Put a spring in your step by making Orlando Science Center your Spring Break destination!
Grab your friends and family and blast off with Above and Beyond, presented by Boeing, become busy bees in The Hive: A Makerspace and meet some of Florida’s most extraordinary wildlife in NatureWorks. With so much to see and do, we’re breaking down the top seven ways the Science Center is sure to brighten your spring break.
Above and Beyond – Reach new heights with the newest traveling exhibit to land at the Science Center! Journey through the history of flight and discover where humans are taking off to next. Hop on an elevator to space, spread your wings and put your aviation skills to the test in this fascinating exhibit.
Animal Encounters – Get up close and personal with incredible Florida wildlife! Discover Florida’s fish and reptiles during Swamp Talk, meet animal ambassadors during their scheduled encounters and even experience the opening weekend of Animal Inspired. This live show explores how the amazing abilities of our Animal Ambassadors have inspired today’s technology.
Workshops – Unleash your creativity in The Hive: A Makerspace and Dr. Dare's Lab! Whether you’re 8 or 81, you’ll have a blast making bee houses, learning to 3D print, embroidery and design kites during our exciting workshops.
Live Science Shows – Learn something new by experiencing one of our many live science shows! Join us on a guided tour of the solar system at Science on a Sphere and go on a safari around DinoDigs. Even discover if you have what it takes to go to space in So, You Wanna Be An Astronaut?
Break Camps – When school’s out, break camps are in! Give your child the gift of STEM learning with our break camps that bring fun and science together. From uncovering archaeological mysteries to discovering the science behind superpowers, your elementary-aged children will explore science an exciting and engaging way.
Great Bear Rainforest – Run wild with the magnificent creatures that call Canada’s remote Pacific Coast home. In this stunning and poignant giant-screen film, discover the elusive spirit bears of the Great Bear Rainforest and join the movement to help protect their land. Narrated by Ryan Reynolds and scored by famous movie composer Hans Zimmerman, this incredible new film will delight and move you.
Please note timed experiences are subject to change. Pick up a daily schedule upon your arrival for up-to-date show times.
Take a close-up look at the cosmos with Florida’s largest publicly accessible refractor telescope and other astronomical tools.
Scheduled Times – Level 6
Atop Orlando Science Center sits a domed observatory that, if visited during the right time of year and under the proper conditions, can provide views of planets, stars, and other celestial objects.
View the four moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulas, and binary star systems!
View the breathtaking night sky, brilliant sun, and even bustling downtown Orlando area from the powerful, 10-inch lens of the refractor telescope along with several smaller scopes.
All activities and events in the Observatory are weather-permitting. Observatory hours are subject to change based on weather conditions in the area.
Check the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Get a more in-depth look at the closest star to the Earth — our sun! After checking out the sun, learn about the telescopes that let us explore the solar system. Please remember that observing outer space requires good weather here on Earth.
Star-Studded Evenings
Peer into the cosmos at Star-Studded Evenings with the Crosby Observatory's 10″ Byers refracting telescope for an out-of-this world view of various celestial objects.
Winter time brings cooler weather, early sunset and recognizable constellations like Orion, Taurus and Cassiopeia.
Friday and Saturday nights, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. until February 23. Excluding January 18 and 19
An “adult swim” of the science variety, this event features everything you love about the Science Center… without kids! Experience all four floors of exhibits, films and hands-on programming aimed specifically for grown-ups, while enjoying adult food and beverages available for purchase.
Give a gift that really shines! If you are seeking a unique and meaningful gift idea that supports a cause, consider adopting a star in a loved one’s name.
Each of the stars in our Adopt-A-Star Program is considered a “bright” star and all of them are visible from the OSC’s observatory at some point throughout the year.
Interested in joining a local astronomy group? Check out the Central Florida Astronomical Society.
CFAS activities include monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, monthly observing sessions at several sites across Central Florida, publication of a web information site, and public observing sessions when events of significant interest occur.
For more information, visit their site at www.cfas.org.
The Hive is a collaborative work space for making, learning, exploring, and sharing; where you’ll have access to real tools, materials and mentors that will help you turn your creative ideas into reality.
