Category Archives: What’s New

OSC at Home: Science Behind the Scenes

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There's science in every scene!

Have you ever seen a movie or TV show and wondered how it’s made? Every film you watch relies on hundreds of people using science and creativity to bring ideas to life! While we celebrate Fantasy Month at Orlando Science Center, let’s explore the science behind one of the most effect-ive VFX techniques in film: forced perspective.

You can read about it here, or skip to the bottom to try it for yourself!

What are Visual Effects?

Visual effects (VFX) in movies fall into three main categories:

  • Optical Effects – Visual illusions created with camera techniques. These effects don’t depend on what is being filmed, but rather how it is filmed. Examples include the dolly zoom, forced perspective, multiple exposures, and slow motion with high-speed cameras.
  • Practical Effects – Physical, real-world effects built on set with props, makeup, animatronics, miniatures, or pyrotechnics.
  • CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) – Digital effects created after filming. Modern CGI can do everything from subtle adjustments like color grading to entire photorealistic environments, physics simulations, and animated creatures.

What is Forced Perspective?

You’ve probably seen photos of people “holding up” the Leaning Tower of Pisa, pinching the tip of the Eiffel Tower, or standing shoulder to shoulder with the Statue of Liberty. These are playful examples of forced perspective, where distance and camera position make large objects look small, or small objects look large.

Normally, our brains keep track of size with context clues from the environment. But with clever staging, filmmakers can trick the eye and create convincing illusions. Forced perspective is one of the most common optical effects in movies, especially fantasy films. Let’s look at a famous example!

leaning tower of pisa tourist image

Making Elijah Wood Hobbit-Sized

In The Lord of the Rings, protagonist Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) is a Hobbit. Hobbits are much smaller than humans, elves, and the other creatures Frodo encounters. Filmmakers used several techniques to shrink Frodo on screen, but forced perspective stands out.

Take the carriage scene with Frodo and Gandalf (Ian McKellen). From the audience’s view, Gandalf looks much larger than Frodo. Behind the scenes, the trick comes from both the camera angle and the set design. The carriage was built in two halves: Gandalf’s side at normal scale, and Frodo’s side pushed farther back and built at an oversized scale. This combination makes Frodo appear Hobbit-sized when filmed from just the right perspective.

in-camera view from the Lord of the rings carriage scene. Showcases perceived size difference between the two characters
BTS photo showing a custom carriage where Frodo's seat is further back to give the illusion that he is of Hobbit stature when filmed from the right angle

Try It Yourself at Home!

With a little creativity, you can try forced perspective using everyday items. Grab a camera, experiment with angles and distance, and see how you can play with scale. It’s a fun way to flex your imagination while learning some photography basics!

Find full instructions and examples at the link below.

VIEW INSTRUCTIONS

OSC at Home: DIY Origami Dice

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Make Your Own Twenty-Sided Origami Dice

We often think of dice as a modern invention, but would it surprise you to know that humans have been using dice for thousands of years? We use them now for fun and games, but throughout history, dice have been used for a wide range of purposes, including divination, developing mathematical theories, and, yes, Dungeons & Dragons. 

While we celebrate Fantasy Month at Orlando Science Center, enjoy the challenge of folding your own twenty-sided origami dice! Check below to learn more all about dice throughout history, and then try a fun dice experiment that you can do at home!

Download Printable Origami Patterns
History of Dice
Dice Probability Experiment
History of Dice
Dice Probability Experiment
Evaluate This Hypothesis:

If two six-sided dice are rolled a large number of times, then all outcomes will occur equally often.

Materials:
  • 2 Six-Sided Dice
  • Pen/Pencil and Paper
Experiment:

Roll 2 six-sided dice. After each roll, record the sum of the dice. Repeat at least 100 times. The more times the dice are rolled, the more accurate the results will be.

To visualize your data in real-time, plot each sum using a Dot Plot graph. 

Once all rolls have been recorded use the following formula to calculate the probability of each possible outcome (2-12) based on the data collected:

Percent Chance of Outcome = (# of occurrences ÷ # of total rolls) × 100

Was the hypothesis correct? Is each sum of the dice equally likely?

