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.
14 February 2011
Posted in
Kinetic Challenge
Fourteen teams comprised of 64 kids from grades 5th – 9th came to show off their innovative displays during the annual Kinetic Challenge on February 12. Projects like the “Very Complicated Toaster” and the “Frosty Eruption” lined the Science Center Clubhouse as judges reviewed the entries.
Students in grades 5th to 9th were asked to create unusual sculptures and wacky inventions using combinations of movable parts, everyday objects, and independent sources of energy. Teams used objects found, donated, or purchased for less than $100 dollars in the engineering and construction of their sculptures. The competition requirements incorporate the Florida Sunshine State Standards for Science. The Orlando Science Center Kinetic Challenge is presented by The Stephen H. Goldman Foundation, Inc.
Best in Fair for the Senior Division was awarded to The Mind Flexors from St. Mary Magdalen with their “Smarticle Particle Math Machine.” Traveling through obstacles and pathways, the final reveal in this creative project was a banner with the message “Math is Cool.”
Best in Fair in the Junior division was awarded to The Neon Blue Boys from Hillcrest Elementary with their “Sock-O's Food Chain Reaction.” This team had animal well-being in mind with their project designed to send a marble down a ramp to push a cup of food over to feed a fish below.
Each Best in Fair winner received a $500 prize for their school, and all other award winners received $250. Other award categories included Most Artistic and Most Scientific for both the junior and senior divisions. The Teacher Award went to both Debbie Gordon of St. Mary Magdalen and Heather Teager of Hillcrest Elementary.
For more photos from the competition, click here
