SPRING 2022
Fantastic skinks and where to find them pg.10
Reserve our iconic Observatory for NEW Private Experience pg. 18
Raise a glass while supporting your Science Center pg. 26
TOGETHER WE CAN CREATE A PATHWAY TO THE FUTURE. Your support through the United Arts Collaborative Campaign helps provide critical access to educational programming, meaningful experiences, and the opportunity for young minds to indulge their curiosity and creativity, turning their ideas into reality. Make a gift to Orlando Science Center today through the Collaborative Campaign and United Arts will make your support go even further with a 15% match! unitedarts.cc/osc
777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, Florida 32803 • 407.514.2000 • www.osc.org Orlando Science Center is a private, nonprofit educational facility.
President’s Message
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Science in Our Lives
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Otronicon Featuring Science Night Live 4–5 NEW! Science Fiction, Science Future 6 Films & Shows
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Calendar 8–9 Skinks Species Spotlight 10 Exhibit Updates
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Thank You Dr. Ying 12 Try This At Home! 14–15
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STEM Discovery Camps 16 Education Programs
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Limited Time Observatory Experience
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Mark Your Calendars 19 Support 20–23 Upcoming Exhibits 24 Weddings 25
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Our cover model Memphis is a Striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and is a Science Center Animal Ambassador!
NEW! Science on Tap 21+ Outdoor Event 26 Member Scrapbook
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There’s an OSC App for that! 28
Executive Editor JoAnn Newman Editor Jeff Stanford Contributing Writers Tori Carter, Nicholas Chapman, Aubrey Coats, Spencer Jones, James Kondrach, Megg Murphy, JoAnn Newman, Christina Schreiber, Jeff Stanford, Madison Szathmary, Helen Tillem Graphic Designer Kristie Hoover Photographer Roberto Gonzalez, Tori Wingerter 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. CONTACT INFORMATION Phone Number: 407.514.2000 | Website: www.osc.org | Story ideas and suggestions: oscmembership@osc.org Orlando 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. © 2021 Orlando Science Center. 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.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
TOMORROW’S VISIONARIES ARE TODAY’S CURIOUS CHILDREN Science Fiction, Science Future is our first traveling exhibit for the new year. It will amaze visitors with incredible hands-on experiences involving robots, invisibility, mind control, holograms, and augmented reality. Visitors will get a deeper understanding of how science fiction ideas and concepts can become the basis of tomorrow’s innovations. I am so excited to share this exhibit with you while it’s here. I know it will inspire some big ideas. Tomorrow’s visionaries start out as today’s curious children. A third grader captivated by our observatory could be enjoying the view firsthand from mars one day. A teen enthralled by the technology on display at our Otronicon event could create the next generation of virtual reality simulation. Such is the power of inspiration and, as you know, Orlando Science Center is in the inspiration business. Whether it’s an A-HA moment on the exhibit floor or the satisfaction of building a bridge out of straws that holds up under intense weight, these moments change us. They open the door to what is possible and give us courage to answer tomorrow’s questions. These transformative moments are why Orlando Science Center matters to our community. Our activities encourage skill-building to support this busy 21st century world. We promote critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and communication - the foundation of STEM learning. While the future offers unlimited possibilities, our youth must be prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. The world is becoming an incredibly competitive place. Opportunities at the Science Center help our kids get ready for jobs that don’t even exist yet. The Science Center can be a portal to higher learning, not just for our young people, but for everyone. The events of the past year have helped all of us to realize how essential science can be to our future, whether it’s creating vaccines, developing more sustainable energy or returning astronauts to space. Experiences at Orlando Science Center inspire curiosity, stimulate imaginations, and promote learning in a way that is engaging and understandable for all hungry minds. It’s the first step into a larger world. Sincerely,
PRESIDENT/CEO 2
SCIENCE IN OUR LIVES
VACCINATION EFFORTS CREATE COMMUNITIES FOR IMMUNITY With the rise of the Delta and Omicron variants, it’s clearer than ever that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the fabric of our everyday lives. Today is a critical time for scientists and educators across the globe to raise awareness about the importance of safety protocols and vaccines. Orlando Science Center has been doing its part to engage discussion and encourage discovery and lifelong learning. This year, we joined an initiative called Communities for Immunity, which is made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Through this program, we have been contributing to the important work of educating the Central Florida community about vaccinations and COVID-19. We started by doing our part to stop the spread of misinformation, providing research-based evidence on how COVID-19 vaccines work on our website and around the community. We placed billboards around the Central Florida region supporting the vaccine and encouraging all those who are eligible to do their part in stopping the spread of the virus.
