Fall 2023 SCOPE Magazine

New Fall ExhibitBackyard Adventures! pg. 6

FALL 2023

Cuban Rhythms: Revealing Cuba's Richness pg. 7

DIY solar eclipse viewers! pg. 12

FEBRUARY 16-19, 2024

Our most popular multi-day STEM event returns in 2024 to spark curiosity and inspire wonder with more partners, more exhibits, more speakers and more innovation! STEM professionals from all fields will share their passion with curious minds and ignite dreams for a new future. Events will engage the public during the festival and also at free Discovery Days hosted throughout Central Florida from February 1-15. Plus, the first day of the festival on February 16 is now reserved for school field trips with exclusive access and resources!

KEY GOALS

• Raise awareness of the value of STEM in everyday life

• Help bridge the STEM literacy gap

• Work towards equitable access in STEM

• Encourage exploration and pursuit of STEM careers

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

LEARNING NEVER STOPS

We may be perceived as only having opportunities for children and families, but Orlando Science Center offers something for all curious minds. With four floors of exhibits, films, and special experiences, the Science Center is proof that there is no shelf life on imagination and discovery. We encourage adults to visit all year long to explore exhibits like Our Planet, Our Solar System, celebrate creativity in The Hive: A Makerspace, or enjoy events like Science of Wine. Once school is in session, Fall can also be a very good time to check out the museum.

We offer a rotating schedule of documentary films, both on the giant screen and in our 3D digital theater, that explore exotic landscapes from the bottom of the ocean to the top of the world. Films are included with admission, and they provide a thoughtful respite from the action on the exhibit floor. Currently, the Dr. Phillips CineDome is embracing the culture, history and ecosystems of Cuba with a vibrant giant screen film. This 40-minute documentary transports audiences across breathtaking landscapes, under the ocean surface to iridescent reefs, and into streets throbbing with music and dance in the heart of Havana.

Another contemplative space that examines the intersection of art and science is Fusion, our STEAM gallery, on the third-floor mezzanine. It offers new shows several times a year, celebrating science as seen from an artist’s unique point of view. In addition to our regularly scheduled offerings, we host an evening only for adults called Science Night Live. One is coming up in October (themed for Halloween) and another in February (in conjunction with Spark STEM Fest). Both events feature guest speakers, themed activities, and trivia - plus food and beverages provided by local bars and restaurants.

Our permanent exhibits like DinoDigs, Our Planet, Our Solar System and The Hive: A Makerspace were designed so that adults visiting on their own can enjoy them as much as our younger visitors. Our new nature and conservation exhibit, Life, is coming soon and it will have great appeal for adults. Premiering in Spring 2024, Life will offer an immersive experience through three distinct ecosystems with opportunities to interact with nature. Its empowering messages of caring for Mother Earth along with unique animal encounters will inspire all ages.

Beyond activities for youth and families, Orlando Science Center is dedicated to providing opportunities for lifelong learning for all ages through guest speakers, events, films and exhibits. We are also eager to hear your thoughts on what you’d like to see available to engage your interests. Please send us your suggestions here pr@osc.org. Learning never stops at Orlando Science Center.

Sincerely,

A NEW VIEW OF THE COSMOS - JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE: THE FIRST YEAR

By Dr. MJ Soilleau, OSC Scientist in Residence

NASA launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), on Christmas Day 2021. The telescope traveled one million miles (1.51-million kilometers) to the L2, a point where the gravity of the Earth and Sun cancel each other out. JWST arrived at L2 on Jan 24, 2022 and “parked” in an orbit around L2 where it will remain during its 30year mission.

NASA completed the positioning of the complex heat shield, calibrated the instruments and officially commissioned the JWST on July 11, 2022. Its fantastic images and data gathered verified that the system is functioning better than expected and challenging our understanding of the universe.

Its primary mirror has more than 6-times the light gathering power of the HST. Its instruments gather data

and images in the infrared spectral (IR) region (beyond the response of the eye), enabling JWST to see inside star forming gas and dust clouds in our galaxy, obtain spectra of water and complex organic molecules, explore atmospheres of exoplanets, and measure the red-shifted galaxies that are most distant from us in space and time.

