S U M M ER 2020
SAVE 20% WITH BULK MEMBERSHIPS
STEP 1
STEP 2
Find ten or more friends who like to save
Download Bulk Bulk Membership Membership Application at osc.org/bulk and distribute distribute to your group osc.org/bulk and
STEP 3
STEP 4
Collect applications and payments
Submit all applications with payment to Member Relations at OSC
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Once your payment has been processed, your membership is active and your year of fun has begun! You can visit Orlando Science Center by showing your photo ID upon arrival. Within 4 weeks you will receive your Membership Cards and your Member Guest Passes in the mail. As a thank you for your hard work and support, Bulk Leaders who turn in 15 or more applications with payment will receive a complimentary membership for themselves! Email OSCMembership@osc.org for more information!
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
2
Science in Our Lives
3
Science For All
4
Stellar Wine Cellar 5 Monthly Themes 6 Message from a Macaw Try This at Home!
6 11
12
16
7 8-9
Honoring Dr. Peter Pritchard
10
Tips for Amateur Astronomers
11
STEM Summer Camps
7
12 - 15
Book Your Special Event 16 STEM Day at the Capitol 17 Support
18 - 19
Volunteers 20 Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition 21 Member Scrapbook
22 - 23
17
Executive Editor JoAnn Newman Co-Editors Jennine Moser, Jeff Stanford Contributing Writers Stephanie Burk, Aubrey Coats,Tori Everroad, Dr. Stacy Kelley, Spencer Jones, Jennine Moser, JoAnn Newman, Lisa Robbins, Shelley
Rodgers, Jeff Stanford, Hazel Theriault, Helen Tillem, Nona Tyler Photographers Adrian Hernandez, Aubrey Coats, Julie Fletcher, Roberto Gonzalez, Lauren Mitchell, Courtney Shapiro, SB Vision Wedding,
Rudy & Marta Photography, Steph Owens Photography Graphic Designers Kristie Hoover, Eric Vickers 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. © 2020 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
Dear Friends, The past few months have seen some very challenging days. I hope you and your loved ones are safe and sound. Orlando Science Center closed its doors to the public on March 16 as a precaution in the interests of public health. We have had to make difficult decisions over the last few months, and we did what we could to support our families, our team and our community. Now more than ever, we believe it is important to continue serving our community. Orlando Science Center is currently closed, but we are hopeful that we will see all of you again very soon. While we’ve been closed, our team prepared activities to engage and educate you online.We produced original content and recommended activities from peer museums and trusted sources for you to enjoy. And, at the beginning of April, we were able to re-engage our preschool students and their families with online learning.You and so many others have connected with us on social media, web and email.We have shared activities, fun facts and photos of our animal ambassadors to ignite your curiosity and make you smile. I encourage you to continue following us on social media for high-quality content. This pandemic forced the postponement and rescheduling of multiple events at the Science Center, including special programs, our preschool, fundraisers, weddings, corporate events and the upcoming blockbuster exhibition, Pompeii: The Immortal City. Orlando Science Center is dedicated to bringing Pompeii to our community and is working with the exhibitor to secure a revised opening date. We will share a new schedule as soon as it is confirmed. Please know that we are committed to holding camps this summer and they will be able to proceed even if the building is not yet open to the public. Our team has worked with the American Camp Association and their CDC liaisons on a safety plan to help us provide a safe and high quality experience .to design a high quality health and safety plan to support campers and staff. In addition, we are developing a virtual option for those campers who can’t make it to the Science Center. Orlando Science Center is here to support our community’s families, now and always. Our organization is more than just a building in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park. We are a community of passionate individuals dedicated to inspiring science learning for life. And that includes each of you, your loved ones and our entire community of students, teachers, families and curious minds of all ages.Together, we explore and share how science can solve some of our most complex problems and create endless possibilities for knowledge, success and hope. Thank you so much for your continued trust and support. Sincerely,
PRESIDENT/CEO 2
SUMMER 2020
SCIENCE IN OUR LIVES
Bringing OSC to You For over half a century, Orlando Science Center has been a vital resource in our community for learning, engagement, and discovery. We take that responsibility seriously, always challenging our staff to create and bring in major exhibitions, quality live science demonstrations, engaging curriculum, and learning opportunities that educators can bring back to their classrooms. Even though we had to close to the public, we wanted to ensure that we are delivering our mission to inspire science learning for life to curious minds everywhere, wherever they may be staying safe. During these uncertain times, it is our pleasure to adapt quality Orlando Science Center experiences to engage with everyone, even if they can’t be with us in person. Enter OSC at Home – a collection of experiments, activities, educational films, and partner resources that home scientists and tinkerers can explore and use to get inspired! Whether your goal is to learn something new, combat boredom, or chase away the blues, your Orlando Science Center is here to help you create some amazing experiences, full of discovery and learning. Some activities are simple kitchen chemistry experiments like DIY rock candy or maker projects designed to repurpose that mountain of cardboard you accumulated from recent home deliveries. Ultimately, we hope that you will share and use these resources in your home. Please know that we are always thinking of you, especially in these trying times.