At Orlando Science Center, it’s our mission to inspire science learning for life, and we take pride in knowing that this stands at the heart of everything we do. That’s why, during our vaccination events, we hosted demonstrations about the science behind vaccines. These presentations taught guests about how mRNA vaccines are developed, encouraging them to engineer their own solutions in hands-on challenges. Adults and children alike were invited to find ways to prevent a virus from connecting to a host, demonstrating the life-saving science behind vaccines. “Many children have a lot of questions, and it’s nice to be able to stand here and talk through those questions and make sure they understand what’s actually going on,” Director of Programs Jesse Zito said at the inaugural event. This past year, we’ve all seen firsthand the important role science plays in our collective health and safety. The Orlando Science Center is dedicated to encouraging curiosity about science and its role in our lives.
Through a partnership with the Orange County Office of the Florida Department of Health, we have also been hosting vaccination events. At these events, we helped deliver COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone eligible, second dose, or a booster shot. Guests who chose to be vaccinated at the Orlando Science Center received a complimentary ticket for general admission. It’s now more important than ever to inspire curiosity and science learning.
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SCIENCE FESTIVAL
February 18–21 Orlando’s Favorite Tech Expo and Science Festival
Moving Forward Together
Now held on President’s Day Weekend, Otronicon brings together some of the top minds in science and technology in the Central Florida region. As a celebration of innovation and lifelong learning, the festival serves as a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the best in STEM advancements. Join us to gain exclusive access to highly specialized surgical robots, contribute firsthand to the sustainability of coastal ecosystems, and test out the latest advancements in immersive virtual reality. Innovation is an ongoing process that never ends. Just as the engineering design process forms a circle with no beginning and no ending, innovation is constantly changing, improving, and morphing into something new and improved. It’s our goal that Otronicon will continue to evolve alongside the innovators we feature every year. As part of this goal, we’re excited to expand Otronicon into a community-wide science festival. Through Oviedobased O’Hoops, guests will be able to play basketball with robots - yes, you read that right! We’re thrilled to bring the community together to help teach people about the deep impacts that science and technology have on all our lives. Of course, it wouldn’t be Otronicon without hands-on interaction with the coolest tech around! Come learn from Disney engineers, programmers, animal educators, and more to discover how they help bring stories to life 4
during The World’s Most Magical Celebration of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. From thrilling rides and spectacular shows to wildlife encounters and environmental initiatives, see how the immersive experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort are made possible by utilizing science and technology in a wide variety of ways. Then explore a virtual nature park through the fully immersive CAVEs exhibit, thanks to the team at the University of Central Florida. Trekkies, if you’re imagining the holodeck, you’re on the right track. And if you’d rather deconstruct technology than interact with it, “Take it Apart” is your opportunity to take peek behind the curtain and see what goes on behind the screens. Community events prior to Otronicon will set the stage for engagement
and exploration on how technology is changing our lives. We’re also doing our part to amplify voice of groups that are historically underrepresented in STEM fields this year. We’ll have workshops hosted by Black Architects in the Making, the Society of Women Engineers and many others. Throughout Otronicon, we’re working to ensure that our spaces are accessible and welcoming. We’ll also host panel discussions on diversity in STEM and building inclusive communities in the science and technology sectors. We believe that we have a responsibility to inspire lifelong science learning for all people, regardless of their race, socioeconomic status, gender identity or physical abilities. Science is for everyone – and because science is for everyone, Otronicon has something for everyone.
the live-show enthusiast who happens to understand the physics of WeFlip’s acrobatic show, and even those curious newcomers to the world of science and technology. Otronicon is a place for everyone to come together to learn about and celebrate the incredible things that happen when people dare to think outside the box and push the boundaries of science and technology. Get your tickets now at osc.org/otronicon.
