Archives

Science After Sundown

Posted on by

This summer, when the sun goes down, your IQ goes up as you experience science fun and discovery, plus a few added surprises, during late nights at Orlando Science Center.  On Fridays and Saturdays from July 5 through August 10, the Science Center will host “Science After Sundown” with telescope viewings on the Terrace, special workshops in The Hive: A Makerspace presented by The Isaacs Family, Hollywood films in the Digital Adventure Theater and all exhibits open until 11:00 p.m.

 

With OSC open late, visitors will enjoy more time for exploration, inspiration, and imagination. Plus, experience the Science Center with fewer crowds than during daytime hours. Come later in the day and stay through the evening, or just stop by for a unique date night out!

Please note, although the building is open until 11:00 p.m., ticket sales will cut off at 10:00 p.m.

Awesome experiences during Science After Sundown:

 

Out-of-this-World Films and Shows:

  • Captain Marvel 3D: Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:50 p.m. July 5 through July 13
  • Wall-E: July 18 through July 21 at 5:10 p.m.
  • First Man: Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at 7:50 p.m.
  • Journey to Space: Select dates & times throughout July.
  • Summer Jam Laser Shows: Daily, enjoy tunes from The Beatles, Pink Floyd & more!

 

To plan ahead for other show times during your visit, view the Theater Schedule.

Mess Fest is Back!

Posted on by

Join us on May 18 and 19 for the messiest weekend of the year at Orlando Science Center!

Mess Fest is back this year, featuring not only well-loved favorites but also new activities including three brand new mess zones that are bigger and messier than ever. Explore eight Mess Zones, including cosmic mess, Ice cream making, Splat-a-pult, and more! If you don’t make a mess, you’re not doing it right!

 

Plus, on May 19 only – meet The (Blue) Man Behind the Makeup, Eric de Lima Rubb, as he talks about the science, art, and MESS he experiences while performing in Blue Man Group at Universal CityWalk!

 

Hear from the Blue Man himself (minus the bald cap and the blue makeup) about playing with his food onstage, ask questions about the character, and stand back as Eric demonstrates iconic messy moments from the show.

 

Don’t miss these mess-tivities!

  • Mess Mania Obstacle Course
  • Paintsplosions
  • Oobleck
  • Alka rockets
  • Blacklight Cosmic Mess
  • Splat-a-pult
  • Ice Cream Making

*Some activities are weather permitting.

 

Plus, stop by The Hive: A Makerspace to get your own Mess Fest branded T-Shirt from Merchmakr! 

 

Prepare for Mess Fest at home with this colorful DIY experiment! Click here to download the instructions to “Rainbow Reactions” or click the button below. We suggest setting up a workspace outdoors to keep the mess outside your home. Then, take a photo and share on social media #MessFest for a chance to be featured on our page!

RAINBOW REACTIONS

Please note that Orlando Fringe will also be taking place in Loch Haven Park this weekend and parking in Orlando Science Center’s garage will be limited. We strongly encourage visitors to enjoy both events and recommend carpooling with friends and arriving early.

 

Orlando Science Center’s Mess Fest is included with general admission, which is free for members, $20.95 for adults, $18.95 for students and seniors, $14.95 for youth (ages 3–11), and free for children 2 and under. Admission includes access to all four floors of hands-on exhibits, giant-screen films in the Dr. Phillips CineDome, 3D films in the Digital Adventure Theater and live programming.

Seven Ways To Spend Your Spring Break At OSC

Posted on by

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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?
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Observatory

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.

Viewing Opportunities

Solar Viewing

Second Saturday of the Month, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

 

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.

Science Night Live

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.

 

Must be 21 and older.

 

Upcoming Dates: 

  • August 17, 2019
  • October 5, 2019

 

LEARN MORE

Other Opportunities

Adopt-A-Star

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.

 

Adopt A Star Brochure

Local Astronomy Group

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.

Private Observatory Rentals

Add a truly special touch to your next event by hosting it in the Observatory. Guests will have access to Orlando’s best view for stargazing at Florida’s largest publicly accessible refractor telescope. Top off a night of fun with a breathtaking view of the heavens beyond the Orlando skyline. Available for groups of 40 or less.

 

Please call 407.514.2290 for rental information.

 

LEARN MORE

The Hive: A Makerspace

Program Schedule for The Hive 

September 2019

All programs and times are subject to change

Upcoming Workshops

 

3D Design For Printing

Learn the basics of 3D modeling software and the ins and outs of designing something to print.