Orlando Science Center continues to be available to engage our community with informal science education. If you haven’t already, please visit osc.org/at-home and check out some of these activities for yourself. If you happen to snap some "science selfies" of you and your loved ones while performing these experiments, please share them with us by submitting them on our website at osc.org/science-showcase or tagging us using #OSCatHome on social media.We would love to see them!
"I am always looking for activities my preschoolers will love, and was ecstatic after getting an email from OSC with this rock candy experiment! I had made these myself as a child, and it was so special making them again with my own children.The instructions were clear and this experiment was very easy to follow! We can’t wait to try another Orlando Science Center project!" – Lisa Vaxmonsky, @modernalternativemom
WWW.OSC.ORG
OSC.ORG/AT-HOME
3
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL BY INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY Our organization began as a group of passionate and talented individuals in Central Florida who came together to provide dynamic science education in local schools. From a “museum on the move,” to finding a permanent home in Loch Haven Cultural Park, our mission has remained the same: Inspire Science Learning for Life. But who, you may ask, are we intending to inspire? The young, or the young at heart? The knowledgeable, or the knowledge-seekers? The scientists of today, or the pioneers of tomorrow? The answer, perhaps unsurprisingly, is all of the above. History has shown time and time again that potential is not limited by age, socio-economic status, race, gender, or zip code. In fact, diversity and inclusion in the field of scientific discovery is critical for varied and unbiased perspectives, specializations, and ultimately progress. One program encouraging under-represented audiences to engage in hands-on science education is Orlando Science Center’s “Science For All” Membership.Through this initiative, qualifying families who would not otherwise have the opportunity to visit can become OSC Members at a significantly reduced price. Since 2013, the Science Center has strived to increase accessibility through this Membership opportunity.Through community outreach, partnerships with local leaders, and constructive feedback from participants, Science For All has evolved into a wildly successful offering and we are thrilled to have more than 1,000 member families, collectively including nearly 3,000 children who have unlimited access to high-quality STEM experiences. This initiative has allowed us to reach new audiences, who are now choosing to spend their precious family time engaging in unique educational programs. Every day, we have the privilege of welcoming first-time visitors, and seeing them having fun learning and unlocking their potential. You can make a difference to a family in need by supporting the Science For All program.Your donation provides access for families to spend quality time together at the Science Center, and could spark a child’s lifelong interest in science! Click here to support Science For All today. 4
SUMMER 2020
Stories from Participants “I love everything about our membership. Please continue this program. I have watched my daughter grow in so many ways from her exposure to the OSC.” “Thank you for allowing my family to experience this wonderful learning environment. I am currently in school now and my family’s income has been cut in half. Financially this membership just would not have been possible for my children without the Science for All Program. Again, I say Thank you for enriching my children’s minds and building on the theories that my children and I are currently learning in school!” “We greatly appreciated the opportunity to share the science center as a family. As a lower income family of four without the scholarship we would’ve not been able to attend all the fun and exciting events and exhibits we did. My children were learning without even knowing it and as a parent I strive to expose them to the expanses of the world around them. We sincerely appreciate the science center for giving us the opportunity to do so.” “I will be forever grateful for our scholarship this year as it has enabled my children to enjoy science in a way that is unparalleled to any other science exposure. They treated a trip to the OSC the same as a trip to any theme park! Thank you for making science fun, thank you for having amazing staff, thank you for having incredible exhibits. Nothing compares to the OSC!”