We welcome the future game-developer planning to wow the crowds at Powder Keg Games’ gaming competitions, the robotic mastermind coming to experience FIRST Robotics, the former OSC camper returning to relive the joys of summers at the center, the science fiction fan joining to experience their favorite tech in real life,
SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE IS BACK! Join us on Saturday, February 19 for our first Science Night Live in nearly two years! We’re delighted to bring back the fan-favorite, adults-only night at the Science Center as part of Otronicon this year. Take off with guest speaker Brendan Byrne of WMFE’s “Are We There Yet,” the out-of-this-world podcast that launches listeners into the world of space exploration. There’s no age-limit on curiosity, and whether it be a get-together of old friends or a fun date night out, Science Night Live is your chance to let out your inner child and experience the joy of science with fresh eyes. Get more details and tickets at www.osc.org
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
DR. SARAH LAYTON
College of Arts and Humanities | College of Sciences | CREATE (Center for Research and Education in Arts, Technology and Entertainment) Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy | School of Visual Arts & Design
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TRAVELING EXHIBIT: PREMIERING JANUARY 29
Presented By The Macauley and Helen Dow Whiting Foundation
THE FUTURE IS NOW! If you thought teleportation, holograms, invisibility and mind control were only in the movies - think again. Let your imagination run wild with the possibilities of the future in our latest exhibition, Science Fiction, Science Future, presented by The Macauley and Helen Dow Whiting Foundation, coming to the Orlando Science Center from January 29 to May 9, 2022. Created by the renowned Scitech in Perth, Australia and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Science Fiction, Science Future will allow you to move objects with your mind, disappear right before our eyes, interact with a robot that copies your movements and experience augmented reality in action. When you look back at iconic works of science fiction, they often predict the innovations of the future. Tablet computers, GPS, automatic doors and even biometric health data tracking
were all just figments of the imagination when they first appeared on Star Trek in the 1960s. Now, these are everyday technologies.Science Fiction, Science Future gives you the chance to explore the innovations that classic science fiction predicted for our future while you imagine what comes next. How long do you think it will take for robots to walk the streets with us? They already build our cars and explore space. You could predict the next great invention! In Science Fiction, Science Future you will also be able to draw and describe what you think houses, transportation and our planet will look like in the future – will we live on Mars, get around using jet-pack rockets, or have a robot cook our meals? It’s up to you to decide. Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine Exhibitions shared, “Imagine Exhibitions is proud to partner with Scitech to bring Science Fiction, Science Future to Orlando Science Center. It’s an exciting time in the modern world: robots vacuum our homes, act as personal butlers, and even do complex tasks like perform surgeries! Find out more about the science fiction predictions that could become realities next in this thought-provoking exhibition!” Make sure to check out Science Fiction, Science Future while it’s here at the Orlando Science Center to discover what technology isn’t just fiction anymore. The future is here, and it’s in your hands.
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This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).
FEATURED FILMS & SHOWS FILMS
GO ON A LARGER-THAN-LIFE ADVENTURE! DR. PHILLIPS CINEDOME Amazon Adventure Dream Big Into America’s Wild National Parks Adventure Superpower Dogs Turtle Odyssey LASER LIGHT SHOWS Black History Laser Tribute
Into America’s Wild Premieres February 16
Step off the beaten path and connect to your inner trailblazer with Into America’s Wild, narrated by Morgan Freeman. From the wilds of Alaska and the lush coastline of Oregon, to the ancient canyons of the Southwest and the rolling hills of the Appalachian Trail, this awe-inspiring film will immerse viewers in a cross-country journey to some of the most beautiful but little-known landscapes of North America.
DIGITAL ADVENTURE THEATER Dino Dana: The Movie 2D Into America’s Wild 2D Secrets of the Universe 2D Film schedule varies and is subject to change.
For upcoming film and show schedules, please visit osc.org/theaters
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CALENDAR
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
SELF CARE AWARE MONTH
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING MONTH
Start the New Year feeling happy & healthy by learning to connect to your mind and body. Join us as we focus on physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, and environmental self-care.
1 – 31
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1&2
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ALL MONTH LONG! Members Only Summer Camps Pre-Sale* SATURDAY New Year’s Day We’re Open! SATURDAY & SUNDAY Bank of America Weekend
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MONDAY Break Camps*
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TUESDAY Final Day: Dinos In Lights
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SATURDAY Kids Night at the Museum* (Ages 5 – 12) 6:00 – 10:00 pm
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MONDAY Break Camps*
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SATURDAY Science For All Celebration Day
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SATURDAY Science on Tap* Fundraiser (Ages 21+) Loch Haven Park 3:00 – 8:00 pm
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MONDAY Science Fiction, Science Future Exhibit Premieres
Let’s build a better future together! We’ll design, build, test, and explore all of the different ways technology and engineering can help make the world a better place.
5&6
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18 – 21
SATURDAY & SUNDAY Bank of America Weekend
MONDAY Grades K – 8 Homeschool Program*
FRIDAY – MONDAY Otronicon Science Festival
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SATURDAY Science Night Live Featuring Otronicon! (Ages 21+) 8:00 – 11:30 pm
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WEDNESDAY Unveil Wedding Showcase 6:00 – 8:00 pm
All events subject to change *Additional fee required
MARCH
APRIL
NATURE MONTH
SUPERHERO MONTH
Join us as we learn about the world around us, and how we can sustainably enjoy and preserve Florida’s natural environments for future generations.