ANSWER

After enough throws of the dice, a pattern should emerge that shows the following probabilities for each possible outcome:

02 - 2.8% | 03 - 5.6% | 04 - 8.3% | 05 - 11.1% | 06 - 13.9% | 07 - 16.7% | 08 - 13.9% | 09 - 11.1% | 10 - 8.3% | 11 - 5.6% | 12 - 2.8%

a chart indicating a bell curve of dice probabilities.

EXPLANATION

For each possible sum of the two thrown dice, there are a set number of ways to reach that outcome. For example, a sum of 2 can only be achieved by rolling a 1 on both dice, but a sum of 7 can be achieved with 6 different combinations (1+6, 3+4, 2+5, 6+1, 4+3, and 5+2).  

CONTINUE THIS EXPERIMENT ON YOUR OWN

How many combinations are there to sum the other outcomes? Does this apply for other combinations of dice? How does the number of dice involved affect the results?

OSC at Home: Hispanic Heritage Month

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Dig Deeper Into Latin American and Caribbean History

During Hispanic Heritage Month, we're diving into archeology and showcasing artifacts from Latin American and Caribbean cultures of the past and present! If you aren't able to catch the Dig Deeper experience at Orlando Science Center this month, we've got you covered! Check out these amazing artifacts below!

Cemi

c. 1200 CE – c. 1500 CE,
Taino Culture
Caribbean
A cemi (or zemi) is a sculptural object that houses ancestral spirits of the same name. These figures are from the Taino people of the Caribbean. They could be made of wood or stone and come in a few common shapes. One of the most iconic shapes are the three-pointed cemis like ours, but they can also be depicted as amulets and as figures with bowls for rituals. Find out more at OSC: An educational replica was hand sculpted by a staff member here at OSC! It was made by Alyssa F. and took 4 hours to make.

Sun Stone

c. 1500 CE
Aztec Culture
Mesoamerica
The sun stone is a large stonework representation of the creation of the world, and contains visual storytelling and calendar elements. The center represents the sun god. The glyphs around it represent the era. The arrows represent directions. One of the rings represents the date in base 20 and the outermost ring depicts the fire serpents that represent time. The Aztec calendar is called the Tonalpohualli, and is a 260 day calendar stemming from an Olmec calendar used throughout Mesoamerica. It is still in use in parts of Mexico and Guatemala today. Dig Deeper: What do you picture when you think of a calendar? Different countries think of time in different directions, so do their months go left to right? Up and down? Something else?
Aztec Sun Stone

Nuchu

c. 16th Century – Present Day,
Indigenous Kuna Culture
Columbia, Panama

A nuchu (plural nuchugana) is a figure carved from wood and given to a sick person to draw out the bad spirits causing the illness. They are found in the indigenous Kuna culture of Panama and Colombia and would be placed by the bedside to draw out those spirits. If they crack it is thought that the spirits would escape so they would then be disposed of.

Because of the personalized nature of these objects, it can only be given away or sold once it has cracked and lost its usefulness. It was treated similar to prescription medicines today, where the recommendation is not to share your prescriptions because they are formulated specifically for you!

Find out more at OSC: An educational replica was hand carved by a staff member here at OSC! It was made by Alyssa F. and took 12 hours to make.

Khipu

c. 2600 BCE – c. 1900 CE
Most commonly used in the Inca Empire 15th-16th century
Central Andes

A khipu (plural khipukuna) is a tool for recording information that works by tying knots on strings in specific ways to denote numerical data and other information.

The direction, placement, and amount of knots can convey numerical data in base 10, while the color, material, ply, and direction of the strings can convey phonographic or logographic information in binaries.

Find out more at OSC: An educational replica khipu was hand spun and tied by a staff member here at OSC! It was made by Alyssa F. and took 5 hours to make.

What is Dig Deeper?

Dig Deeper is a Pop-Up experience that features a close-up look at a different topic in ancient history every month, from Archeology to Paleontology, Biology, Geology, and more! Each month Dig Deeper will feature real fossils, hand crafted educational replica artifacts from cultures around the world, or hands-on activities to help you get a deeper understanding of the world around you! When you see the Dig Deeper cart at OSC, stop by and say hello!