The results of this first year of observations are nothing short of amazing! Here is just a sample of the fantastic science revealed by the JWST and science teams all over the world.

1. First direct image of an exoplanet. Planet HIP 65426B, was discovered by indirect methods, but directly imaged by JWST in September 2022. This accomplishment is transformative.

2. View inside the Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula, Hubble’s most

iconic image. JWST can see inside the clouds and has confirmed that they are indeed stellar nurseries for young stars and planetary systems.

3. Image of the most distant and oldest galaxies yet seen. Some of these are as far as 13.4 billion light years away, indicating they formed when the universe was just 350 million years old.

4. Evidence discovered of a developing Earth-like planet. JWST detected the “spectral fingerprint” of water in the rocky, terrestrial, planet-forming zone of star planetary system (PDS 70, located 370 light years away.

Such incredible discoveries after only 12 months of operation make you wonder about the wealth of new knowledge about our universe that is waiting to be revealed. For more details and high definition, images visit webb.nasa.gov.

The Pillars of Creation, Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI; Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Anton M. Koekemoer (STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI).

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.

OSC.ORG/WEDDINGS

www.osc.org/weddings

ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER

Board of Trustees Fiscal Year 2024

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jim Atchison President & CEO, Retired SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Chris Carmody

Shareholder Gray-Robinson

Michelle DeVos Partner Orlando Magic Ownership Group

Roi Ewell Ewell & Associates, LLC

Jenise Osani Vice President of Marketing & New Products OUC

Nirav Pandya President & CEO Fulcrum Consulting

Rina Patel Senior Manager VistaPrint

Dr. Richard Signer Chief Medical Director Pediatric Surgeon, Retired AdventHealth for Children

Demetria Sloan Founder and President Vantage Point Coaching, LLC

VOTING TRUSTEES

Maureen Brockman Vice President Embrace Families Foundation

Karoom Brown President and CEO Robinson Brown Consulting

Juliana Calloway Owner Black Rooster Taqueria

Oluchi Chuku Senior Vice President Bank of America

Lisy Correa Audit Senior Manager Deloitte, LLP

Kassandra Crimi Meteorologist WFTV Channel 9

Jim DeCarlo Shareholder Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Jordan Eichenblatt Partner HIFIVE

Devin Elmore Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Universal Orlando

Arash Farshid CEO Doorbell Capital, LLC

Zeke Flores CEO Flying Concessions

Melanie Forbrick Vice President of Communications, Head of Global Brand Engagement Siemens Energy

Tonja Graham Supplier Engagement & Diversity Manager

Duke Energy

Collin Hayward Director – Power & Utilities 1898 & Co

Gary Heath Director of Business Analysis Massey Services

Chris Kamke

Chief Strategy Officer Orlando City Soccer Club

Dr. Sarah Layton Managing Partner & Broker L & M Wildwood Property Holdings, LLC

Brendan Lynch Shareholder Lowndes

Lindsey McCann Tax Principal CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP

Tom Mirek Vice President of Engineering Transformation Lockheed Martin

Sean Murphy CEO 3N2 Sports

Ben Robinson Partner Holland & Knight, LLP

Meredith Sand President

Meredith Sand Designs

Dr. Bret Scheuplein Chief Medical Officer Complete Care

Lynn Sedwick Tax Partner RSM US, LLP

Divinne Smith Partner Smith and Williams Trial Group

Dr. Anjali Vyas President, Orlando Health Physician Associates

Dr. Peter Wearden Director & Chair Nemours Children’s Health Systems

EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES

Melissa Byrd School Board Member, District 7 Orange County Public Schools

Martin Carmody Budget Division Manager City of Orlando

Sabrice Guerrier Associate Professor Rollins College

Captain Tim James Commanding Officer Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division

Dr. Eugene Jones Executive Dean Valencia College, Downtown Campus

Deidre’ Keller Dean, College of Law FAMU

Kristine Kraus School Board Member, District 1 Seminole County Public Schools

Karen Saunders Program Executive Officer PEO STRI

Dr. Stephen Summers

Associate Vice President, School of Arts & Sciences Seminole State College

Dr. Maggy Tomova Dean of College of Sciences University of Central Florida

JoAnn Newman President and CEO Orlando Science Center

OCTOBER 1, 2023 – JANUARY 9, 2024

Get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure right outside your door in our new Fall exhibit, Backyard Adventures! It’s time to unleash your curiosity and explore the science that surrounds you every day.