Learn more about the science of superheroes and their amazing superpowers while discovering local community heroes and all the ways they help to keep us happy and safe.
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5&6
SATURDAY Kids Night at the Museum* (Ages 5 – 12) 6:00 – 10:00 pm
2&3
SATURDAY & SUNDAY Bank of America Weekend
2&3
SATURDAY & SUNDAY KidsTown Presents: Superhero Weekend
SATURDAY & SUNDAY Bank of America Weekend
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MONDAY Grades K – 8 Homeschool Program*
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FRIDAY Break Camps*
12 & 13
SATURDAY & SUNDAY Great Outdoors Weekend
14 – 18
MONDAY – FRIDAY Spring Break Camps*
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MONDAY Grades K – 8 Homeschool Program*
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SATURDAY Science Night Live (Ages 21+) 8:00 – 11:30 pm
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SUNDAY OSC is Closed
Drop your children off for a guided evening of exhibits, STEM activities, a pizza dinner, & more! Limited space so register today at osc.org/kids-night
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You can meet these magically unique reptiles at Orlando Science Center! Fantastic Beasts: Where to Find Them Say hello to our new and unique reptiles at Orlando Science Center — Gryffin, Puff, Raven, and Sly, four prehensile-tailed skinks who have found a new forever home. They don’t have their own broomsticks yet, so they flew to us via airplane all the way from California. They were confiscated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in a wildlife trafficking incident. Their bewitching good looks make this species a popular target for the pet trade. Gryffin, Raven, and Sly were collected in the Solomon Islands (located north of Australia) and illegally brought into the United States before being found by wildlife authorities. Following their rescue, Raven gave birth to Puff! These reptiles lay their eggs inside their body, and the young hatch within the parent’s body. A group of skinks is called a circulus and all of the adults in the circulus help to raise the baby. Puff seems to prefer spending most of their time with Sly, the other adult female. We are especially excited to watch Puff grow into an adult skink! When the skinks were first rescued, they were underweight and fighting off a parasite infection. They have been under the care of our animal experts, and we are happy to report that our veterinarian now deems them to be in excellent health! We are honored to provide a forever home and quality care to these big lizards with a big story! When you’re at the Science Center, ask a member of our team about when you can be introduced to these magically unique creatures during an animal meet and greet session. 10
NatureWorks is Evolving Frequently Asked Questions
Orlando Science Center is breathing new life into NatureWorks! Beginning soon, NatureWorks will be paws-ing operations to make way for LIFE, a new exhibit on nature and conservation premiering Summer 2023. We understand that you may have some questions about this transition so please read on to learn more! What is the meaning of LIFE? LIFE is an exciting new exhibit that will take guests on a journey through three unique habitats. Through handson activities and animal encounters, guests will learn how they can positively impact and protect life all around our changing planet.
Will there still be animal encounters during construction? Yes! The animals in our care will remain active ambassadors for the Science Center through animal encounter experiences and meet and greets around the building. We also have presentations and programs starring our animals so you can learn even more! Will the Cypress tree and swamp still exist? You won’t have to say “see you later” to our gators! Florida wildlife and environmental conservation are very important to the Science Center. The iconic swamp will be upgraded and be featured as one of three unique habitats in LIFE, which will include our gigantic and beloved Cypress tree plus some new features.
How long will it be under construction? Design and production of an all-new exhibit experience is a time-consuming process, and our team is working with world class exhibit designers to make sure this one-of-akind opportunity is just right. It will be about 18 months once NatureWorks goes offline before we premiere LIFE. Where will the animals go? While all our animal encounters happen on the exhibit floor, we have several areas behind the scenes where we care for our critters so none will be displaced during this transformation. A few of our friends are moving to new residences at partner zoos, aquariums, and science centers, but many of your favorite animal ambassadors will remain to help us engage and educate visitors.
Will LIFE introduce new animals? We feel the best way to tell the story of our changing world is through the animals that call it home. Get ready to make several new friends when LIFE premieres Summer 2023. Stay tuned for exciting updates to be unveiled along the way!
