A MONTH! WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT, BREAK CAMPS ARE IN! Full-day programs are available for children in Preschool* –Grade 5. From robots and slime to critters and creations, engaging break camps give children a hands-on and fun way to spend their time off from school and explore the far reaches of STEM. Member pricing and multi-day discounts are available, but space is limited so register early! Learn more and register today at osc.org/break-camps. Homeschool Program for Grades K – 8 Homeschool students can enjoy the opportunity to safely engage with their peers and encounter STEM resources they may not have at home! Each course includes: • Standards-based Discovery Lab • Guided exhibit experiences led by a trained staff educator • Large-format educational films in the Dr. Phillips CineDome • Work samples for your student’s homeschool portfolio Register today at osc.org/homeschool *Preschool camps are only available for 5-day breaks. Preschool is a DCF licensed center C09OR0729. October 7 October 28 November 21 – 23 December 19 – 23 December 26 – 30 January 2 – 3 FALLSEPTEMBER202212 Engineering OCTOBER 3 Computer Science NOVEMBER 7 Physics DECEMBER 5 Biology
Aashi Mendpara was a volunteer at Orlando Science Center for five years, helping with everything from Summer Camps to special events, and eventually joining the Catalyst Cohort. She was also on the cover of our last issue of SCOPE magazine! “The Science Center showed me the power of STEM education and of letting children explore,” Aashi told us when we caught up this summer. “It’s so interesting to see how other people’s unique interests and passions develop, and that, in turn, has always inspired me to develop my own passions. The Science Center has given a lot of people the opportunity to explore things they would not have had the opportunity to do otherwise.”
Aashi was born and raised in Orlando and credits the Science Center as the one place she could explore anything she wanted. “People seem to think the Science Center is just a playroom, but it’s so much more than that,” she said. “I had the ability to explore without anyone stopping me and with tons of people supporting me.”
Aashi began her journey as a youth volunteer in Grade 8. She didn’t know that she was also beginning a lifelong love affair with STEM subjects. In Grade 10, Aashi founded GirlsGotSTEAM, a nonprofit that empowers girls and underprivileged youth through workshops, experimentation, and mentorship. “It was never really a plan to start a non-profit,” she joked. “Teachers really want to help their students, but they don’t always have the resources. A lot of online kits cost money. I wanted to help provide experiences to students who don’t have the convenience of the Science OneCenter.”ofthose experiences is mentorship, a subject that Aashi is extremely passionate about. She credits her success thus far to her mentors, a diverse group of Science Center peers, beloved teachers, and, of course, her parents. When Aashi reached Grade 11, her mentors encouraged her to join the Catalyst Cohort at the Science Center. The program was designed to help students develop skills in collaboration, public speaking, and project management. Though her experience was cut short due to the changes brought on by the pandemic, Aashi feels the Cohort helped her step out of her comfort zone. After high school, Aashi enrolled at Johns Hopkins University, where she is now pursuing a double major in Neuroscience (BS) and Medicine, Science, and the Humanities (BA). Aashi spent the summer in Baltimore for a research internship with the JHU Applied Physics Lab. Her team is training a machine learning algorithm to read electron microscopy images of a mouse’s visual cortex. The project is part of a larger, federally funded project that aims to reverse-engineer brain algorithms for artificial intelligence. The internship also deals with equitable education, another of Aashi’s passions. Moving forward, Aashi hopes to combine her STEM interests with the historical frameworks of activism and advocacy in medicine, placing special focus on the social determinants of health. While the future is still in flux, Aashi thinks back fondly on her past experiences with Orlando Science Center. “I don’t even know if I have the proper words to describe what an impact the Science Center had on me. I use the skills that I developed there every day at Hopkins. I use them when I’m working in Baltimore schools.”
AASHICOVERGIRLMENDPARA FUTURE WOMAN IN STEM
Aashi says she’ll talk about her time at the Science Center forever, and she encourages people to volunteer early. STEM has taught her that plans change, it’s okay to take chances on new things, and mistakes are inevitable. “Whatever you do, make sure you’re happy doing it,” she laughs. “I know that’s cliché, but everyone’s passions are so unique! They should take time to reflect on what they really enjoy. They might find interests they never thought they’d have.”
If you’re interested in supporting GirlsGotSTEAM, please reach out to info@girlsgotsteam.org.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
The second annual Science on Tap beer festival is right around the corner! Members get the best discounts, so reserve your tickets early and gain early access.