The Hive: A Makerspace - Level 3
Presented by The Isaacs Family
Come see what all the buzz is about! In The Hive, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. Learn how to sew a button, fold an origami crane, design a figurine using 3D modeling software then bring it to life with a 3D printer, or solder a circuit board – there’s always something new to try!
Many of the best designs come from collaboration. The Hive is a space that cultivates community and emphasizes the learning opportunities in every failure and success. Being a maker is all about creativity and experimentation. Go forth and create!
The Hive is designed specifically for makers ages 8 and up. Makers 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Take a “hike” across the dynamic ecosystems of Florida and see live animals in their diverse habitats. Meet the fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals call NatureWorks home on your next visit!
Exhibit Hall – Level 1
In NatureWorks, you’ll learn about the amazing animals and plants that inhabit coral reefs, mangrove forests, cypress swamps and other Florida environments, along with other areas around the world.
Discover what lies deep within the Floridan Aquifer, learn how to identify some of Florida’s native and invasive species, and observe animals in their unique habitats to understand their amazing adaptations!
Within the exhibit hall, there are frequent opportunities to hear from a NatureWorks animal keeper and encounter some of our Animal Ambassadors up close at their scheduled encounters!
Science Live!
Check out Fish Feeding Frenzy to learn more about the animals that inhabit Florida’s reefs, or join us for Swamp Talk to meet the fish and reptiles that live in Florida’s cypress swamps.
Check the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Go on a giant-screen adventure, or immerse yourself in astounding 3D locales, with educational and Hollywood films in Orlando Science Center’s two theaters!
If you need a break from the exhibit floor, take a seat in one of our state-of-the-art theaters.
The domed giant-screen Dr. Phillips CineDome and high-definition 3D Digital Adventure Theater both offer educational films daily, and all films are included with general admission. Content changes regularly, so be sure to check the theater schedule before you arrive to find out what’s playing.
We’re looking for eager, passionate team members who want to make a difference in their community!
Orlando Science Center’s volunteers and interns all carry out our mission to inspire science learning for life. Whether their role is to directly interact with guests or work hard behind the scenes, every team member plays an important part in contributing to our organizational success.
Adult Volunteers
Donate your time to bring the Science Center to life in a way that complements your expertise and interests.
Gain hands-on experience, shadow real-world professionals in a variety of fields, and give back to the community, while working in a fun and dynamic environment!
Orlando Science Center’s internship program is designed to provide college students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain realistic, in-depth exposure to the many careers at the Science Center.
Interns can expect to expand their professional skills, while gaining valuable experience and becoming part of the Science Center’s bigger mission. Internships at Orlando Science Center are unpaid, but interns are eligible for benefits such as school credit and free annual memberships.
Applications are accepted for the fall, spring, and summer semesters and available internships vary by semester. View the list below for current opportunities and check back frequently for other positions.
To apply, send your resume with a cover letter to Megan Collins, Coordinator of Volunteer Development, at mcollins@osc.org
We are accepting applications for the following internships for Summer 2019.
We are accepting applications for the following internships for Summer 2019.
Current Openings
KidsTown Programs
KidsTown Programs Interns will assist the KidsTown team with developing, testing, and implementing programs in all subject areas for children ages 0-7 and their families. Intern responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: supporting the full time KidsTown team by completing research and prep tasks, assisting with live programming, helping to prepare for and run early childhood events, engaging guests on the exhibit floor, cleaning and tidying the exhibit hall, and developing new educational content for guests to enjoy. Candidates should have an interest in science, art, and music/theatre.
Qualifications:
Experience working with and developing activities for children under the age of 7.
Comfort with working both with young children and their adult caregivers.
Understanding of developmentally appropriate practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work well with staff and guests.
A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Skills & Requirements:
Has completed 2+ years of college courses – preferably in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or Science.
Ability to successfully pass criminal background check and fingerprinting.
Ability to work independently.
Willingness to get messy if project or assignment requires.
Ability to report promptly for all scheduled shifts.
Availability on weekends, school holidays, and all special events.
Preferred that interns commit to one full semester that runs concurrently with the school year. Hours are flexible with 10-20 hours per week.