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SUPPORT
DR. NELSON YING SR. AND THE YING FAMILY FOUNDATION JOIN OSC’S MEDALLION SOCIETY Orlando Science Center would like to thank Dr. Nelson Ying Sr. and the Ying Family Foundation for becoming a member of our Medallion Society, an extraordinary group of our most generous supporters. Medallion Society members are leaders in philanthropy through cumulative lifetime giving of $1 million or more to help the Science Center continue our important work. A well-known scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist in our community, Dr. Ying, Sr. is no stranger to hard work and a dedication to big dreams. His parents arrived in New York’s Chinatown in 1955 after fleeing the Communist takeover in Shanghai with only $600 to their name. They became gift shop owners and entrepreneurs. From those humble beginnings, Dr. Ying Sr. went on to earn his Ph.D. in nuclear physics, and later served as Chairman of China Group, sponsor of the China Pavilion in EPCOT World Showcase for the Walt Disney Company. For more than 23 years, Dr. Ying Sr. has generously supported student-led scientific research that helps humanity through the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition at Orlando Science Center. This competition celebrates exemplary scientific research by Central Florida high school students from Orange, Seminole, Brevard, Lake, Osceola, Volusia, and Marion Counties. Projects submitted by students must have altruistic applications. Each year, students submit a written report on their research including the “next steps” to implement their project with the ultimate goal of benefiting humanity. Five finalists are chosen to present their research to a panel of judges that have included current and retired engineers, scientists, and educators from Lockheed Martin, Kennedy Space Center, The University of Central Florida, Rollins College, Orlando Science Center, the Ying Family and others. The Ying Family Foundation’s generous contribution includes a student winner’s cash prize of $5000 with an additional $1,000 awarded to their science teacher and another $1,000 donated to their school, all generously contributed by the Ying Family Foundation. Finalists also receive $1,000 trophies, and a luncheon. Dr. Ying Sr. aims to inspire tomorrow’s innovative science leaders by promoting their achievements and positioning them as role models for their younger peers. Winners of the prestigious Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition have included Collin McAliley, a two-time winner, from Brevard’s Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School who studied the effect of cysteine methyl esters 12
on the bioaccumulation of brevetoxin in Mercenaria Clams. His project aims to one day spare millions of species of marine life from the harmful effects of red tide, benefiting Florida’s fishing and tourism industries. Past winners have become Harvard graduates, NASA scientists, and recipients of prestigious prizes in the Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science, and Technology and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. By founding the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition and the Ying Family Foundation, Dr. Nelson Ying Sr. has dedicated his philanthropy toward STEM causes and inspiring tomorrow’s science leaders. “I have been privileged to have done my share in promoting STEM education,” he said. “I feel that STEM is the physical foundation of all human achievements, whereas altruism can be considered the spiritual foundation. Arts and sports and everything else while important, I feel they are the ‘icing on the cake.’ Without STEM and altruism, there would be no cake on which to apply the icing.” In addition to sponsoring exhibits and serving on the Science Center Board of Trustees, Dr. Ying, Sr. has been involved with STEM efforts throughout our community and beyond. He is the sponsor for the Dr. Nelson Ying Orange County Science Exposition and the sponsor for the Grand Awards for the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair. Other philanthropic endeavors include the Barbara Ying Center for International Students and Scholars at the University of Central Florida (in memory of his first wife who passed away in 1994); UCF’s Barbara Ying Center for Multilingual Multicultural Center; James and Annie Ying Academic Center at UCF’s Downtown Campus (in honor of Dr. Ying’s parents), UCF’s James and Annie Ying Eminent Scholar Position in Conservation Biology, Dr. Nelson Ying Center (home of Heart of Florida United Way - HFUW), Patricia Ying’s Gift-inkind-international Pavilion (donated to HFUW to commemorate his marriage to his second wife in lieu of a fancy wedding party). We thank Dr. Ying, Sr. and the Ying Family for their longtime support and dedication to Orlando Science Center. His passion and generosity have strengthened our mission and have a lasting impact on STEM education. Through the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition and Ying Family Foundation, now led by Nelson Ying Jr., the Ying Family continues to inspire young people to become good role models and successful world changers by celebrating their dedication to science and learning.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM From hands-on learning experiences to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders and building a strong future workforce, so much of what our community experiences and benefits through Orlando Science Center is made possible by the generosity of these corporations.
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS!
For more information on becoming a Corporate Partner, please call 407.514.2233
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RECOMMENDE D FOR AGES
TRY THIS AT HOME
Draw two tree shapes onto cardboard and cut them out. You can create a paper template to trace if you want.
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5+
Using a ruler draw a line down the center of each tree.
Carefully snip branches along the edges of each tree. Using the center line as a guide, cut a slit into the top of one tree and the bottom of the other.
We are ecstatic to announce Orlando Science Center is one of 27 museums to receive a Gender Equality Grant from the IF/THEN® Collection. This collaborative collection is the largest free resource of its kind dedicated to increasing access to authentic and relatable images of real women in STEM. Thanks to their generosity, you can try this exciting activity and learn more about the featured scientist!