Make a donation of $125 or more and have a thank you package delivered directly to your door with wine and a virtual toolkit to create the ultimate online wine party. Learn More
Membership Expiration Updates We appreciate and value every visitor who walks down our bridge, but it is our Members who make OSC feel like home. We want to reassure all of our Members that we will be offering extended expiration dates. This change will happen automatically, and your new expiration date will be communicated via email once we re-open. Due to the impact of COVID-19, Pompeii: The Immortal City is unable to premiere on June 6 and we will let you know when a revised opening date is confirmed. The simplest way for you, our valued Members, to support your Science Center is by renewing your membership or using your 10% discount to purchase a Gift Membership for a friend. Please log into your account to renew or gift a membership today by visiting osc.org/myaccount. We’re so thankful for your continued support. We miss you, and can’t wait to see you all again. WWW.OSC.ORG
5
MONTHLY THEMES
MAY We're celebrating how making creative messes can help us to develop our STEAM skills! Explore the sensory side of science with gooey, sticky, colorful, and slimy experiments on our OSC at Home page.
JUNE Maker skills empower us to improve our community and create amazing things. Celebrate the hands-on skills that bring science into your creative projects. Our team from The Hive: A Makerspace presented by The Isaacs Family will share their favorite projects and how-to's on our blog!
JULY Space exploration is one of humankind’s greatest achievements, so we’re celebrating space all month long! Explore the galaxy through science as we teach you how to stargaze like a pro, how robots roam on Mars, and more!
Paleontology Month 6
AUGUST Learning about the past can give us answers about our present and even our future! Explore paleontology and anthropology all month long as we learn about plant and animal fossils, ancient artifacts, and the distant past of Florida and beyond.
SUMMER 2020
OSC.ORG/CALENDAR
IT’S YOUR BEST FRIEND CAPTAIN HERE! A lot has happened in the world lately. I’m reaching out to you today because I miss you!
Orlando Science Center cares so much about me, our community, and our whole world. As you may know, for our safety, we have made the decision to close for the time being. While I definitely miss seeing your happy faces and the cheerful squeals you make when we meet, I know this is for the best. My friends and caretakers in NatureWorks still visit each and every day and are taking such great care of me. You are amazing. I’m always so happy when you buy a ticket to visit, or an annual membership to visit even more. Sometimes you give donations because you believe in me and my Science Center. Wow, that’s the best! All of these contributions give me the opportunity to educate you and your families and share the many ways that you can make a difference in our big, beautiful world. As a nonprofit, we couldn’t do it without you! I, along with all my friends at Orlando Science Center, are asking you to consider supporting our operating fund that helps my 350 animal friends and our staff who call Orlando Science Center home. I do hope you’ll join us. After all, we have a lot of work left to do together! I look forward to seeing you all again very soon. With all my love,
LINK GOES HERE OSC.ORG/SUPPORT
WWW.OSC.ORG
7
TRY THIS AT HOME RECOMMENDE D FOR AGES
Ice Chalk DIY Recipe:
5+
A Frozen Sensory Sidewalk Art Project Sidewalk chalk is cool but ice chalk is even cooler, literally! Start in the kitchen concocting your chalk paintsicles, then, when they're ready, head outside and get to painting your pavement! Let your worries about keeping children occupied melt away with this sensory outdoor activity. Using simple supplies you may already have in your kitchen, you can create batches of ice chalk to keep busy! In the event that you're using your ice chalk on a hot day, a paintbrush can extend the life of your activity! Once the ice chalk has melted, just switch from drawing to painting.
MATE RI A LS • • • •
¼ cup corn starch ¼ cup baking soda ½ cup water Mixing bowl
• Ice cube tray or freezable mold • Vinegar • Spray bottle(s)
*WARNING: Food coloring is edible but can stain! Either way, mess-friendly play clothes are recommended for this activity!
