13 July 2012
Posted in Summer Camps

Mmmmmm…! Our summer campers cooked up a storm this week, even taking a field trip to learn from the pros at Stonewood Grill & Tavern!

Fifth and sixth graders participating in the Culinary Chemistry summer camp saw them experiment with ingredients to make baked goods rise as well as turn liquid egg yolk into solid food.

Thanks to our friends at Stonewood Grill & Tavern for having us! If you would like to enroll your child in summer camp call 407.514.2112.

12 July 2012
Posted in WFTV Severe Weather Center 9

While Florida is no stranger to scorching summer heat, heat waves can be extremely dangerous to humans, animals and even plants. We thought we’d share with you some awareness information so that you can be better prepared should a heat wave occur.

What is a Heat Wave?

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity, with very little air movement to help cool things down.

Why are Heat Waves Dangerous?

During heat waves, the human body is pushed beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in excessive heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

By being conscious of the signs, you can recognize heat-related illness before it gets serious.

Heat Cramps

Muscle pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion, which triggers loss of water through heavy perspiration. These usually involve the muscles of the abdomen or legs. Heat cramps are usually an early sign that the body is having trouble with heat.

Heat Exhaustion

Typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous physical activity or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.

Heat Stroke (also known as Sunstroke)

A life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

09 July 2012
Posted in DinoDigs

In 2002, paleontologists found the second-oldest mammal skull just outside of a rural village in northern Argentina. At the time, the skull was mostly hidden in rock and its identity remained a mystery. In 2005, scientists sent the skull to a technician who, until recently, has been removing the rock from around the fossil – finally revealing a saber-toothed, squirrel-like creature with a striking similarity to the Ice Age character Scrat. The new species, named Cronopio dentiacutus for its narrow snout and long fangs, was about 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 centimeters) long and likely used its pointy teeth to hunt and eat insects.

Both mammals and dinosaurs appeared near the end of the Triassic period, some 220 million years ago. When dinosaurs disappeared about 65 million years ago, mammals thrived. But ancient mammal fossils are still exceedingly rare, mostly because of their small sizes. As a result, paleontologists know of roughly one genus of mammal for every million years between 65 million and 220 million years ago—making for a woefully incomplete record.

05 July 2012
Posted in Member News

Oh, say can you see the fun that was had at the Orlando Science Center during our 4th of July Daytime Member Event?! We had face painting and bubble waving, soda fireworks, and a special appearance by the Orange Blossom Chorus who sang patriotic songs. Members also discovered the science behind fireworks. Check out photos from the event below!

03 July 2012
Posted in NatureWorks

On June 24 the world lost a superstar and an icon; at least within the wildlife conservation community. It was not a movie star, rock star or a reality TV personality… his name was George, "Lonesome George", and he was the last Pinta Island tortoise on Earth. Pinta Island is the northernmost island within the Galapagos Archipelago.

The islands are of course famous for Darwin, finches, strange iguanas, and of course, giant tortoises. The Galapagos Islands are situated about 620 miles off the coast of Ecuador and until fairly recent times were some of the most remote and desolate islands in the world. The islands are millions of years old and volcanic in origin and all native species arrived on the islands soon after their volcanic beginnings pierced the ocean surface. Animals and plants must have arrived by sea or air. The reptile fauna of the islands have ancestors on the mainland South American continent and traveled via either direct floating in ocean currents or on natural rafts of trees or vegetation. Reptiles are well adapted to surviving weeks at sea without access to fresh water or food. In fact, the only two non-marine mammal species native to the islands are two bat and two rice rat species.

 

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02 July 2012
Posted in Tornado Alley

More than 2,000 guests came out to meet filmmaker and storm chaser Sean Casey in a special appearance Saturday and Sunday at Orlando Science Center, and brought the Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV) with him!

Casey constructed the seven-ton, armored behemoth to withstand the destructive power of a tornado. He introduced the film he directed and starred in, Tornado Alley, as well as signed autographs, took pictures with guests and conducted question-and-answer sessions after the film showings.

In addition, the WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 Meteorologists interacted with guests at the WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 exhibit, a working replica of the actual set used on WFTV’s weather forecasts. Patrons learned about the weather and even delivered forecasts while family watched them on TV! The team was on site both days for taking photos and signing autographs.