Using the slits as a guide, slide the trees into place. Bend branches slightly.
If you’d like your crystals to be colored instead of white, drop food coloring directly onto the branches. Do this over a bowl to catch the drips.
Mix salt, water, and Mrs. Stewart’s Liquid Bluing in a shallow bowl. Place tree inside. Wait 24-48 hours to see your tree begin to sprout.
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Orlando Science Center
STEM Camps! BREAK CAMPS From space to spies, from bots to boogers, Orlando Science Center’s school break camps offer campers a hands-on, out-ofthis-world atmosphere to explore the far reaches of STEM. Camps are offered for Kindergarten through Grade 5. Member pricing as well as multi-day discounts are available so you can save on science! Learn about upcoming themes and register at osc.org/break-camps.
SUMMER CAMPS Keep learning all summer long at exciting STEM camps for Preschool* through Grade 9, with topics like chemistry, engineering, nature, and many more! Download the Summer Camps Guide to get a sneak peek at our camp themes that are so engaging, your camper won’t even realize they’re learning! Make sure your membership is active through your preferred camp dates so you can participate in the Member Pre-Sale! Learn more at osc.org/summer-camps. 16
Upcoming Dates: January 3 January 17 March 11 March 14 –18
Member Pre-Sale January 1–31, 2022 Get your best discount on camps all year and sign up before they go on sale to the general public! *Preschool is a DCF licensed center C09OR0729.
STEM starts here! Our trained preschool educators guide 3 – 5 year-old children as they build critical 21st century skills in a fun and safe environment.
Now enrolling for 2022 Summer Camps and 2022 – 2023 School Year Children benefit from a developmentally appropriate learning space with hands-on STEM activities, skill-building centers, and exhibit experiences within the Science Center. Contact the Preschool Office at 407.514.2166 or visit osc.org/preschool for more information.
Due to limited availability, please act now to guarantee a space for your child. Licensed by the Department of Children and Families • Childcare Center C09OR0729 Voluntary PreKindergarten Provider (VPK)
Homeschool Program for Grades K – 8 Our monthly homeschool program exposes students in Grades K – 8 to a variety of topics, offering them the opportunity to engage with their peers and encounter resources they may not have at home! EACH COURSE INCLUDES: • Standards-based Discovery Lab • Exhibit experiences led by an OSC Educator
DISCOVERY LAB THEMES: FEBRUARY 7: Aerospace Engineering
• Large-format educational films
MARCH 7: Environmental Science
• Work samples for your student’s homeschool portfolio
APRIL 4: Renewable Energy
• Take-home extension lessons to further scientific exploration
MAY 2: Chemistry
For more details, including pricing and registration, visit osc.org/homeschool
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OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM
PRIVATE EXPERIENCES
Get an out-of-this-world experience right here in Central Florida!
Observatory & Planetarium NEW!
Get an out-of-this-world experience right here in Central Florida!
Spend an evening amongst the stars with a private experience in Orlando Science Center’s iconic observatory & planetarium! Begin your journey through the galaxy with an up-close look at the constellations with a dazzling planetarium show. The inflatable dome takes you on an immersive tour through space and time using a digital projection system to view stars, constellations and planets. Then, make your way to the observatory and learn about different types of telescopes and how they work as you explore the Orlando skyline to the night sky and beyond with our resident space-enthusiasts!
NOW THROUGH MARCH 5 Offered 8:30 pm or 9:45 pm Fridays & Saturdays* * Reservations can only be made 2 weeks in advance.
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To get prices, more info or make a reservation, please visit osc.org/private-experiences
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
JANUARY 22 Orlando Science Center is teaming up with community partners to celebrate diversity, history, and culture in STEM. Meet some of the local organizations that are making a difference right here in Central Florida. Join us for engaging workshops, guest presentations, and more!
MARCH 12 & 13 Discover the unbe-leaf-able natural wonders all around us during Great Outdoors Weekend! Become one with nature as you meet extraordinary wildlife, participate in paw-some workshops, and experience the outdoors through wild challenges. Unleash your wild side!
APRIL 2 & 3 KidsTown is transforming into a mighty superhero metropolis for Superhero Weekend to celebrate all heroes, big and small! Assemble your team and learn what it takes to be an everyday superhero at home and in the community. Swoop on in with your capes and other family-friendly costumes for this event!