8
SUMMER 2020
• Food coloring or washable paint such as liquid watercolor or tempera paint* • Optional: Paintbrush
DIRE C T I ONS: 1. Mix ¼ cup of corn starch and ¼ cup of baking soda together in a mixing bowl. 2. Pour ½ cup water into the mixing bowl and stir until the corn starch and baking soda dissolve. 3. Drop several drops of food coloring into each section of your ice tray.
Step 2
4. Carefully pour your mixture into your ice tray, filling up each cube about ¾ of the way full. 5. Gently mix each cube in your ice tray so the color is evenly distributed.You can use a toothpick, fork, or popsicle stick for this step. Remember to use a clean utensil for each new color! 6. Chill your ice chalk in the freezer for 3-5 hours. 7. Carefully remove your chilled chalk from the ice tray, take it outside, and enjoy! Step 3
8. As your chalk melts, use a spray bottle to squirt vinegar onto your creations and watch them fizz!
Encourage your artist to answer these questions! • How does it feel to draw with your ice chalk? • How is coloring with your DIY chalk different from coloring with “regular” chalk? How is it the same? • What do you notice about the chalk as it melts? Can you describe it?
Step 5
• As your chalk melts, do you see any colors mixing? What new colors do you see? • What do you notice when you spray vinegar on your chalk creations? What do you see, hear, and smell?
We would love to see your masterpieces! Snap a photo and submit it to our Science Showcase here or use #OSCatHome on social media!
WWW.OSC.ORG
9
Step 6
IN MEMORIAM
IN MEMORIAM: DR. PETER PRITCHARD Orlando Science Center mourns the loss of our friend, Dr. Peter Pritchard, who passed away earlier this year. He was born in England, raised in Northern Ireland, and relocated to Florida in 1965. He was the founder and director of the Chelonian Research Institute in Oviedo, but was best known as one of the world’s preeminent authorities on the biology and conservation of turtles and tortoises. He was an adjunct professor of biology at Florida Atlantic University and at the University of Central Florida and appeared as a guest lecturer around the world, speaking on topics ranging from turtles and tortoises to endangered species conservation. He was a renowned wildlife photographer and his work was exhibited at the United Nations and appeared in National Geographic, Audubon, and numerous textbooks and coffee table books. His tireless work on behalf of the world’s turtles and tortoises took him to over 100 countries. Four turtle species have been named after him. Pritchard is credited with saving the Kemp’s Ridley species of turtles in Mexico. The Discovery Channel recognized him as “Champion of the Wild,” TIME magazine named him a “Hero of the Planet,” and he has been declared “Floridian of the Year” by Orlando Sentinel. Pritchard was the recipient of theTurtle Conservancy’s Conservation Achievement Award, the Sea Turtle
10
SUMMER 2020
Society’s Kemp’s Ridley Research Award, and the prestigious John Behler Award for turtle conservation. “Chimpanzees have Jane Goodall. Mountain gorillas had the late Dian Fossey. And the world’s turtles and tortoises have Dr. Peter Pritchard,” Anthropologist and Author Craig B. Stanford wrote in his book, The Last Tortoise. In 2017, he was honored at Orlando Science Center’s Inspiring Innovation Gala and proceeds from the event were used to establish a fellowship in his name at the Science Center. The Pritchard Scholars are a select group of students and their internship at Orlando Science Center prepares them for a career in conservation so that Pritchard’s legacy lives on in future generations. June 26, 1943 Feb. 25, 2020
Top 5 Tips to Begin a Stargazing Hobby Do you ever find yourself peering at the shiny, shimmering, splendid night sky? Do you want to learn more about what cosmos and constellations are above? Astronomy can be an expensive hobby, but the good news is you don’t need a telescope to enjoy the night sky! Our space experts at Orlando Science Center have compiled their best, cost-effective stargazing tips for beginners, so you can enjoy the stars above this summer!
1. Download a Star Finder App
so we can see the sky in more detail. You can also change the display on your phone to a red light mode so that you can use your device without sacrificing visibility.
3. Bring Chairs and Blankets If you are going to be trekking to a dark area to stargaze, you may want to stay a while. So why not be comfortable? Make sure to bring some folding chairs or blankets so you can sit back and watch the mesmerizing sky for hours.
