27 June 2012
Posted in Our STEM Crisis

You say you’re not a "science person”? That’s okay, many people feel the same way. They’re wrong though, and so are you. Granted, you might not be a physicist or a physician, you might not have even passed biology in middle school. But you are a science person. I know this because you don’t have a choice.

Science is all around us. It might not be as apparent in some places as it is in others, but it is everywhere. Think about the rush of technology and what you have to understand now that you couldn’t fathom before. Or, the advances in medicine that will help us live longer and healthier than we ever dreamed possible. Consider the fact that, not too long ago, a cross-country flight was a big deal. Today, commercial companies are travelling into space.

Think about the questions you ask – or better still, the questions your children ask. Think about the look of amazement in their eyes when they discover something new. The questions that they ask, the way they find the answers, science is right next to you.

As we move further into uncertain times, with no real firm answers in sight, one thing is for sure… science matters and will matter more than ever. Here’s the exciting news though, science is right next to you, asking those questions, exploring new things. And some day, they’ll be the ones with the answers.

So, your science homework for tonight is not to keep science at arm’s length. Embrace it. Set an example for it. After all, you are a science person.

26 June 2012
Posted in Tornado Alley

Prepare to be blown away by the list of activities this weekend at the Orlando Science Center!

Filmmaker and storm chaser Sean Casey will be making a special appearance Saturday and Sunday, and he's bringing the Tornado Intercept Vehicle (TIV) with him! Casey constructed the seven-ton, armored behemoth to withstand the destructive power of a tornado. He'll be introducing the film he directed and starred in, Tornado Alley, as well as signing autographs, taking pictures with guests and conducting question-and-answer sessions.

In addition, the WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 Meteorologists will interact with guests at the WFTV Severe Weather Center 9 exhibit, a working replica of the actual set used on WFTV’s weather forecasts. Patrons can learn about the weather and even deliver a forecast while your family watches on TV! The team will be on site both days and can take photos and sign autographs.

All activities and film screenings are included with membership or a general admission ticket!

The complete schedule is as follows:

Saturday, June 30

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
TIV tours with Sean Casey at Entrance A

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Tornado Alley screening in the Dr. Phillips CineDome

11:40 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
TIV tours with Sean Casey at Entrance A

12:15 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Q&A with Sean Casey following screening in the Dr. Phillips CineDome

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Autograph and photo session with Sean Casey at Entrance A

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Tornado Alley screening in the Dr. Phillips CineDome

2:10 p.m. - 2:40 p.m.
TIV tours with Sean Casey at Entrance A

2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Q&A with Sean Casey following screening in the Dr. Phillips CineDome

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Autograph and photo session with Sean Casey at Entrance A

4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Tornado Alley screening in the Dr. Phillips CineDome

4:40 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.
TIV tours with Sean Casey at Entrance A

5:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Q&A with Sean Casey following screening in the Dr. Phillips CineDome

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Autograph and photo session with Sean Casey at Entrance A

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26 June 2012
Posted in Summer Camps

Thinking about putting your child in summer camp? Have you considered the offerings at the Orlando Science Center? Michelle Wargo and Orange TV’s Café Around Town explore the fun activities kids can enjoy during a day at a Science Center summer camp!

08 June 2012
Posted in Press and Media

Summer Nights at the Orlando Science Center!

Exhibits, Giant Screen Films, Observatory and More!

Friday and Saturday Nights – Now through August 18

BEGINNING TONIGHT - For a limited time, the Orlando Science Center will remain open late on Fridays and Saturday nights this summer. Beginning Friday, June 8, guests will have more time to explore four levels of exhibits, check out a giant screen film in the Dr. Phillips CineDome or head up to the Crosby Observatory. Now through June 28, the Science Center will be open until 9:00 p.m. with added screenings of films like Rescue and Tornado Alley. From June 29 to August 18, guests will enjoy the retro cool and audio power of laser light shows when hours are pushed until 10:00 p.m.

The Science Center’s extended hours coincide with the start of summer night sky viewing in the Crosby Observatory. Each Friday and Saturday night through August 18, visitors can witness the wonders of the night sky as they observe moons, planets and other astronomical events using our refractor telescope – one of the largest available to the public in Florida! Astronomy experts and volunteers will be on hand to make sure you get the best view possible. And on the observation desk, check out an unobstructed view of the beautiful downtown Orlando skyline. Whether you are gazing through the giant refractor or one of the smaller telescopes, the Crosby Observatory offers a stellar evening for amateur astronomers of all ages

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06 June 2012
Posted in Crosby Observatory

Science Center patrons saw an event that comes once in a lifetime (and two if you’re lucky) with the Transit of Venus on June 5. About 200 people gathered for the celestial phenomenon signified with the direct passing of Venus between the Earth and Sun. It is seen by observers as a small black dot moving across the face of our star.

Members were treated to a viewing in the Crosby Observatory. Other guests experienced the occasion from the roof of the Science Center’s parking garage where the Seminole State College Planetarium staff held an observing party with telescopes to peer through.

Rainy conditions wouldn’t deter the cosmically curious as the fun continued in the Darden Adventure Theater with trivia contests; a presentation by Derek Demeter, Seminole State College Planetarium Director; and a live feed of the transit from the W.M. Keck Observatory at the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii that was projected on the big screen.

Enjoy these photos from the event!

28 May 2012
Posted in Summer Camps

Orlando Science Center's Junior and Senior Summer Academies include field trips based on their topic of interest. The Junior Academy, Expedition Florida, includes a trip with Midway Airboat Tours. Here, the team did a site inspection and got up close and personal with one of Florida's older residents!

To get a description of the Expedition Florida Junior Academy, or any of our other summer programs, just click on the guide on the right.  Space is filling up, so book your child's program today!