We’re transforming the indoors into the outdoors! Prepare to discover the wonders of the great outdoors from a whole new perspective. Ever wondered what it’s like to be a bee? With the “Bee’s Eye View” exhibit, you can see the world through the eyes of these amazing insects. Explore a digital garden where plants grow in super time, offering a glimpse into the fascinating realm of horticulture. And brace yourself for the mysterious creatures that emerge only when the sun goes down with the “Night Vision” exhibit.

Backyard Adventures isn’t just about learning—it’s about having a blast! The exhibition highlights the importance of staying healthy and active by showcasing the incredible fun that awaits you outdoors. Take on the challenge of a giant skipping rope, perfect your swing at the backyard-themed mini golf, and engage in a variety of backyard sports. It’s a chance to embrace the excitement of the outdoors and discover that there’s so much more to the great outdoors than meets the eye!

Interactive science displays await visitors at every turn. From the “Critter Calls” exhibit that reveals the amazing sounds of

nocturnal animals to the “Giant Pumpkin Bonanza” showcasing the secrets behind growing colossal vegetables, there’s something for everyone. Get active with the “Giant Skipping Rope” or explore the intersection of technology and nature with the “Augmented Reality Garden Bed.”

The goal of Backyard Adventures is to ignite a passion for science and exploration in kids and adults alike. Delve deeper into the hidden science right outside and within reach. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the biological interactions between plants and insects, the fascinating world of nocturnal animals, the art of horticulture, the mathematics behind paver-laying, and even the wonders of construction that happen in the shed.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to unearth the science outside your door! Backyard Adventures is a must-visit exhibition that will transport you to an aweinspiring world of discovery and adventure. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see, play, and learn in a way that will leave you with memories to cherish and a newfound curiosity about the extraordinary science waiting outside for you!

MEMBER PERK ALERT!

Members are invited to an exclusive first look on Saturday, October 1 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Cuban Rhythms: Revealing Cuba’s Richness

DR. PHILLIPS CINEDOME

Cuba

Galapagos: Natural Wonderland

Into the Arctic Magic of Flight

Mysteries of the Unseen World

HOLIDAY LASER LIGHT SHOWS

Cuba

NOW PLAYING

Immerse yourself in the electrifying culture of Cuba. This film tells the powerful story of a land preserved in time, yet poised on the cusp of dramatic change. The nation’s lively culture, meticulously maintained colonial architecture, and pristine ecosystems provide a colorful window into the island’s history and heart.

Prepare to be transported across breathtaking landscapes, beneath the ocean’s surface to iridescent reefs, and into streets throbbing with music and dance in the heart of Havana. Through the eyes of Cuban artists, historians, and scientists, this film provides an intimate look at this vivacious island nation.

See what is now playing, check show times, watch trailers, and more at osc.org/theaters.

Pumpkins & Protons

Holiday Laser Show

DIGITAL ADVENTURE THEATER

Animal Kingdom 3D

Antarctica 3D

Back from the Brink: Saved from Extinction

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

LITERACY MONTH

Here’s a novel idea — join us as we celebrate the stories and characters that encourage 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.

2 & 3

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

Bank of America Weekend

4 MONDAY

Labor Day – OSC is Open!

SPOOKY SCIENCE MONTH

BOO! From phantom physics to Oogie Boogie Oobleck, creep in all month for spooky STEM activities. Learn about the science of slime in Dr. Dare’s Lab, check out a not-soscary StoryTime in KidsTown, or help the Ghostflusters capture mischievous spirits in the live show!

