Most people look at the Science Center as a fun and educational place to go on a Saturday afternoon...
What they might not realize is that we’re also trusted partners to the school systems of the areas we serve. Our educational programs supplement traditional classroom learning with a valuable informal education and serve to build on the foundation of knowledge kids gain in school. Most importantly, they further the mission of increasing competency in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) competency.
Our educational programs include:
- Field Trips
- Off-Site Programs
- School Break Camps
- Summer Camps & Academy
- Science Competitions
- Homeschool Programs
- Scout Programs
- And much more
These activities enhance classroom experience and provide students with a different way of looking at science, math and technology.
02 May 2011
Posted in
Dr. Ying Competition
High School Freshman Takes Home Top Science Prize
15 Year-Old Whiz Kid Wins 13th Annual Orlando Science Center Competition
Orlando, FL - May 1, 2011 - Kristen Clayton, a 15 year-old freshman from Brevard County’s Viera High School and a first time participant in the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition took home the top prize during the awards ceremony on Sunday, May 1. Clayton takes home a trophy, a $5,000 cash scholarship plus $1,000 awards each for her science teacher and her school. For more than a decade, Philanthropist, Scientist and Entrepreneur Dr. Nelson Ying has hosted this competition in collaboration with the Orlando Science Center to encourage the outstanding scientific accomplishments of our community’s teens.
Clayton’s research concerns a rapidly growing aquatic plant named Lemna minor and its potential for use in the production of ethanol fuel. Her work allows the plant to absorb large amount of phosphates and nitrates from the water, which helps reduce algae growth while allowing the plant to attain its maximum starch content. This result makes Lemna minor ideal feedstock for ethanol production.