New Board Members For Orlando Science Center

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Orlando Science Center Welcomes the Future with Three New Tech-Savvy Officers on the Board of Trustees

Orlando Science Center’s Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome three new members. Captain Rob Betts, Jaison Busby, and Brian Gill. Betts and Busby will be filling the spots of the outgoing officers, Captain Tim James (NAWCTSD) who retired from the position on June 15th, and Jenise Osani (VP of Marketing and New Products) whose 3-year term ended on June 30th.

Captain Rob Betts

Captain Rob Betts

Captain Rob Betts is a career Naval Officer with over 26 years on active duty. He is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division and Naval Support Activity Orlando, where he leads a 1300-person team in ensuring the US Navy and our allies have the best trained personnel in the world. He is a 1999 graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and received his commission through NROTC, receiving his designation as a Naval Aviator in 2002. He also holds a master’s degree in Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulations from the Naval Postgraduate School. Captain Betts will serve as an Ex-Officio member of the Board.

Jaison busby

Jaison Busby

Jaison Busby is Vice President of Digital and Technology at the Orlando Utilities Commission. He leads strategic planning, IT operations, and cybersecurity while driving innovation and digital transformation across the organization. Previously at DTE Energy in Detroit, he oversaw IT/OT systems supporting energy generation including Renewables, Nuclear, and Fossil. Busby holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Oakland University and an MBA in Technical Management from the University of Phoenix.

Brian Gill

Brian Gill

Brian Gill is Chief Revenue Officer for Thumbprint, a marketing, creative, print, promo, apparel, technology, distribution, logistical, experiential company where he has worked for over 23 years. Brian has fostered success by cultivating a company culture rooted in growth, curiosity, empowerment. He is passionate about finding ways to leverage technologies that streamline the pathways to success. Gill is a 2004 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Marketing and Business Management.  

Members of the Board of Trustees are elected to serve a term of 3 years, during which they will play an active role in Orlando Science Center’s continued success. Board members provide guidance that enables Orlando Science Center to move forward on its ongoing five-year strategic plan, which most recently includes a complete reimagination of its giant-screen theater as part of its Unlock Science Campaign.

Recently, Orlando Science Center has said goodbye to its beloved Dr. Philips CineDome after nearly 30 years of stunning panoramic films. The theater will undergo a full renovation, reopening with a fully digital 8K projector and planetarium in Spring 2026.

Unlock Science is a multi-million-dollar, multi-year fundraising effort to invest in the future of Orlando Science Center and its commitment to be a strong resource for informal science learning, family engagement and workforce development. The campaign has currently raised over $29 million since 2014 and completely transformed the Science Center with projects like KidsTown, the STEM Discovery Center, and the all-new Life exhibit.

AdventHealth for Children and Orlando Science Center Launch Bold New Chapter

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Expanding Their Long-Term Partnership for Greater Community Impact

Orlando Science Center and AdventHealth for Children are expanding their long-term partnership and unlocking new opportunities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across Central Florida.

Through this effort, AdventHealth for Children will become the presenting sponsor of the STEM Discovery Center, the educational heart of the Science Center. It is a launchpad for countless science learning initiatives.

Inspiring Tomorrow’s STEM Leaders Both Onsite and Beyond

Located on the second floor, the STEM Discovery Center is more than just a space; it’s where future scientists, engineers, and innovators begin their journey.

AdventHealth’s support also boosts the Science Center's ability to bring STEM experiences to the community through outreach programs and a fleet of eight mobile vans. Last year alone, we delivered nearly 400 STEM programs across over 30 counties, visiting schools, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and neighborhood centers.

Osc 7484
Osc 7549

Partnering for a Healthier, Smarter Future 

This partnership will bring new energy to STEM programming through collaboration with AdventHealth University. Plans include guest speakers, student volunteers at camp, and even the development of a Medical Career Science Night at their campus.

“Our shared vision is about building a stronger, healthier community through education,” said JoAnn Newman, President & CEO of Orlando Science Center. “Together, we’re creating immersive STEM experiences that will empower learners of all ages.”