If you are unfamiliar with navigating the night sky, there’s an app for that! Several options are available for both iOS and Android like Star Walk, Sky Guide, or even Google Sky Map. If you are serious about learning the sky, you may also want to consider printing out some star maps and learning how to navigate by hand. You’ll be able to familiarize yourself in no time!
4. Pack Bottles of Water
2. Pack a Red Flashlight
5. Don’t Forget the Bug Spray
If you’ve ever been to the Observatory, you've probably noticed that we only use red light when stargazing. Red light is the lowest energy form of visible light, so using it allows us to keep our night-vision intact
When you are going to be outside for any length of time, you’ll definitely want to bring some bug spray. This is especially true in Florida, even more so during summer.
Anywhere that is dark enough for viewing is not likely to have a clean source of drinking water. Stay hydrated by bringing some reusable water bottles. And don’t forget your favorite snacks! Remember, if you venture out into nature leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures and kill nothing but time.
WWW.OSC.ORG
11 11
EXPLORE & DISCOVER ALL SUMMER LONG WITH STEM SUMMER CAMPS Orlando Science Center summer camps inspire students to get excited about STEM as they create, experiment, make new friends, and develop 21st Century skills.
OUR CAMPS FEATURE: EXCITING THEMES Our interactive summer camps are designed and taught by OSC educators to engage campers in trending topics from robotics, space, nature and so much more!
SAFE ENVIRONMENT American Camp Association accreditation and staff training ensure a safe, healthy environment.
FLEXIBLE OPTIONS Member, sibling, and multi-week discounts available! Early and late care are included with tuition.
VIRTUAL CAMPS Coming Soon! *Preschool is a DCF licensed center C09OR0729. 12
SUMMER 2020
Download the camps guide at osc.org/summer-camps
VIRTUAL STEM CAMPS FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME This summer we are offering Virtual Camps in addition to our camps onsite.This opportunity is for children that would like to engage in our STEM camp experiences from home.We understand that some families may not be able to have their children attend camp in person and we wanted to offer an alternative way to connect with them. This experience allows children to interact with a live camp instructor and other campers in a virtual setting each day. Campers will engage in STEM activities that help them bring science to life at home! Campers will be
given STEM tasks and challenges to complete with the instructor and other campers as well as independent activities. Activities will use materials typically found in a home and caregivers will receive a materials list before camp begins..We are dedicated to providing your camper with the same educational and engaging experience that they would get in person at Orlando Science Center, but from the comfort of your home.
• Sessions will run through a closed Zoom room with a certified camp instructor live in each session. • Campers will receive Independent Science activities each day that will engage and challenge them. • Camps will include interactive whole group sessions that start and end the day to allow campers to build camaraderie and create friendships.
WEEK
GRADES 3 – 4
GRADES 5 – 6
June 1 – 5
Anatomy All-Stars
Citizen Science Academy
June 8 – 12
Peer into the Past
Ancient Explorers
June 15 – 19
Ready? Set? Create!
Engineering All Around
June 22 – 26
Movie Makers
Express your Tech
June 29 – July 3
Space Madness
Practical Potions
July 6 – 10
Nature Inspired
Expedition Florida
July 13 – 17
Wizards 101
Anatomy Masters
July 20 – 24
Coding Cadets
The Final Frontier
July 27 – 31
Sea Explorers
Movie Magic
August 3 – 7
Superhero Science
Coding Academy
GRADES 5 – 6
Learn more at osc.org/virtual-camps Grades 7 – 9 Programs
WWW.OSC.ORG
13
ACA Accredited STEM Camps The Highest Level of Care Caregivers are faced with many choices when choosing a summer camp program for their child. Camps exists on every topic and interest, from sports to arts to cooking to science. Every program has inherent benefits, from meeting new friends to learning new skills, but it is important to consider some factors not related to content when choosing a camp. But how can a caregiver know what programs to trust with their child? A strong differentiator is seeking out those camps with an accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA). ACA is the only independent accrediting organization reviewing camp operations in the country and its nationally recognized standards focus primarily on the health, safety, and risk management aspects of a camp's operation. An accredited camp has successfully gone through the accreditation process, a thorough peer review where applicants must meet up to 275 standards, which
14
SUMMER 2020
include staff qualifications and training to emergency management.
