Orlando Science Center

It’s Time to PLAY at the Orlando Science Center!

Discover a new exhibit at the Orlando Science Center that explores the games people play. Premiering Saturday, May 26, PLAY is a dynamic blend of art, music, philosophy and science. Composed of giant interactive games, the exhibit invites guests of all ages to become a part of unique, multi-sensory experiences and examine how people interact with one another. The exhibit will be on display throughout the summer at the Science Center, wrapping up on Labor Day, September 3, 2012.

The six featured games – backgammon, billiards, bowling, dice, dominoes and foosball – are games of strategy, luck, physical coordination and cooperation. Each of the games in PLAY is also a metaphor for social themes and science concepts that are essential to life. They focus on actions that are crucial to the development of social skills, as well as suggest underlying science principles.

Visitors are literally immersed in the experience as they become life-sized foosball players, pile up giant dominoes, step in concert with others on a larger-than-life backgammon board or “transform” into a gigantic bowling ball. All of the games help visitors explore friendship, collaboration and teamwork firsthand. Musical compositions and vibrant art, created specifically for each area, enrich the experiences, which include:

Express yourself and respect the will of the group
Visitors can become the “game piece” in one of the eight life-sized, hollow soccer players on the foosball table. This allows an examination into the importance of individual expression and respecting the will of the group.

Be there… Continue reading →

The Science of Wine Returns to the Orlando Science Center

One of the largest collections of wines of any Orlando event is returning to the Orlando Science Center on Saturday, May 19, 2012. The Science of Wine is not just another wine tasting, but an oenological odyssey. This event features presentations on the science behind wine-making and includes the opportunity to sample over 100 fine wines from the world’s most important regions.

The Science of Wine is a fundraiser for the Science Center and is presented by Akerman, Florida’s largest law firm, in partnership with Southern Wine & Spirits. Luis Torres & the Constellation Academy of Wine and Tim’s Wine Markets are Education Partners, providing presentations and workshops on the Science of Wine. Last year’s inaugural event attracted 500 guests.

From 7 to 10 p.m., there will be plentiful gourmet and casual food offerings to accompany the wide range of wine selections. Food partners include Stonewood Grill & Tavern, All Occasion Caterers, Arthur’s Catering, Cantina Laredo, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Grand Bohemian, Puff N’ Stuff Caterer, Taverna Opa, The Ultimate Drunken Cupcake and John and Shirley’s Catering.

In addition, the Science Center will offer wine knowledge-building workshops presented by wine industry experts with topics like “Food and Wine Harmony” – THE quintessential program on matching wine with food – and “What’s in the Barrel? Oaks, Barrels and the impact of wood ageing” – an in-depth look at the importance (soup to nuts) of barrels. Both sessions are accompanied by an illustrative tasting.

There will also be casual experiences… Continue reading →

Space Out at the Orlando Science Center As We Celebrate Astronomy Month!

In an event usually reserved for 24 hours, the Orlando Science Center is taking Astronomy Day and stretching it into a month-long celebration! On select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 5 – June 3, satisfy your cosmic curiosity by exploring the depths of the universe through hands-on activities, solar viewings, speaker presentations and more!

Throughout the building, demonstrations that examine gravity, what comets are made of and how space suits work will be taking place. And our space-devoted exhibit gallery, Our Planet, Our Universe, will play host to many of the activities, including Dr. Dare’s Lab being open for astronomy and light-themed experiments.

It’s here you’ll also find the Science On A Sphere exhibit, which connects guests of all ages to earth and space science through a dramatic visual presentation. Using a six-foot suspended sphere and state-of-the-art projection technology, explore our planet’s dynamic landscape and weather, tour the solar system and understand the complex relationship between our planet and its sister worlds. And be among the first to experience its newest program, Kinesthetic Astronomy, to learn about the four seasons and the rotation of the earth.

The aluminum-domed Crosby Observatory atop the Orlando Science Center will be open for SunWatch events during these select weekends. Peer through the powerful, 10-inch lens of one of the largest publicly-accessible refractor telescopes in Florida and safely gaze upon the closest star to our home planet. Explore the secrets behind the glare and get a glimpse at the sun’s surface including sunspots and… Continue reading →

Walmart Helps Orlando Science Center Offer $5 Admission for Everyone!