1 SATURDAY

Member-Only Preview

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

2 MONDAY

Grades K-8

Homeschool Program*

4

MONDAY

Dogs! A Science Tail

Final Day

11

MONDAY

Grades K-8

Homeschool Program*

7 & 8

14 SATURDAY

18

16 & 17

SATURDAY & SUNDAY Fairy Tale Weekend

Sponsored by Florida Prepaid

21

28

SATURDAY

Kids Night at the Museum*

Sponsored by Pizza Hut

(Ages 5 – 12)

6:00 – 10:00 pm

DECEMBER NOVEMBER

SCIENCE FICTION 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 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 and live stage shows to Dinos In Lights, we’re wrapping up the year with a few of our favorite things!

What’s Growing on Downstairs?

If you’ve visited OSC recently, you probably noticed some major changes on Level 1. While there is still quite a bit of construction left to create an amazing new nature exhibit, it’s obvious that a full transformation is underway. Looking down from the central rotunda, you can see new walls have been installed that will separate the three distinct ecosystems featured in Life, presented by Dr. Sarah Layton. Those areas will include the Swamp, Ocean and Rainforest. While we continue work on the exhibit floor, we’re also installing the life-support systems behind the scenes for the aquatic habitats and many other exciting new developments.

In the coming months, our Animal Care team will begin to cycle the aquatic habitats. What does that mean?, you may ask. Well, if you’ve ever owned a fish tank, you know that it can take some time to get the water ready before you can begin safely adding fish. This process of cycling water is known as the nitrogen cycle, and it is important to ensure that there is established bacteria living in your aquarium to break down the waste that your fish will produce. This graphic demonstrates what the nitrogen cycle looks like:

When conducting water tests, our animal care team will ensure that there are no harmful chemicals in the water, such as ammonia or nitrites. We also need the bacteria to transform the nitrites into healthy levels of nitrates before we begin to slowly add new inhabitants.

As we prepare for Life to open, some new residents have already come to live at OSC! Meet Capone and Annie! These two Burrowing Owls (Athene cunnicularia) came to the science center from other zoological institutions through a Species Survival Plan (SSP). An SSP is a carefully managed program that identifies population goals and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy and genetically diverse population of animals in zoos and aquariums.

Capone and Annie will live in a beautiful new habitat designed specifically for them in the Swamp gallery of Life, where they will act as ambassadors for their species. Burrowing Owls are listed in the state of Florida as a threatened species, which is why it is so important for our guests to learn about the plight of these animals in the rapidly developing communities of Central Florida and how you can help to preserve this charismatic raptor!

Dr. Lani Tsinnajinnie, Diné Inspiring the Next Generation of Native STEM Professionals

Though the STEM workforce continues to steadily grow, it remains primarily dominated by white workers. The 2023 biennial report “Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities” from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics indicated that white workers represent approximately 64% of the STEM workforce. In contrast, American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) workers represent less than 1%.

Meet one of the Native scientists working to change that: Dr. Lani Tsinnajinnie of the Diné, meaning “The People” of the Navajo. In 2022, Dr. Tsinnajinnie was appointed to the team working on a $10 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to address the under-representation of AI/AN students in STEM fields. The grant provides funding to the Cultivating Indigenous Research Communities for Leadership in Education (CIRCLES) Alliance, which was formed in 2020 and spans six states: Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

The Alliance’s goal, according to CIRCLES Alliance Principal Investigator (PI) Aaron Thomas, is to encourage “AI/AN students to identify academically and culturally with being a Native scientist, technician, engineer, or mathematician, so that more AI/ AN students will enter and persist in

STEM-related fields and workforces.”

Dr. Tsinnajinnie will serve as the co-PI on the New Mexico portion of the CIRCLES Alliance. Her portion of the award will be used to support Native communities and STEM professionals across the state through a series of collaboratively organized events, webinars, and partner meetings.

streamflow interact in the mountain watersheds of the Chuska Mountains, which run along the border of Arizona and New Mexico.

“We are looking at how these interactions might change or are changing,” she told Kimberly Locke of Winds of Change, the official magazine of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). “This research has been used to support how the Navajo Nation monitors snowpack as well as how surrounding communities approach watershed planning.”

According to the University of New Mexico, the CIRCLES Alliance “ultimately aims to inform educational institutions and the NSF in AI/AN cultural understanding and humility while shifting approaches towards AI/ AN education.”