Our campers explore how science is changing lives while connecting with STEM content and experiences. Our preschool camps engage in STEM fundamentals while kindergarteners begin learning how to code robots. Students in grades K-5 utilize technology, and essential STEM
This accreditation assures families that camps have made the commitment to a safe, nurturing environment for their children. Orlando Science Center’s program is one of only 27 camps in Florida with this prestigious distinction. In addition to an “Central Florida is uniquely fortunate engaging curriculum, to have so many wonderful summer our summer camps camp opportunities for our young have over a dozen people. The combination that sets the experienced leaders Orlando Science Center apart is the rich on our management engagement with STEM learning that team with 25 veteran we provide backed by the ACA standard camp instructors, of care,� said Dr. Karena Chunoo, VP 60 highly trained of Education at Orlando Science Center. counselors and 150 youth volunteers. All camp staff undergo a rigorous training program and concepts like the Engineering Design must clear extensive background Process are integrated in all our and reference checks prior to summer camps. Our Academy camps employment, including screens are specially designed to provide through the National Sex Offenders more advanced experiences for our database. teens and preteens.
HOW CAMPS WILL LOOK DIFFERENT THIS SUMMER Due to current events, camp this summer at Orlando Science Center will look at a little different than it has in the past, but what won’t change is our dedication to provide a safe, engaging and high quality educational experience for your camper. With the detailed guidance from the Governor’s Safe. Smart. Step by Step plan, and local governance, we are ensuring that all aspects of our summer camp program are well planned and monitored so you can feel comfortable with your children being with us at the Orlando Science Center. According to the Governor’s plan, Orlando Science Center is able to hold summer camp although the building is not yet open to the public. This summer will have different procedures than you may be used to in the past, but we want to make sure that we have a safe environment for both our campers and our staff.
Our team has worked with the American Camp Association and their CDC liaisons to ensure that we have a high quality health and safety plan, which will include the following: • Designated specific levels of access to camp areas and classrooms • Screening Procedures - screening of individuals prior to entering camp each day (this would include children and staff) • Additional cleaning and disinfection efforts on top of the priority focus already placed on the cleanliness of the facility • Social distancing practices to limit the number of campers in common areas • Modified drop off and pick up procedures to support enhanced social distancing practices • Maintenance of adequate ratios of staff to children • Procedures to address campers or staff who may fall ill during camp WWW.OSC.ORG • A communications plan to inform caregivers regarding camp notifications or updates
15
WE HAVE EVENTS DOWN TO A SCIENCE! From corporate gatherings to elegant celebrations, Orlando Science Center features backdrops ranging from the modern Orlando skyline to prehistoric dinosaurs and everything in between. Our meetings and events team is available to create an unforgettable experience for your guests.
16
We love it when you visit us as a guest, and we invite you to celebrate with us in the evenings or conduct a business meeting during the day! Orlando Science Center members receive a 15% off discount on facility rental fees. Contact Helen Tillem, htillem@osc.org or 407.514.2290, to book your event now.
SUMMER 2020
OSC.ORG/MEETINGS-EVENTS
Bank of America Museums on Us Bank of America believes in the power of museums to connect individuals with one another, enrich education, and help communities thrive. Through Bank of America’s Museums on Us program, cardholders receive free admission the first full weekend each month to more than 225 select museums across the U.S., including Orlando Science Center. As the Science Center is a proud participating cultural institution in Bank of America’s Museums on Us program, visitors who present a valid Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card and photo I.D. will have the opportunity to explore Orlando Science Center for free. One free admission per every cardholder. Orlando Science Center thanks Bank of America for their continued partnership and support of their Museums on Us program for the last two decades. We value their outstanding dedication to providing communities enriching learning experiences. *Please note that admission through Museums on Us does not include access to special exhibitions or events. Please see our website for more details.
