STEM Day at the Capitol is Thursday, February 26, 2026: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Orlando Science Center is proud to join other museums, science centers, educators and foundations to connect with Florida legislators during STEM Day at the Florida Capitol on Thursday, February 26. STEM Day is a dynamic event where these institutions demonstrate the critical role they play in inspiring the STEM workforce of tomorrow and advocate for funding to support STEM education.
From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, legislators will learn how STEM education continues to grow Florida’s future workforce by engaging with hands-on activities, experiments, displays, and even robots! STEM Day emphasizes how science museums are a hub for STEM learning and have the opportunity to facilitate connections between industry, education and the public. Collaborations between science museums, corporations and education are key to developing a comprehensive approach in promoting STEM learning from cradle to career.
As our world continues to grow more complex and competitive, we are reminded that science matters now more than ever. Science literacy has the power to help individuals better understand life’s problems and develop the skills necessary to address them. It’s through study and experimentation that knowledge, innovation and prosperity are accomplished.
Industry must partner with educational institutions and informal learning centers like science museums to start preparing our youth for jobs that don’t even exist yet. Regardless of the field they enter, tomorrow’s workforce must have a strong grasp of 21st century skills like problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. These skills are reinforced through active, challenge-based activities offered at museums and science centers.
STEM Day at the Capitol illustrates how collaborations with industry and academia can help fill the STEM pipeline, and Orlando Science Center is excited to take part in the event. Such partnerships provide opportunities to engage youth by bringing STEM subjects to life. By presenting the real-world applications of STEM skills in compelling ways, students are inspired to pursue further education and careers in STEM fields.
During STEM Day, Orlando Science Center will share its passion for all things STEM with legislators, shining the light on the impact its efforts can have on economic development across the state. Displays at STEM Day encourage hands-on learning and reinforce how science museums light the spark of curiosity, promote future STEM careers and build essential 21st century skills while also illustrating how increased funding could expand these efforts.
Participants will experience a variety of engaging activities with the Orlando Science Center including:
- Space demons involving spectroscopy, an astronaut glove challenge and solar glasses.
- State appropriation activities like microscopes to view acrylic insects, live superworms and natural objects like pinecones.
- Learning thrugh play activities involving LEGO bricks, LEGO base plates and other building materials.
- And much more!