Marketing & Public Relations
The PR and Social Media Intern will work directly with the Marketing & Public Relations Manager and Specialist to gain valuable media relations experience by sharing newsworthy content, learning social media best practices and pitching the media. This is an unpaid position but is eligible for school credit and an Orlando Science Center membership.
The PR internship is writing-focused with opportunities to create pitches and press releases, social media content, blogs and articles that will be published in Orlando Science Center’s member magazine SCOPE. The intern will work on projects, go to meetings, and work with all other departments at the Science Center to gain a better understanding of the organization as a whole and contributions to the community. The PR intern will work closely with the marketing team to come up with new and exciting ways to promote everything the Science Center has to offer through unique events, social media contests and more.
Responsibilities:
Press release, pitch and article writing.
Curating and creating posts for social media.
Increasing followers & engagement on social.
Facebook advertising campaigns.
Posting live during events.
Blog writing and proofreading
Website development through WordPress
Photography and videography as needed.
B-roll creation and light video editing.
Light graphic design (no skills required).
Maintain media log and press clippings.
Analytics and reporting.
Assist with special events.
Posting events on community calendars.
Skills & Requirements:
Must be a student seeking a degree in Ad/PR, Marketing, Digital Media, Communications, or a related field.
Must have completed Writing For Public Relations or similar writing course by internship start.
Strong writer and proofreader.
Interested in learning more about social media and how it enhances public relations efforts.
Minimum commitment of 9 hours per week required (10-12 hours preferred).
Must commit to one full semester that runs concurrently with the school year.
To Apply: Send your resume with a cover letter and 2-3 writing samples to Megan Collins, Coordinator of Volunteer Development, at mcollins@www.osc.org.
Meetings & Events
The Orlando Science Center Meetings and Events department produces more than 250 events a year, ranging from weddings to corporate functions. We have more than 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and event space that is available for private events. The goal of the Meetings and Events department is to provide outstanding customer service while building excellent relationships with our clients.
Meetings & Events interns will be responsible for working closely with the Meetings & Events team on various tasks, including: site visits with clients and vendors, on site assistance during events, updating Orlando Science Center’s photo library, preparing event paperwork, purchase orders, invoices, collecting payment, vendor load in and load out, creation of diagrams, and phone calls to clients and vendors.
Qualifications:
Strong interpersonal skills, problem solving abilities and organization.
Positive, cheerful attitude.
Ability to work well with staff and guests.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Willingness to learn.
Readiness to be flexible and adaptable.
Skills & Requirements:
Candidates pursuing a degree in Hospitality/Event Management preferred.
Successfully pass criminal background check and fingerprinting.
Ability to work independently.
Self-motivated to seek out task and projects.
Possesses personal initiative.
Reports promptly to work on days scheduled.
Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
Interns generally work 1 office day per week and 1-2 events per week; most events are Friday-Sunday evenings.
NatureWorks Animal Care
Animal Care Interns will work alongside full-time and part-time NatureWorks staff while learning the daily routines and husbandry practices of Orlando Science Center’s various animals. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, enrichment, training, exhibit maintenance, and public speaking. Upon completion of internship, interns will be comfortable interacting with guests and understand the complex role conservation team members play as front-line staff.
Duties:
Assist in daily routines, which include, but are not limited to: diet preparation, feeding, cleaning exhibits, and light maintenance.
Facilitate public programs for guests of all ages, with a focus on conservation topics.
Practice safe and engaging animal touch opportunities for guests and groups.
Skills & Requirements:
Junior or senior currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program, or recent graduate.
Successfully pass criminal background check and fingerprinting.
Comfortable working around and handling many species of animals.
Comfortable speaking in front of large groups.
Responsible and reliable as an individual and team player.
Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and can work in a fast-paced environment.
Able to perform strenuous work-related activities and able to lift 50 lbs.
Comfortable working in or around water and walking on slippery or uneven surfaces.
Must commit to one full semester that runs concurrently with the school year.
Flexible hours with 15-20 hours per week.
Special Events
The Special Events intern will assist the Director of Special Events with the creation of Special Events for the Orlando Science Center. Interns will assist with identifying and soliciting prospective content partners, schedule and attend meetings, order lunch, send out meeting reminders and take minutes, process invoices and record expenses, assist with event logistics before and during event, prepare staffing plans, track in-kind donations, inventory, and other record keeping. Interns will interact with staff, vendors, sponsors and guests, as well as assist with other special events as needed.