The Orlando Science Center, in partnership with Walmart, has announced the next “Walmart $5 Day” will be this Sunday, April 15. Thanks to Walmart’s generous support, all guests to the Science Center on this day will enjoy exhibits, giant screen films and live programs for the significantly discounted price of $5. General admission fees are usually $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3-11).

This marks the third year for this partnership between the Orlando Science Center and Walmart. Walmart $5 Day provides admission to all the Science Center’s exhibits, giant screen films and live programs, including a special day of DNA activities throughout the building. For many, this event presents the opportunity to experience the Science Center for the first time. Walmart Market Manager for Central Florida Rick Tomb said, “Walmart $5 Day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our customers in a very engaging atmosphere. These are the types of community programs we are proud to sponsor for our Central Florida neighbors.”

During this day of reduced admission, guests will explore the fossils in DinoDigs, encounter live swamp critters in NatureWorks, experience preschool activities in KidsTown or even get the job done in Bob the Builder – Project: Build It! Based on the characters featured in HIT Entertainment’s top-rated television series, the new Bob the Builder exhibit is based on the themes of building and construction and encourages children to “construct” their own knowledge through open-ended, discovery-based learning and play.

In between exhibits, spend time in… Continue reading →

Tornado Alley Premieres on the Science Center’s Giant Screen

It is one of nature’s most dangerous and violent forces. It spares nothing in its path and is the ultimate manifestation of destruction most never want to experience first-hand. Now witness one of the world’s most frightening spectacles from the safety of the Orlando Science Center on Saturday, March 24. Tornado Alley premieres on the giant screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome during a day of special screenings, activities and Q&A’s with severe weather experts.

Tornado Alley is an explosive giant screen adventure that takes viewers on an epic chase through the severe weather capital of the world.

Narrated by Bill Paxton (Twister, Titanic, Big Love), the film follows director and star Sean Casey (from Storm Chasers on the Discovery Channel) and the scientists of VORTEX2, the largest tornado-research project ever assembled, on separate missions to encounter one of earth’s most remarkable events – the birth of a tornado. Whirling above the human drama are the storms themselves, magnificent forces of nature revealed in breathtaking detail through the magic of the giant screen.

Filmed across America’s Plains states where three-quarters of the world’s tornadoes occur, Casey and his crew race after storms in TIV-2, a seven-ton armored “tornado intercept vehicle” engineered and built by Casey to withstand the impact of the gale force winds at a tornado’s core. The goal that drives Casey into relentless super-cell storms? To navigate the TIV-2 directly into the heart of a tornado and capture its beauty and destructive power on film – up close… Continue reading →

Dig Up Dinosaur Knowledge at Fossil Fest 6

The Orlando Science Center hosts Fossil Fest 6 on Saturday, March 17 – a celebration of dinosaurs, paleontology and fossils. This Scientific Saturday event has the potential to unearth your inner paleontologist as guests experience all things prehistoric, including presentations from fossil experts, bones on display and dino-riffic activities.

The Science Center is proud to feature Peter L. Larson, founder and president of Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc. located in South Dakota, via Skype as he conducts a seminar on extinction theories for the K-T extinction – the one that killed the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago. With more than 30 years’ experience as a professional paleontologist, Larson and his staff of the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research have excavated the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever collected, and excavated the remains of seven more significant T. rex skeletons.

You can become a paleontologist for a day as you interact with members of the Florida Fossil Hunters. They will share specimens found on Florida expeditions. See huge bones and teeth of the mega beasts that thrived here during the ice ages. Plus, learn about methods used to find and preserve these prehistoric wonders. Marvel alongside the Central Florida Shell Club as they display shells and corals from when Florida was just an underwater reef. The Dr. Phillips CineDome will also submerge guests into prehistoric times with the giant screen film Sea Monsters from National Geographic Films.