AdventHealth for Children’s commitment reflects a deep belief in the power of science to heal, uplift, and transform. “We hope this partnership sparks curiosity and inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, and healthcare professionals,” said Kristi Baker, senior executive officer at AdventHealth for Children.

Supporting Campers Beyond the Classroom

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As part of our ongoing partnership with AdventHealth for Children, Orlando Science Center welcomed Margaret Redmond, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, on May 22 to lead a special training session for our Summer Camp education team. Margaret serves as a Pediatric Behavioral Health Care Coordinator at AdventHealth for Children and brings a wealth of expertise in youth mental health and emotional support. 

This training, titled “Taking Care of Your Campers & Taking Care of Yourself,” offered timely strategies to help our educators foster an environment that prioritizes both camper well-being and staff resilience. 

During the summer season, our education team and camp counselors will engage thousands of curious young minds. But learning isn’t just about fun experiments and field trips—it’s also about creating a space where every child feels safe, supported, and understood. 

Margaret’s presentation emphasized curiosity over judgment when approaching challenging behaviors and reminded staff that behind every action is a potential unmet need. Camp counselors were encouraged to see each camper’s unique strengths, from budding builders to peer cheerleaders, and to lead with empathy, patience, and presence. 

Just as important, the session addressed the mental health of our own staff. Margaret shared tools for recognizing stress, managing burnout, and cultivating a collective, supportive mindset among colleagues—because taking care of others begins with taking care of ourselves. 

We are incredibly grateful for AdventHealth for Children’s continued partnership and for Margaret’s thoughtful, engaging presentation. Her insights will help guide our staff throughout the summer, ensuring that Orlando Science Center remains a place where children and educators alike can thrive. 

To learn more about resources for child and adolescent mental health, you can call AdventHealth’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Navigation Line at 407-517-7593. 

Learn More About Summer Camps

Cool Science Beats the Heat

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When it's hot outside, science is always COOL!

They don't call Florida the Sunshine State for nothing! Florida summers can be swelteringly hot, and while that makes for a good beach day here and there, sometimes you need to get out of the heat. That's why Orlando Science Center has all of the COOL science you need to keep active and learning all Summer long - without leaving the comfort of air conditioning!

Cool Off with Liquid Nitrogen Shows

If you follow Orlando Science Center on social media, you've probably seen us use liquid nitrogen in our Will It Shatter series. Because liquid nitrogen has a boiling point of about -321 °F, it evaporates very quickly at room temperature, billowing out in clouds of cool, refreshing steam! 

We use liquid nitrogen in a few of our live science shows here at the Science Center, including Cool Science on the Discovery Stage and Powers of Pokémon in the Digital Adventure Theater. When it's hot outside, liquid nitrogen demonstrations are a great way to keep cool and learn something new! Check out our Daily Calendar to make sure you catch the next show. 

By the way, because liquid nitrogen is so cold, only our specially trained science interpreters are allowed to handle it in experiments. But stop by Dr. Dare's Lab on your next visit to see what other hands-on chemistry experiments you can do!

A woman in a lab coat and safety goggles pours liquid nitrogen into a bowl
A small alligator lays atop two freshwater turtles

Life Brings the Wild Inside

Escape the heat as you lounge in the shade of our iconic Cypress tree! Learn the best ways to adapt to our sunny ecosystem from Florida natives: alligators, freshwater turtles, burrowing owls, gopher tortoises, and more. The Swamp gallery of Life brings the splendor of Florida's wild spaces inside for more comfortable exploration and education. No need to sweat over the day's activities!

Don't forget to stop by the Ocean gallery to say hello to sleek sharks and bright tropical fish. You can also get hands-on with invertebrates like horseshoe crabs and sea urchins in the touch pool, or learn more about coral restoration efforts. 

Round out the day with a visit to the climate-controlled Rainforest and enjoy the warmth without the stress. Our sleepy sloth and playful golden-headed lion tamarin monkeys are waiting by the waterfall to say hello!