In addition to this critical work on expanding representation in the STEM workforce, Dr. Tsinnajinnie has been collaborating with the Navajo Nation Water Management Branch since 2009. Together, they are investigating how snow, groundwater, and

Participating in these initiatives is Dr. Tsinnajinnie’s way of giving back to her community. Dr. Tsinnajinnie grew up in the small town of Na’Neelzhiin, NM, where she noticed that while she had clean, running water in her home, nearly half of her rural neighbors did not. This inspired a career in hydrology and community planning, with a special focus on bringing clean water to Native communities.

Dr. Tsinnajinnie recognizes the need for representation in STEM. Her career was partially inspired by her grandmother, Iola, an educator and community leader in Na’Neelzhiin. Both of her older siblings earned their PhDs – her sister in education and her brother in mathematics. Her work will help inspire other Native peoples to pursue and persist in STEM careers, just like her family did for her.

ECLIPSE PINHOLE VIEWER

This pinhole viewer can be used to observe the Sun any time, but it will be especially useful for the solar eclipse on October 14!

SUPPLIES

• Cardboard box (like a cereal box or a skinny delivery box)

HOW TO MAKE IT

• Aluminum foil

• Paper

• Tape

• Scissors

• Pointy thing (use with adult supervision)

1. Figure out where your pinhole will be! You want sunlight to shine through the hole and travel as long as possible inside the box before hitting the other side.

2. Trace the bottom of the box on a piece of paper. Cut out the paper and tape it to the inside of the box. This is your projection screen!

3. Carefully cut two holes on the top of the box. One will be your viewing window, and the other the pinhole.

4. Cover one of the holes with tin foil and poke a tiny hole to make your pinhole.

5. Now just head outside! Hold the box so you are looking down through the viewing window and position yourself so that the sun shines onto the projection screen.

HOW IT WORKS!

Sunlight travels in a line, and we can block most of those lines to create a detailed reflection! The longer the light travels in the box, the larger the reflection will be!

Pinhole Image of Sun Aluminum Foil Sun

Homeschool Program for Grades K-8

AVAILABLE ONCE A MONTH!

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

• Exhibit experiences with an Educator

• Giant-screen educational films in the Dr. Phillips CineDome

• Work samples for your student’s homeschool portfolio

Register today at osc.org/homeschool

FALL 2023

SEPTEMBER 11

Engineering

OCTOBER 2

Computer

Science

NOVEMBER 6

Physics

DECEMBER 4

Biology

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.

FALL 2023

November 20-22

December 26-29

January 1-5

MEMBER PERK ALERT!

In honor of their year-round commitment to supporting Orlando Science Center, Members get the BEST prices to Science on Tap. Cheers to the masters of hops and knowledge!

JANUARY 20, 2024

Join us for the only fundraiser where frothy fun and scientific exploration collide! Raise a glass to the science of suds at the third annual Science on Tap, presented by Land Rover Orlando, happening January 20, 2024. This event features dozens of beers and craft brew tastings from some of the best breweries in Central Florida. From stouts and porters to IPAs and ciders, you’re sure to find something to tickle your taste buds. So sip your way through interactive science demos, enjoy some live music, and challenge your friends to supersized lawn games! 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.

OCTOBER 14

If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it... the Sun did! Join us for an annular solar eclipse, which occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun while at its farthest point from the planet. It doesn’t block the Sun completely but creates a ring effect that’s wondrous to behold! While you can safely experience the eclipse from anywhere (as long as you have the right protective eyewear!), the Science Center promises a celebration to remember! Click here for more info.

Paleontology Party!

SEPTEMBER 16 & 17

Hear ye, hear ye! The Kingdom of KidsTown cordially invites you to steer your horse drawn carriage to an enchanting weekend of STEM learning inspired by your favorite fables. Cross the troll bridge if you dare!

NOVEMBER 18 & 19

From the moons of Endor to the moons of Jupiter, we don’t just love science, we love science fiction! Join us as we explore the science behind some of our favorite sci-fi and pop culture icons with hands-on experiments and activities, live shows, and more!

DECEMBER 16 & 17

Stomp in for a party 65 million years in the making! We’re going on safari into the prehistoric past to uncover dino-mite programming, including larger-than-life live shows, claws-on activities, and more!