Taking STEM to the State Capitol We were proud to celebrate STEM Day at the Capitol on February 27. Every year since we founded this event in 2014, we partner with fellow museums, science centers, organizations and corporate partners to show our elected leaders how we make STEM come alive for students and people of all ages. No one can facilitate partnerships to create learning experiences quite like we do. Informal learning like you find at science centers can lead to improved attitudes toward STEM fields and careers, increased knowledge and skills and higher likelihood of graduation and pursuing a STEM career. If we want the next generation to take the place of our current engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs and technology workers, then we must connect with them now and
17
we must start much earlier than college. Whether it’s through giant slingshots or virtual reality space walks, homemade solar cars or 3D printed inventions, experiences at science centers light a spark that ignites curiosity and wonder for the STEM fields. By directly engaging with our state leaders, collaborative efforts like STEM Day help us further raise awareness and encourage needed support for our shared cause. Together, we are helping build stronger families, quality education and a more robust workforce. Thank you to all the partner organizations that participated in this year’s STEM Day and thank you to all the hard working staff, volunteers, members, funders, and legislators who support science centers and museums every day.
WWW.OSC.ORG
17
More Ways to Make an Impact! By considering alternate ways to support your Orlando Science Center, you can create an impact for generations to come and contribute to the long-term sustainability of Central Florida’s greatest informal educational resource for the innovators of tomorrow.
STOCK A stock (also known as "shares" or "equity") is a type of security that signifies proportionate ownership in the issuing corporation.
QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a distribution from a traditional IRA made directly to an eligible organization, bypassing the owner of the account.
CHARITABLE TRUSTS A charitable trust is a set of assets that are signed over to a charitable organization for a specific period of time. Alternatives include charitable remainder and charitable lead trusts.
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS A charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity created to manage charitable donations on behalf of organizations, families, or individuals.
Connect with us to learn more! There are many different options when investing in your Orlando Science Center. We would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to continue the conversation. We also suggest seeking the advice of your professional advisor when exploring options. If you do not have a relationship with a professional advisor, we would be happy to connect you with someone. 18
Contact a member of the OSC Team by calling 407.514.2183 or emailing development@osc.org. SUMMER 2020
SUPPORT SUPPORT
HELPING US GROW We would like to thank United Arts of Central Florida for their support of our mission and programming. Each dollar of our general operating grant has helped to ensure high-quality educational science learning through engaging live shows and events, community outreach, and immersive exhibits. Thank you for supporting the growth of STEM learners of all ages throughout the year, and for helping us to inspire science learning for life.
Orlando Science Center would like to extend our sincerest thanks to SunTrust Foundation, now Truist Foundation for their support of our Catalyst program. Catalyst engages teens in science learning, encourages the pursuit of their own interests, and provides hands-on exposure to STEM careers. Internships, workshops, and field work, coupled with a look behind the scenes of career paths and volunteering opportunities at the Science Center and with our community partners, builds teen workplace and life skills.
Lockheed Martin has been a dedicated partner of OSC providing valuable funding in support of STEM education and honoring our nation’s veteran and active military personnel. Their investment provides over 1,500 veterans and their families’ free and reduced admission surrounding Veterans and Memorial Day holidays. Their commitment also extends to Central Florida students through generous support of our Science Challenge and our Summer Camps. OSC is better able to reach veterans, youth, and families through programming made possible by Lockheed Martin!
We would like to extend our gratitude to Walmart Giving for their continued support of our accessibility program, Science for All. Their support for this program provides opportunities for students and families from low-income households to experience hands-on STEM education at the Science Center. Corporate partners, like Walmart, are helping the Science Center in our commitment to strengthening our community as we provide accessible learning experiences to over 130,000 students and families annually.
WWW.OSC.ORG
19
MANY THANKS TO OUR MANY VOLUNTEERS April was Volunteer Appreciation Month, so we wanted to not only thank our devoted volunteers, but share their impact. Despite the unusual circumstances we face surrounding COVID-19, our volunteers continue to donate their time and energy to helping inspire science learning for life remotely. Volunteers are the backbone of the Orlando Science Center, and we would not be where we are today without their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication.
In that amount of time, you could read Charles Darwin’s On The Origin Of Species 4,323 times if you read at an average of 250 words per minute. Because alligators have been recorded swimming upwards of 20 miles per hour, an alligator could swim over 1 million miles if it had 58,084 hours to do so (and if it never got tired)!