OSC.ORG/CALENDAR
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SUPPORT
Creating a Tomorrow of Endless Possibilities for the Next Generation of STEM Talent Classrooms this year are buzzing again with students, and the energy and enthusiasm of future scientists, doctors and archaeologists is infectious. We feel that energy when they visit the Science Center, turning their curiosity for all things science into play and fun. It is exactly what we’re here for! And we are so thrilled to have them back! Today’s students will be marked in history as the generation that experienced firsthand the global pandemic and its impacts, but they will also be remembered for their resilience and their ability to turn challenging experiences into innovations that make the world better. Orlando is fortunate to have one of the fastest-growing STEM job markets in the United States. As our global economy grows with new technology and increasing automation, the Science Center is working to inspire and prepare the next generation for jobs in industries that might not even exist yet. By offering exhibits, workshops and other events that keep in the FUN in the fundamentals of STEM, we amplify what parents and schools are teaching. But it’s just as important to prepare for the financial aspects of a child’s postsecondary education. As a Corporate Partner of Orlando Science Center, Florida Prepaid is helping to build the future STEM talent pipeline by helping families start saving early for college expenses. No matter how uncertain some aspects of tomorrow can seem, Florida Prepaid College Plans offer a guaranteed, secure way to lock in the cost of college for less. With a Prepaid Plan, families don’t have to worry about the ups and downs of the stock market or rising college costs — that’s on Florida Prepaid to manage.
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Today’s kindergartners are tomorrow’s scientists, researchers and mechanical engineers – all of them fortunate to be growing up amid a period of high demand for their talent and enthusiasm. Orlando in particular is poised to grow by leaps and bounds during this industrial revolution. The Orlando Economic Partnership anticipates there will be a significant demand for more jobs, and for jobs that pay more. By 2030, Orlando is projected to create between 254,000 and 482,000 new jobs. K-12 and postsecondary education is a key component to ensure today’s grade schoolers are ready to take on those jobs. By planning early for college, your family can find a way to save that meets your budget and goals. Florida Prepaid, the largest and longest-running prepaid college program in the nation, allows you to lock in the cost of college and save, stress and risk-free. Together with Florida Prepaid, Orlando Science Center strives to create a tomorrow of endless possibilities for the next generation. We thank Florida Prepaid for their generous support of our STEM learning experiences and look forward to the incredible achievements that participating students will accomplish in the future! To learn more about how to save for college with Florida Prepaid, go to myfloridaprepaid.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS SUPPORT
We are proud to have received a Communities for Immunity award supporting our work promoting vaccine confidence in Central Florida. This award supported vaccine awareness and education efforts like billboards, pop-up vaccination events and informative presentations and activities on how vaccines work. Communities for Immunity is made possible with support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Institute of Museum and Library Services and is led by the Association of Science and Technology Centers and the American Alliance of Museums. Thank you, Communities for Immunity for helping us to use science to better understand our world and keep our community safe.
Orlando Science Center would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the Chesley G. Magruder Foundation for their generous support. The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation helped immensely to ensure the Science Center remained an essential community resource during the early days of the pandemic. Orlando Science Center’s commitment to our community has only strengthened during this time as we have continued to adapt to meet the evolving STEM learning needs of students and families across the region. Our work was made possible thanks to this foundation’s trust and support.
Thank you to the LEGO Group for supporting Orlando Science Center’s outreach efforts. The LEGO Group works to inspire and develop children through play in countries where their employees live and work. This program aims to promote playful learning activities that develop essential life-long skills such as creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration and engagement. Funding from the LEGO Group will directly support the Science Center’s community outreach efforts, offering high quality STEM programs to all. Inclusion, diversity, equity and access are Orlando Science Center’s guiding principles, and these funds will ensure all children have equal access to STEM learning opportunities. We want to be the spark that ignites curiosity and creativity in all students.
We are so grateful for the Florida Blue Foundation’s generous contribution to support year-long programming in the Food Heroes exhibit. Programming will include workshops, presentations, and demonstrations that will help expose visitors to a vast variety of foodrelated topics and inform guests how they can impact their own health and the world around them through simple lifestyle changes. Thanks to the support of the Florida Blue Foundation, programming will educate the community about the connection between food choices and individual health and how fostering a sustainable, community-based food system has a lasting effect on the overall health and wellbeing of our community. 21
SUPPORT
Lockheed Martin Leads the Way for Future Success with Catalyst One of the greatest obstacles for the US as a leader in innovation and technology is an underdeveloped workforce. With major skills gaps and a looming shortage of skilled STEM professionals, manufacturers and technology companies are facing an unprecedented challenge. Director of the National Science Foundation Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan calls this shortage the “missing millions” – representing a large number of diverse people with a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds who are capable of succeeding in science but lack accessible pathways into STEM. Engaging learners early in life to build a viable entry into STEM careers is critical to the US remaining a leader in science and technology into the future. Companies like Lockheed Martin are on the forefront of tackling this huge challenge by supporting workforce development and readiness programs like Orlando Science Center’s Catalyst program for young learners.