Live from Orlando, it’s Science Night DEAD! Enjoy everything you love about Orlando Science Center – without the kids! Our fanfavorite, adults-only night is getting all dressed up for Halloween, so join us for a scientific spooktacular! On top of checking out ghoulishly good guest speakers, guests can put their BrAiNsSs to the test with terrifyingly terrific trivia and community partners of mythical proportions! Food partners will have light bites and adult beverages available for purchase. Grab a drink and enjoy small-plate edibles while you listen to music and get your geek on! Bring your friends, or make a date night of it, and unleash your inner little monster at this unique experience that proves there’s no age limit on curiosity! Members receive complimentary admission while reservations last. General admission tickets are just $19, but spaces are limited so be sure to purchase tickets in advance! Must be 21+ to attend.
GUEST SPEAKER
Dr. Sandra Wheeler Associate Lecturer in Anthropology with the University of Central Florida: Anthropology of the Undead Mummies, Zombies, and Vampires
Learn about the long history and complex relationship that humans have had with the supernaturalnamely the undead. Focusing on mummies, zombies and vampires, we will examine how anthropology addresses key questions linked to the existence of the undead. Investigate why this topic is so popular today and how various cultures have tried to cope with the knowledge that one day, they too might become one of the undead.
Please be advised, this presentation contains graphic images that some viewers may find disturbing.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
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Tap into the science behind your favorite brews at Orlando Science Center’s second annual Science on Tap event happening January 21, 2023! This 21+ event features dozens of beer and craft brew tastings from some of the best breweries in Central Florida. Sip your way through interactive science demos, check out live music, challenge your friends in a game of cornhole or giant Jenga, and more! In between flights and fun, indulge in tasty treats available for purchase from some of our favorite local food trucks. Proceeds raised from this event enable Orlando Science Center to inspire science learning for life for everyone through engaging experiences that build important skills and illustrate the power of science to address real world challenges.
JANUARY 21, 2023
17 Meet the Mother-Son Duo
Corey Gray is the lead operator at LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory) and part of the group of researchers that confirmed the existence of Einsteins’ theory of gravitational waves – a major discovery for the fields of physics and Asastronomy.Gray,who is a member of the Siksika Nation of Alberta, Canada, began to think about how this news would spread around the world, he realized it would be translated into multiple languages. While it was assumed that it would be translated into widely spoken languages like French, Japanese and Mandarin, he thought about what it would mean to be translated into Native American languages like Blackfoot. He called his mom, Sharon Yellowfly, a fluent speaker in Blackfoot. She helped him write a press release detailing the news in their native language. Blackfoot traditionally has no words for many of these kinds of observations. This means that sometimes her act of translation was as simple as combining two words together, or establishing new terms altogether. For example, after hearing an astronomer describe the sound black holes make as a “chirp,” Yellowfly translated the term into biixiini_gi, or “bird singing.”
This fall, we launch Science Matters: Mythbusting Misinformation - the next in our series of programming to help foster science literacy for our guests and community. Science Matters is about helping our friends and neighbors understand the process of sorting through the sheer, overwhelming volume of information out there, thinking critically about the sources they’re trusting, and coming to educated conclusions of their own.
Translating Astrophysics Into Blackfoot
As part of this new initiative, we will have special programming in the building through the end of the year. You can also learn more about discerning valuable and trustworthy sources on our website. We look forward to expanding the Science Matters program in the future as we take a closer look at the everyday challenges we face as a society and explore how scientific processes can help us tackle them.
SCIENCE MATTERS
So now, whenever her son detects a strange force rippling in the fabric of spacetime, such as a gravitational wave or binary black hole, Sharon Yellowfly begins the delicate work of translating the vocabulary of his work —astrophysics—into her mother tongue. Check out this video to hear Sharon Yellowfly’s Blackfoot translation for yourself, and learn more about this passion project from Corey Gray. Over the past few years, Orlando Science Center has come to understand that our role in the community has grown beyond education and inspiration. It is our calling to promote science literacy and provide our community with the tools they need to think critically and discern accurate Ifinformation.youeverplayed the game of telephone as a kid, you already know that meaning can be lost through replication. Down the phone line, the message is garbled little by little, until the final spoken phrase makes very little sense. It’s a fun game for kids, but it illustrates a larger problem today. Just like the message in a game of telephone, scientific information can become garbled as it’s phrased and rephrased through the news cycle.
MYTHBUSTING MISINFORMATION
18 The Corporate Partnership Program was designed with your company’s philanthropic priorities in mind while supporting workforce development efforts in STEM education. This is a customizable sponsorship program that recognizes companies through hands-on exhibits, STEM programs and special fundraising events each year. As corporate partners, you are able to share access to Orlando Science Center with your employees and their families. CORPORATEPROGRAMPARTNERSHIP Get your company involved today! For more information, visit osc.org/corporate-giving. THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS!