NOVEMBER 11 – 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.

CONSERVATION IN ACTION Ensuring the future of Purple Martins

Do you enjoy bird watching? Looking for a way to get more involved in citizen science? The Purple Martin Project may be just the thing you’re looking for. It is a great way to contribute to conservation while enjoying the sweet sounds of chattering birds – well, at least for part of the year.

deep cleaning and to provide nesting materials to each of the cavities and gourds (each of which is a potential nesting spot). A call box is hung from the houses that sends out the sounds of Purple Martins and attracts the scout birds that are the first to arrive to North America looking for nesting sites. In 2022, OSC was excited to house our first family of nesting birds and had four successful chicks leave the nest! This year, more birds arrived, and two nests were established, producing a total of nine chicks.

After banding, the adult birds are released to finish up their parenting duties and the chicks are placed back in the nest to fledge when they are ready. The birds will soon begin their return trip back to South America where they will spend the winter before starting the long journey all over again. For more information on how you too can become a landlord to Purple Martins, visit Purple Martin Conservation Association.

Project MartinWatch is a continentwide citizen science project designed to help the Purple Martin Conservation Association track the reproductive biology of Purple Martins, a native songbird in the swallow family that nests almost exclusively in human-supplied housing. Orlando Science Center installed a Purple Martin house several years ago and this is the second year that the highly migratory birds have decided to make OSC their springtime home for nesting season.

Each February, the animal care team at OSC prepares for Purple Martin season by lowering the houses for a

In an effort to grow our contribution toward this important conservation work, this year OSC banded two adults and nine chicks. Because bird banding is a federally regulated process according to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it requires a federal bird banding permit, so OSC worked closely with the proper authorities to ensure the birds were handled safely and legally. The bands are small anklets placed on the bird’s leg. Each band holds valuable information for the project indicating where the birds were originally found and identifies one bird from another. There are many contributing organizations across the continents that work together to share information such as band numbers in a centralized database. Scientists can then take that information to learn more about migration patterns, parentage, and life expectancy.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

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.

Orlando Science Center SCIENCE COMPETITIONS

Dr. Ying Competition Honors Young Science Stars

The Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition at Orlando Science Center has been empowering tomorrow’s problem solvers since 1999. Scientist, inventor and entrepreneur Dr. Nelson Ying created this competition in partnership with the Science Center to inspire exemplary science students to use their expertise to address realworld problems. Previous winners of this competition have gone on to continue their research at top universities, compete in national science competitions and ultimately pursue exciting STEM careers, including positions at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

To be eligible for the competition, each entrant must be a Florida high school student pursuing a research project that has the ultimate goal of benefiting humanity. This year, submissions were accepted from throughout the state and finalists included students from Central Florida, Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee. In addition to the grand prize winner, each finalist received a cash prize to continue their research.

Atreya Manaswi, a sophomore at Orlando Science High School in Orange County, won the top prize for using a beer blend to create a non-toxic, non-expensive organic alternative to chemical pesticides.

Atreya’s project is part of his multiyear research effort to address the decline of the world’s honeybee population, which is responsible for pollinating 80% of the world’s food crops. He won a scholarship of $5,000, a $1,000 award for his science teacher, and an additional $1,000 for his school.

The two biggest causes of the global decline of the honeybee population are pests and chemicals.. Atreya has been dedicated to creating an organic solution, one that is just as effective as chemical pesticides, but is nontoxic and 80 times cheaper. Atreya’s organic alternative could save $1 billion dollars annually with no risk of contamination.

For information about applying for the competition in 2024, please visit Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition.

From OSC to the UN

Following the Ying competition, Atreya Manaswi shared his findings this summer with the attendees of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany.

2023 Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition Finalists

Joshua Martoma - Predicting Criminal Recidivism with an Ensemble Machine Learning Model Using Logistic Regression, Random Forests, and Neural Networks

Joshua Martoma, a junior from Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, created a machine learning algorithm to identify the risk factors involved with paroled convicts to predict the likelihood of them returning to prison. The goal of his research is to increase the fairness, accuracy and transparency of existing tools to help prevent recidivism amongst this population.