Put the Heat to Work in the Tiny Green Home

From sustainability to recycling, this Tiny Green Home is showing us how to make a BIG difference! This summer season, why not put that famous Florida sunshine to good use? Learn how to work with the environment to live more sustainably and show love to our planet. 

The Tiny Green Home offers a hands-on experience through interactive displays that educate visitors on energy and water conservation measures, sustainability rebates, vehicle electrification, renewables, composting, food gardens and other efficiency methods.

Make sure to check the Daily Calendar for times, as the Tiny Green Home is mobile and sometimes takes educational field trips. And a Pro Tip: The Tiny Green Home is best seen on sunny days. When inclement weather sets in, we have to close it for the safety of our guests!

Two young women interact with an exhibit about energy used by light bulbs

These are just a few of the incredible activities and experiences that are SO cool, you'll forget about the heat! Don't miss these experiences and so much more - with four floors of wonder and discovery awaiting you, you're sure to learn something new with every visit. Get your tickets today!

A caregiver and child harvesting oranges in the orange grove area.

KidsTown

Play to learn in KidsTown, where children ages 0-7 can cool down in Drip Drop Splash, monkey around in Climb Time, or reap the rewards of the sunshine in the iconic Orange Grove!

An OSC Science Program Interpreter explodes a balloon of flammable gas on stage during a KABOOM Live Show

KABOOM!

We have awesome science for our firebugs, too! Catch a KABOOM show to learn about combustion, or see the How to Feed Your Dragon show for a sensory-friendly experience!

Audience in a movie theater

The CineDome

Ready for an adventure of epic proportions? Catch an immersive film in the 8-story Dr. Phillips CineDome! Make sure to stop by this Summer before it closes for renovation!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

It Never Rains in Our Rainforest!

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Escape the Summer Storms at Orlando Science Center!

Any native Floridian knows that sunny skies aren't always endless here. It might be perfectly clear one moment, but fifteen minutes later, you're caught in a downpour! When the clouds set in, Orlando Science Center has everything you need to keep the fun going indoors. You might even learn something new, too! Next time the forecast looks a little gloomy, stop by and explore some of these awesome exhibits and activities.

Stay Warm and Dry in Life: A Nature & Conservation Exhibit

Where can you find a rainforest where it never rains? Right here at Orlando Science Center! The Life exhibit focuses on three distinct world environments: Rainforest, Ocean, and Swamp. Escape the heat in the shade of the Swamp's iconic Cypress tree as alligators and turtles float by. Or warm up in the climate-controlled Rainforest as free-flying songbirds soar above you. Don't forget to say hello to our sleepy sloth or our golden-headed lion tamarin monkeys! And don't worry - rain won't ruin your beach day, because we brought the Ocean to you! Get hands-on with invertebrates in our touch pool or dip your toes into marine biology as you observe bright, tropical fish and sharks in our 360° reef enclosure. No sunscreen required!
A sloth hangs in the Life exhibit
Two people stand with a person in a wheelchair looking at a hanging model of Earth

Deliver Your Forecast in Our Planet, Our Solar System

Ready to take the forecast into your own hands? In Our Planet, Our Solar System, you can become a meteorologist for a day and show "those guys" on TV how it's really done! Stop by the Severe Weather Center and learn how to put together a weather forecast using the same tools as a meteorologist. Then, step in front of the green screen and become Orlando's newest chief meteorologist! You can also explore other awesome weather-based phenomena in this exhibit! Create your own tornadoes, experience hurricane-force winds, and make it "rain" on watersheds of your own creation. Then head over to Science on a Sphere to explore how storm systems move across Earth's surface. Or leave the planet altogether and explore other celestial bodies from our Solar System!

Splash Safely in KidsTown

If you have little ones in your life, you know they can't always resist playing in the rain. But when the weather turns inclement, splashing around outside can be risky! Escape the deluge and splash safely at Drip Drop Splash in KidsTown instead! Using water and various props as their tools, children experiment with physics, engineering, material science, and fluid dynamics as they develop and test their ideas about the way water moves. Touching, pouring, moving, and even splashing reveal the unique properties of water and encourage experimentation! Plus, KidsTown is practically a children's museum inside the Science Center, and there's so much more to explore! Pick oranges in the iconic Orange Grove, develop motor skills in Climb Time, discover and build in Explore It, and so much more. Learning through play is the best way to spend a rainy day!
A mother and her young daughter watch a baby boy play in a water pool
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Make Fest is Back!