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The programs you know and love at the Science Center would not be possible without the generous and ongoing support we receive from United Arts of Central Florida. United Arts serves as the one-stop shop for support and funding of the arts and culture community. They have invested over $170 million in the Central Florida community since their inception in 1989, and give over $8 million annually to over 75 arts, science, and history providers, including the Science Center! Thank you, United Arts of Central Florida, for your dedication to helping us be the spark that ignites innovation in our community!
Orlando Science Center is thrilled to host Earth Matters: Rethink the Future presented by VoLo Foundation January 22 to April 30, 2023. We welcome the opportunity to bring this thought-provoking and interactive exhibition to the Orlando Community to help visitors understand the changes occurring in our natural world and discover how we can rethink the future and combat climate change. This exhibit would not be possible without the generous support from VoLo Foundation. Their mission is to accelerate change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education, and improving health. The foundation’s vision is to empower people to develop a healthy and educated society while restoring the equilibrium of the planet. Thank you VoLo Foundation for helping share accurate, essential information about climate change with our community, including what individuals can do to positively impact the environment.
This year, generous support from the Duke Energy Foundation will assist in providing students in Grades 3 - 5, with a focus on Title I schools in Central Florida, the opportunity to experience impactful and engaging field trips to the Science Center with a focus on the engineering design process. The Duke Energy Foundation and Duke Energy Florida have awarded more than $641,000 in grants to 22 organizations to support a wide range of K-12 programs dedicated to energy and engineering education, as well as programs serving underrepresented, low-income and diverse students. The Duke Energy Foundation’s Powerful Communities program makes strategic investments to build powerful communities where our natural resources thrive, students can excel, and a talented workforce drives economic prosperity for all.
Construction has begun for Orlando Science Center’s brand-new exhibit Life! The exhibit will immerse visitors in three habitats to help them understand how fragile these ecosystems are, inspire them to form a personal connection with the animals that live there, and empower them to become stewards and protectors of our planet. This exhibit is possible thanks to generous support from contributors, including our long-time supporters at the A. Friends’ Foundation, founded by the Hubbard family in 1959. For over 30 years, the Hubbard Family has generously supported the Science Center and contributed over $1 million dollars in funding. As a nonprofit institution, Orlando Science Center relies on community support to be able to fulfill our mission to inspire science learning for life.
MARK YOUR CALENDARSSUPPORT
20 YOUR EMPLOYEES BENEFIT: • Tickets to the Science Center and special events • Engagement opportunities • Invitations to exclusive receptions and VIP events YOUR COMPANY BENEFITS: • Reach an annual audience of 600,000+ • Logo recognition and advertisements • Support of workforce development through STEM education • Plus much more! YOUR COMMUNITY BENEFITS: • Educational programs that bring STEM education to thousands across Central Florida • Development of new high-quality exhibits and experiences • Access for learners who experience OSC for free or reduced price • Increased youth participation from cradle to career INSPIRESCIENCE DISCOVERYIDEA EXPERIMENTHYPOTHESIS TECHNOLOGYINNOVATIONRESEARCH ACCESS FUTURE STEM IMPACTPHILANTHROPY COMMUNITY NATURE OBSERVATORY Orlando Science Center’s Corporate Partnership Program is a customizable sponsorship program designed with your company’s philanthropic priorities in mind. This unique opportunity allows your company to support many areas of our mission, including workforce development and STEM education, while receiving year-round recognition through our exhibits, programs, publications, and special events. INVEST IN THE FUTURE For more information, contact Nicholas Chapman, VP of Development at nchapman@osc.org or 407.514.2233.
21 Our Young Professionals have a passion for science, and a desire to make a positive impact. • Access to special events hosted by the Young Professionals • Invitations to annual fundraising events, exhibit openings, and VIP receptions • Free admission to Science Night Live events • Networking and professional development workshops • And much more! JOINING THIS GROUP PROVIDES: To secure your membership to the Young Professionals for Orlando Science Center visit osc.org/young-professionals and follow us for the most up to date information and events. Find out more about becoming a foster family. 1.866.90.CHILD LETEmbraceFamilies.org/fosterLOVEDEFINE family. Family (fam-uh-lee), noun A social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for.
May 27 – September 4, 2023 Humans' love story with man's best friend is a tail as old as time! Come sniff around to learn about where dogs came from and what makes our bond with them so special as you see, hear, smell and think like a dog! January 22 – April 30, 2023 Are you ready to explore our changing planet through a different lens, immerse yourself in incredible ecosystems, and learn how the smallest of actions can have a big impact on our natural world? DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE UPCOMING EXPERIENCES! Renew Early and Save 10% on Another Year of Membership! Check the expiration date on your Membership card to make sure it’s active through these exciting exhibit premieres. To renew early, go to osc.org/membership