Ashna Mathur - Biodegradable Magnesium Implants for Bone Repair

Ashna Mathur, a sophomore from Lake Highland Preparatory School, developed bone implants with Magnesium, which is biodegradable. Currently, surgeons use inert metals for bone implants following injury, which ultimately need to be removed because they can’t be absorbed by the body. She mixed Magnesium with Scandium, Strontium and bio glass nanoparticles to enhance its mechanical properties and promote bone growth.

Ella Pilacek - Optimizing Pavlovian Conditioning Procedures to Promote Attraction of Apis mellifera to the Synthetic Scent of the Endangered Orchid Prosthechea cochleata

Ella Pilacek, a junior from Oviedo High School, trained honeybees to pollinate endangered plant species through Pavlovian conditioning. Many species of indigenous plants are endangered in Florida due to habitat fragmentation, which results in plants being separated from native pollinator species. Ella repeatedly fed bees a food solution while also feeding them the scent of the endangered plant. Honeybees would associate the scent with a good food source so they would pollinate endangered plants that they would have ignored otherwise.

Sruthi Sentil - Intelligent Vibroacoustic Monitoring and Interference for Insect Vector Threats Under Learnable Feature Extraction (VibroLEAF): The Case of Diaphorina citrii

Sruthi Sentil, a senior from James S. Rickards High School in Tallahassee, created a device to imitate the mating call of the invasive insect species known as Citrus Psyllid. She was able to use these mating calls to lure this pest away from citrus crops and attract them to traps. She also determined that this process could be used on other pest insects to positively impact citrus production worldwide.

We are honored to receive a grant from the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation to support Ignite Discovery, our early childhood education program. This program brings hands-on STEM experiences to preschoolaged children from low-income households, provides educators with teacher professional development to enrich their STEM curriculum, and empowers caregivers with the tools needed to support their child’s learning journey. Ignite Discovery builds a strong and lasting foundation for our youngest learners, to help them on their path to being the future leaders in the STEM workforce of tomorrow. Thank you, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation for your continued support for this vital initiative!

As we strive to create accessible STEM experiences for our community through our Science For All initiatives, we are so grateful to have the support of incredible funders, such as the William T. Morris Foundation. Established in 1937, the William T. Morris Foundation is a private philanthropic organization with a mission to advance knowledge and strengthen our communities, and a vision to leave a healthier world for future generations. Thank you for helping us ensure that everyone has access to high-quality STEM learning at Orlando Science Center through sustained community engagement, scholarships and field trip support, and by offering free and reduced-price admissions and family memberships.

We are so grateful to the Bert W. Martin Foundation for their ongoing support of our upcoming, all-new exhibit - Life, presented by Dr. Sarah Layton As part of our Unlock Science Campaign, Life will promote messages of sustainability and conservation reinforced by live animal interactions and hands-on displays. This exhibit is possible thanks to generous support from contributors, including our friends at the Bert W. Martin Foundation, which has provided services to those in need in this community since 1948. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and commitment.

The programs you know and love at the Science Center would not be possible without the generous, ongoing support we receive from The Martin AndersenGracia Andersen Foundation. Support from the foundation ensures that the Science Center presents visitors with engaging content and supports students across the region with the educational resources they need to succeed in school, work, and life. Thank you, Martin Andersen-Gracia Andersen Foundation, for your dedication to helping us be the spark that ignites innovation in our community!

CURIOSITY IS JUST A PART OF WHAT WE’RE BUILDING.

For over 75 years FINFROCK has been known for innovation, design excellence and constructing large buildings in record time. We know that none of our projects would be possible without our talented team members who are paving the way for the future of technology and engineering. FINFROCK is a proud supporter of the Orlando Science Center, with the common goal of helping everyone recognize the value and importance of STEM education and training. Let’s build a better future together. Visit www.finfrock.com to learn more about our construction process and explore career opportunities!

OCTOBER 28

Drop your kids o for a guided evening of exhibits, STEM activities, Pizza Hut dinner, and more!

October

The Science Center is getting all dressed up for Halloween, and you can, too! Join us at Science Night DEAD, a scientific spoOoOoktacular for monsters aged 21+. Members receive complimentary admission while tickets last!