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Ready to Make Your Mark? 

Join us June 21 and 22 for two days packed with hands-on fun. Grab some tools, get creative, and make something all your own. Whether you’re new to making or a seasoned pro, Make Fest is all about jumping in, experimenting, and bringing your ideas to life. 

Here, you won’t just watch or listen—you’ll build, craft, tinker, and invent alongside a community of makers just like you. Take part in interactive workshops, tackle creative challenges, and enjoy films that celebrate the spirit of making. 

Get ready to roll up your sleeves—see what we’re crafting for you below! 

Meet the Creative Trailblazers Shaping Make Fest
Discover a vibrant collection of local artisans bringing imagination to life with their amazing creations. From handcrafted goods to unique works of art, our community partners are makers at heart and excited to share their creations with you. Be sure to check out Burning Designs Creations, Kats Eye Creations, Black Lab Soapery, Black Bee Honey, Love Club Labs, and many more inspiring artisans. 

Design and Race Your Own Paper Rollercoaster
Ready for a hands-on challenge? Head over to The Hive: A Makerspace, presented by the Isaacs Family, where you will build your very own paper rollercoaster. Craft thrilling loops, twists, and drops, then race marbles down your custom-built track. It’s an exciting way to combine creativity with a bit of friendly competition. 

Step Into the World of 3D Creation
Bring your ideas to life in the digital space. Learn to design and build your own 3D models using beginner-friendly software that works great for first-time makers and tech explorers alike. This is your chance to explore cutting-edge tools and take your creations to the next dimension. 

Explore Digital Art with Art-ificial intellegience
Discover the creative possibilities of digital art with the help of innovative tools. Try your hand at making your own unique artwork and take part in a light-hearted discussion: Is AI art truly art? (Adult supervision required for this activity.)

Kidstown’s Creative Corner: Make, Imagine, and Play
Make Fest isn’t just for grown-ups. Kidstown offers special hands-on activities designed just for kids. Try the Sculptured Self Mini Maker to create a unique piece that tells your story. This activity is recommended for ages 4 and up. Plus, enjoy Sounds of Summer Storytime, a lively blend of stories and music that will spark creativity and fun. 

Learn About Robots on the Big Screen
Don’t miss the film Robots playing in the Dr. Phillips CineDome. This fascinating movie explores what it means to be human and how humanoid robots are shaping our future. It’s a must-see for anyone curious about innovation and technology. 

Make Fest invites you to discover new possibilities where ideas take shape and innovation knows no limits. This isn’t just an event—it’s an experience that sparks curiosity and inspires you to see, do, and create in unexpected ways.

Get your tickets now and see what happens when you make something awesome—together!

Blast Off During Astro Fest!

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Embark on a journey through the stars at Astro Fest – July 19 & 20, 2025!

Experience the wonders of the universe with hands-on activities that bring space science to life, captivating films that take you beyond our planet, and inspiring talks from expert guest speakers.

Don’t miss these cosmic wonders!

  • Join the fun in KidsTown! –Take a large leap with us this summer as we learn all about the small steps that got us to the Moon in Mission: Moon Storytime! Recommended All Ages!
  •  Get crafty in The Hive: A Makerspace Presented by the Isaacs Family – Learn about hydraulics and circuit systems, and how engineers use them for various jobs around the world and beyond.
  • Gear up for takeoff in the Flight Lab – climb into the cockpit and experience the life of a pilot in this immersive experience that combines technology with teamwork!
  • Enjoy a live show that illuminates the mysteries of the cosmos on the Discovery Stage or in the Digital Adventure Theater.
  • Learn from the experts at NASA during two unique talks about NASA Launch Services (Saturday only) or the Artemis mission (Sunday only).
Moon 05 Sq

 And that’s just the beginning—there’s  so much more fun and learning waiting for you! To infinity, and beyond!