Thursdays, September 5, 12, 19, & 26

3:00 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29 

11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., & 3:00 p.m.

Soapmaking

Create your own bar of soap and learn about the science of soapmaking! 

Saturday and Sunday, September 7 & 8 
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Special Programming

A surprise pop-up activity will take the place of our typical workshops, details to be determined.

Saturday and Sunday, September 14 & 15

Bookbinding

Make your own chapbook or journal as you learn the basics of sewn bookbinding.

Saturday and Sunday, September 21 & 22

11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.

Open Make Experiences

 

Up-cycling and Reusing

Learn some fun ways to up-cycle materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill!

September 1–30

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. Maker activities for ages 7 and under are available in the KidsTown Studio.

 

 

Check the Science Live! Calendar or pick up a Daily Schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.

NatureWorks

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.

Conservation Partner

 Seafood Watch

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.

VIEW CURRENT SCHEDULE
Guests waiting for a giant-screen film to start in the CineDome.

Dr. Phillips CineDome

Take a journey to a new world with films about nature, history, geography and more on the giant screen!

LEARN MORE

A guest presenter addressing the audience during Science Night Live.

Digital Adventure Theater

Get absorbed in the action with 3D educational films and exciting live stage shows that bring science to life!

LEARN MORE

Crowd wearing 3D glasses watches a Hollywood film in the Digital Adventure Theater.

Hollywood Films

Thursday through Sunday evenings, the Digital Adventure Theater will play Hollywood films at 5:10 p.m.

LEARN MORE

Become A Volunteer

Adult volunteer during the Otronicon event interacting with guests.

Adult Volunteers

Donate your time to bring the Science Center to life in a way that complements your expertise and interests.

LEARN MORE

Customer service employee instructing an intern at the front desk.

Internships

Explore an exciting real-world career in a nonprofit setting, working both independently and with the team. College credit is available.

LEARN MORE

Youth volunteer helping summer camp students measure ingredients for an experiment.

Catalyst Youth Volunteers

Gain valuable skills and make new friends while giving back to the community. Opportunities are available year-round.

LEARN MORE

Internships

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.

We have filled all Fall 2019 Internships. Please check back in October 2019 for more Spring 2020 Internship opportunities and deadlines

How to Apply for Spring 2020 Internships:

Cover letters, resumes, and/or writing samples must be submitted to Chris Wiewiora, Manager of Volunteer Resources at cwiewiora@osc.org

Meetings & Events

The Orlando Science Center Meetings and Events department produces over 250 events a year ranging from weddings to corporate functions. We have over 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.

Essential Functions:

  • Written, oral, visual, and electronic (W.O.V.E.) communicating with clients and vendors.

  • Conducting site visits with clients and vendors

  • Preparing event contracts, purchase orders, and invoices.

  • Assisting on-site during events, including vendor load-in and load-out.

  • Collecting vendor payments.

  • Reviewing and updating Orlando Science Center’s photo library.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education: Candidates currently enrolled and pursuing a degree in Hospitality/Event Management preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to multitask and work independently
  • Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and organization.
  • A 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
  • Working knowledge of basic computer programs (e.g. Microsoft Office and Google).

Physical demands:

  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Expected Hours of Work:

Must commit to one full semester that runs concurrently with the school year. A schedule will be made upon start date of the internship. The intern will work 1 office day a week and 1-2 events per week, most events are Friday–Sunday evenings.

 

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.

 

Essential Functions:

  • Assist in daily routines, which include, but are not limited to: daily programming, front and back of house assistance, and content creation.

  • Standardize & prototype STEM challenges & theme of month demonstrations, present science polls, & collect program surveys.

  • Project for the cohort will be one themed cart demonstration that displays science content in a fun, engaging guest experience.

  • Comfortable speaking in front of large groups and able to work with minimum supervision and guidance.

  • Desire to learn and readiness to be flexible and adaptable.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education: Currently enrolled student in their second year of college or above, preferred degree-seeking in education, science, or theatre. Flexible to enthusiastic other degree seekers.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Presentation skills
  • Experience working with children

 

Physical demands:

  • Able to perform strenuous work-related activities and able to lift 25 lbs.

 

Must commit to one full semester that runs concurrently with the school year. Flexible hours with 15 – 20 hours per week.

Contact Us

For more information about Orlando Science Center’s internship program, please contact Chris Wiewiora at 407.514.2034 or cwiewiora@osc.org, or fill out the form below.

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.

Flight Lab

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.

Office of Naval Research
TEQ Games