Science Center volunteers make a connection with someone which will last a lifetime. Whether they are explaining Newton’s Laws in Kinetic Zone, performing a science-based magic trick to an audience, or helping out behind the scenes — volunteers are the driving force behind our mission. Over the past year, 2,075 individuals volunteered at Orlando Science Center.These include Event Volunteers, Collegiate Interns, Adult Volunteers, and Catalyst Youth Volunteers. Each team brings their own unique skillsets, experiences, and authenticity to their service. You’ve probably seen them around the building wearing their various colored t-shirts! These volunteers donated a total of 58,084 hours within the last 12 months.That’s 2,420 days worth of service!
Orlando Science Center loves tracking data. It helps us define our goals, gives concrete perspective on our impact, and we also find it interesting and exciting! But data doesn’t truly get to the heart of what our volunteers do on a daily basis. Data has a hard time defining the joy on someone’s face when a volunteer helps them create something new. Data cannot define the joy on someone's face when a volunteer helps them create a new experience. And it certainly doesn't define the joy we experience every day with our creative team of volunteers. Our volunteers are committed to making the world better able to tackle complex problems by thinking creatively and collaborating, and helping us move toward a more equitable future by striving for growth.
20
SUMMER 2020
It is a privilege to work with so many dedicated, hardworking, and amazing volunteers. We hope you will join us in thanking them! You can learn more about volunteering by checking out our website at osc.org/volunteers.
TWO TEENS TAKE HOME THE TOP PRIZE IN THE PRESTIGIOUS DR. NELSON YING SCIENCE COMPETITION! Since 1999, Dr. Nelson Ying — a scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist — has partnered with Orlando Science Center to celebrate the exemplary research of visionary high school science students through an annual science competition in his name.
and Ian Henriques — were both named Grand Prize Winners!
conserves fuel and avoids collisions. Ian’s project was inspired by his
While students were not able to present their projects in person due to health precautions surrounding COVID-19, these students worked so hard on their projects, we weren’t going to let a pandemic stop them from showing their incredible work! The competition was moved online and participants were able to present their research via Zoom.
Nathan Foo mechanized a system of “kangaroo care,” which addresses the incubation needs of preterm infants. Using mice as test subjects, Nathan used an Arduino circuit to control a vibration motor, which simulated a mother’s heartbeat, and attached it to a mat. The baby mice sit on the mat and it simulates the skin to skin contact that they would get from their mother, a procedure also known as kangaroo care. Nathan’s invention could be used in developing countries where incubators for preterm infants were either not affordable or unavailable. He was inspired by his cousin who was born premature in Malaysia.
passion for computer programming. A self-taught programmer, he noticed that most algorithms for controlling drones are proprietary and not available to the public. Since drones can be used for providing relief during natural disasters, he wanted a simple and efficient way to control them that could be available for use in developing countries.
Among the five finalists, two projects so impressed Dr. Ying and the judges that these students — Nathan Foo
Ian Henriques developed a simple, open source model for controlling drones during natural disasters that
Every year during the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition, five students from across Central Florida are selected to present their groundbreaking scientific research to a prestigious Judges panel. One winner is selected to receive a cash scholarship as well as cash prizes for their teacher and their school. This year’s finalists were: Kyle Bramblett, Nathan Foo, Ian Henriques, Varsha Naga, and Pranav Swaminathan.
Congratulations to all the finalists for their incredible research projects focused on benefiting humanity by solving a problem plaguing our world. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Dr. Nelson Ying for his ongoing sponsorship of this competition and his passion for inspiring young people to become good role models and successful world-changers. WWW.OSC.ORG 21
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!
KidsTown pros bring their own raincoats!
We spy some little learners having fun
22
SUMMER 2020
These spies cracked the code in Top Secret!
Don’t you just LOVE prehistoric wedding parties?
See ya later, alligators!
Olive from Remember when ld Live Tour the Jurassic Wor stomped by?
WWW.OSC.ORG
23
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Orlando, FL 32803 Permit # 3675
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER • 777 EAST PRINCETON STREET • ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32803 • 407.514.2000 • WWW.OSC.ORG
Join Our Facebook
#OSCmember Community Get the inside scoop, Member updates and offers, and even ask questions and share your own experiences with other Members! Facebook.com/groups/OSCmember