Fun is not extinct the Science Center as… Continue reading →

Science Center Offers Valentine’s Workshop

Share the love with your little one with this preschool workshop at the Orlando Science Center. It’s the Bee My Valentine Holiday Workshop on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It will take place at the Orlando, Science Center, 777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803

Parents with children ages 3-5 are welcome to attend the Preschool Holiday Workshop on February 11. Make a date with science and enjoy some hands-on activities like creating a keepsake handprint wall hanger and an edible love bug!

Each participant will bring home a certificate, craft and, most of all, memories of fun and discovery at the Orlando Science Center. The workshop will also include a snack, exhibit hall and story.

This workshop allows both parent and their preschooler to engage in holiday festivities plus enjoy a fun-filled day at the Orlando Science Center. After the workshop, stay and enjoy all the Science Center’s exhibits, like the new exhibit, Bob the Builder- Project: Build It! based on the hit children’s TV show, or the pint sized activities in KidsTown, plus see the cute critters in Animalopolis showing on the giant screen of the Dr. Phillips CineDome.

The Preschool Holiday Workshop is a fee-based program on top of paying general admission. The workshop costs $25 per parent and child. General admission is $17 for adults and $12 for children (ages 3-11). Members of the Orlando Science Center pay $20 per adult and child. Members get free admission to the Science Center.… Continue reading →

Last Chance for Observatory Viewing at Science Center

Seasonal viewing for the Orlando Science Center wraps up on Saturday, February 18. The silver-domed Crosby Observatory atop the Orlando Science Center has been open night sky-watching since November. This season concludes following sky-watching sessions from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 4 on Saturday, February 18.

Peer through the powerful, 10-inch lens of the refractor telescope to view visible moons and planets and deep sky objects such as galaxies, nebulas and more. Astronomy experts and volunteers will be on hand to make sure you get the best view possible. Visitors can witness the wonders of the night sky as they observe moons, planets and other astronomical events.

In addition, guests can experience a live planetarium show in the Dr. Phillips CineDome during their visit. Orlando By Night features the seasonal sky over Orlando with astronomy presenters identifying the constellation groupings hovering over the City Beautiful. They will also entertain visitors with legends related to constellations, including Orion the Hunter and the lovely Pleiades. Discover how to let the stars be your guide by learning how to read the night sky. Orlando By Night will be presented on observatory nights at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Orlando By Night combined with stargazing in the Crosby Observatory offers a stellar experience for amateur astronomers of all ages. Enjoy this star-studded evening for only $10 for everyone (regular admission is usually $17 for adults, $12 kids). These tickets provide access to the observatory and the planetarium show only (the rest of… Continue reading →

Bob the Builder Comes to Orlando Science Center

Bob the Builder and his Can-Do Crew invite aspiring builders and their families to help get the job done, as the first-ever hands-on Bob the Builder–Project: Build It traveling museum exhibit comes to Orlando Science Center. This 2,000 square-foot multimedia exhibit is sponsored nationally by Indianapolis-based Delta Faucet Company and inspired by HIT Entertainment’s top rated television series, Bob the Builder – Project: Build It. It will replicate elements from Bob the Builder’s world, inviting exploration, inspiring teamwork and bringing environmentally friendly building themes to life for children and families. The exhibit will be on display at the Orlando Science Center until Sunday, May 6.

The Bob the Builder – Project: Build It traveling museum exhibit will visit 30 major markets in North America through 2011, reaching more than 2 million children and families.
“The Children’s Museum is excited to create and debut Bob the Builder’s first traveling exhibit, offering children a learning experience that encourages Bob the Builder’s signature can-do attitude, problem solving skills and teamwork,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

“This is a great opportunity to reach the community with important messages about conservation, as well as what goes into building and maintaining a home,” said Reinhard Metzger, president of Delta Faucet Company. “Bob the Builder is a great partner for the Delta brand because he embodies the combination of a can-do attitude and concern for the environment that our company was built upon. As the national exhibit sponsor… Continue reading →

Otronicon Fun!

by Nick LoCicero

Otronicon is a staple now every January at the Orlando Science Center. My friend MC and I had the chance to visit yesterday and had a blast. You still have time to go… It’s open on Monday from 10a – 7p. Check out this article for all the details.

Lazer Tag was a popular draw outside on the 4th floor Suntrust Terrace