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Catalyst encourages and develops interest in STEM careers and helps to build the skills and resources necessary to be successful. Catalyst gives students an opportunity to gain meaningful experience and insight on STEM career opportunities and build critical 21st century skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. Catalyst students are better prepared to meet the needs of our community and succeed in their higher academic and career pursuits. With approximately 114,000 employees across the globe, Lockheed Martin is committed to fostering the development of the talent pipeline in high school and beyond to ensure continued innovation and success. We are so thankful for Lockheed Martin’s generous support of Catalyst, ensuring that every youth has a chance to learn, dream, explore, and imagine what they can become.
STEM
NATURE
SCIENCE DISCOVERY PHILANTHROPY IDEA
TECHNOLOGY
FUTURE
INNOVATION
RESEARCH
ACCESS EXPERIMENTHYPOTHESIS
COMMUNITY
OBSERVATORY
INSPIRE
IMPACT
INVEST IN THE FUTURE Orlando Science Center’s Corporate Partnership Program is a customizable sponsorship program designed with your company’s philanthropic priorities in mind. This unique program 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.
YOUR EMPLOYEES BENEFIT: • Tickets to the Science Center and special events • Engagement and volunteer 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 23
For more information, contact Nicholas Chapman, Director of Development at nchapman@osc.org or 407.514.2233.
UPCOMING EXHIBITS
PRESENTED BY:
May 21 – September 5, 2022 Explore the inventive and ingenious medical and industrial breakthroughs that have helped humans overcome difficulties, enhance their lives, and change the world.
October 8, 2022 – January 8, 2023 Gather your pit crew and race in to learn about the science of speed! 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. ©2021 Mattel. All Rights Reserved.
– January 22 – April 30, 2023 Planes, and trains, and rockets, oh my! Buckle up and explore the technology behind the different modes of transportation that carry humans to the farthest reaches of the world.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE UPCOMING EXPERIENCES! Renew Early and Save 10% on Another Year of Membership! 24
Make sure your Membership is active for these exciting exhibit premieres by checking the expiration date on your card! Remember, you can save 10% if you renew before your expiration date. To renew early, go to osc.org/membership
Dine with the Dinosaurs, Dance Under the Stars, Celebrate with Orlando Science Center. 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. www.osc.org/weddings
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JANUARY 29 LOCH HAVEN PARK | 3:00 – 8:00 PM Craft beer connoisseurs 21+ are invited to hop(s) in for an evening of brews, food, and science while supporting a good cause!
or giant Jenga, and more! Don’t forget to take a break, and enjoy a few of our favorite local food trucks offering some tasty treats available for purchase.
Whether you’re a stout drinker, an IPA aficionado or a cider sipper, sample over 150 brews from local breweries during this all-new fundraising event. Sip your way through interactive science demos, check out live music, challenge your friends in a game of cornhole
Proceeds from this event enable Orlando Science Center to inspire science learning for life for everyone. By attending Science on Tap, you support the creation of experiences that build important skills and illustrate the power of science to address real world challenges.
150+ DIFFERENT BEERS!
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VIP and Member tickets get early access! Get yours now at osc.org/science-on-tap
Member Scrapbook We love to see our #OSCMembers enjoying our exhibits and programs! For a chance to be featured in the next Member Scrapbook, join our Facebook Community and share your picture-perfect poses!
ting It’s no trick, interac is with little learners for always a sweet treat s. er te lun vo our staff and
ad a b ers h m e M ti m e OSC g ood g n i nly RAWR ber- o m e m otons at o u r s & Pr n i k p Pu m Party!
With great science comes great responsibility.
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CALLING ALL OSC MEMBERS
Download the OSC Member App Today! This convenience for our members means your Membership Card is available digitally whenever you need it! Making reservations is a breeze and you can find the latest OSC news and updates right at your fingertips! In the Google Play store or Apple store, search “OSC Members” to download the Orlando Science Center Member App. Once you have downloaded and opened the app, tap in the top right, and log in using the same email address you gave us at the time of purchase, which is the primary email on your account.
Enhance Your Visit with the OSC App! Download the FREE App to Your Phone Today The official Orlando Science Center App allows you to unlock unique content and hidden experiences throughout our exhibit halls. Content is updated regularly so you can explore and learn something new every time you’re here! Search “Orlando Science Center” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or click the corresponding links below.
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