Qualifications:
Daily use of excellent customer service with critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
Strong knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft Office programs, including: Word and Power Point
ractice safe and engaging animal touch opportunities for guests and groups.
Successfully be able to pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting
Performs other related duties as assigned by Manager and Full Time Staff of NatureWorks
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Currently enrolled student with two (2) or more years of college courses, preferably Non-profit Management, Event Management, or Communications.
Experience: Must have completed at least one internship prior to interning with the Special Events Department at Orlando Science Center.
Preferred Qualifications
Willingness to learn and a positive attitude
Have an understanding of emerging technologies, especially as they relate to the STEM field
Responsible and reliable as an individual and team player
Understands and supports the mission of the Orlando Science Center, to Inspire Science Learning for Life
Expected Hours of Work:
Minimum time commitment of one (1) semester with availability to work all Special Events during the internship time period.
Tuesday – Thursday between the hours of 10am-4pm. Minimum of two (2) days required per week, with each shift a minimum of four (4) hours.
Spring Duration: January through June
Fall Duration: August through December
Physical demands:
Able to perform strenuous work-related activities and able to lift 50 lbs.
Public Programs
Orlando Science Center’s Public Programs department creates and presents content including demonstrations, shows, & activities for guests as well as creating special themed content each month. Public Programs is offering an internship to develop skills in science communication, facilitation, resourcefulness, & creativity.
Over the course of the internship, participants will learn & present specific content, assist in creating content, & assist with daily tasks both front & back of house. They will standardize & prototype STEM challenges & theme of month demonstrations, present science polls, & collect program surveys. Their project for the cohort will be one themed cart demonstration that displays science content in a fun, engaging guest experience.
Individuals should be organized & able to work with minimal supervision & guidance
To Apply: Send your resume with a cover letter to Megan Collins, Coordinator of Volunteer Development.
Volunteer Resources
The Volunteer Resources Intern will be in charge of assisting the Volunteer Resources Department with creation and implementation of programs and activities for Orlando Science Center volunteers. The Volunteer Resources Intern’s responsibilities will include, but are not limited to; filing, database entry/management, identifying and recruiting prospective volunteers, scheduling, volunteer management, volunteer experience facilitation, and community outreach. This internship will complete a project-based learning assignment focusing on capacity building, program development, or volunteer engagement. Intern will report to the Coordinator of Volunteer Development and/or Coordinator of Volunteer Resources.
Qualifications:
Enjoys working with and/or has experience leading youth in the community
Positive, friendly attitude
Willingness to learn new computer programs
Excellent written and verbal communication
Ability to work well with staff, guests, and volunteers
Readiness to be flexible and adaptable
Skills & Requirements:
2 or more semesters of college courses, preference given to Non-profit Management and Human Resources majors
Attend internship orientation
Successfully complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Self-motivated to seek out task and projects
Report on time to work on days scheduled
Weekend availability preferred
To Apply: Send your resume with a cover letter to Megan Collins, Coordinator of Volunteer Development, at mcollins@www.osc.org
The Orlando Science Center is committed to building and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. It is the policy of the Orlando Science Center to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants and to administer all aspects and conditions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected-class status.
Visitors ages 13 and up can “virtually” climb into the cockpit and experience the life of a pilot in this immersive experience that combines technology with teamwork!
Scheduled Times – Level 4
Flight Lab uses real-world mission scenarios to teach standards-based STEM concepts. The lab contains 13 flight simulator stations where participants use Oculus Rift head-mounted display units as they learn how to fly, navigate, communicate and work as a team.
Some missions will require all teams to work together, while others will pit the best pilots against one another.
This experience is best for ages 13 and up.
Science Live!
Check the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.
Funding is provided by the Office of Naval Research. Subject matter expertise and curriculum support is provided by the Naval Air Warfare Center/Training Systems Division. Technology and curriculum is designed in partnership with TEQGames. The flight training software was developed by Lockheed Martin and has been used to teach real pilots to fly.
