August 2025
ONWARD TO A NEW ERA
Dr. Phillips Charities donated $1 million to Orlando Science Center’s Unlock Science campaign to fund a complete renovation of the Dr Phillips CineDome, a cornerstone of the Science Center’s programming since the building opened in 1997 These funds will be combined with other campaign dollars to bring cutting edge planetarium shows to Orlando Science Center along with giant screen movies and original laser light shows
Unlock Science invests in the future of Orlando Science Center and its commitment to be a strong resource for informal science learning, family engagement, and job development The campaign has raised over $30 million and
transformed the Science Center with projects like KidsTown, the STEM Discovery Center, and the Life exhibit
Our current CineDome projects 70mm films through a fisheye lens, a format that is 10 times larger than a conventional film theater The screen is a huge 8,000 square feet dome designed to create an immersive theater experience for over 300 guests
When our building opened in February 1997, two companies were competing in the giantscreen film industry: IMAX and iWERKS OSC chose iWERKS for its "New Dome Theater", and the rest is history Interestingly, iWERKS (like most things in Central Florida) has a unique connection with Disney -- the founder of the company grew up alongside important Disney animators his father, Ub Iwerks is known for his early work designing Mickey Mouse with Walt Disney
The Dr Phillips CineDome will be closing on August 12 to prepare for its renovation and re-emergence in Spring 2026 Don’t miss out on seeing the final film presentation: Everest at 2:45pm on Tues, August 12.
The 2,000 pound projector as seen in 1997.
OSC UPDATES
SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE: SUMMER SEND-OFF
Say goodbye to summer with a night of science, comedy, music, and more – exclusively for adults! Science Night Live transforms OSC into a playground for adults
For this upcoming SNL, we are leaning in to our “back-to-school” themes and opening up admission to people 18+ (usually 21+)!
This edition of SNL will feature one-of-akind experiences with local and national music and comedy acts, great community partners, and fantastic OSC programming!
Don’t miss Kasha Patel, named one of the “Best Undiscovered Comedians” in the U.S. by Thrillist magazine. She is celebrated for her unique voice that couples life as an Indian-American with her deep love of science. Award-winning improv troupe “The Corner Gallery” will also be on hand to share plenty of laughs, and local indie rock band Beemo will perform live! (To celebrate their recent music video, shot here at OSC!)
Science Night Live is happening on August 23, 2025 from 8pm - 11pm!
DROP-IN FOR CHILL TREATS
Congrats on a great summer! To celebrate our transition into the Fall, its time for our annual OSC Ice Cream Party!
The OSC Ice Cream Party will be held on Friday, August 29 between 12:00pm - 2:00pm in the BirthdayRoomsonLevel1
Staff and volunteers are encouraged to drop in, grab someicecream,listeningtochilltunes,andcatchup afterabusyseason.
Seeyouthere!
SPARKS
Parker Amesbury
Kaylah Anderson
Saige Bailey
Rachael Baldwin
Dylan Bartley
Ella Binyam
Ollie Bird
Mary Cloer
Sharlene Figueroa
Alyssa Flores
Jillian Gelfand
Esha Gill
Yamarilis Gonzalez
Jazlyn Griffiths
Beth Hall
Caprice High
Kevin Horan
Daphne Kemak
Brandon Kief
Sky Lindeman
Zachary Mailhot
Valentine Murphy
Annabelle Neijenhuis
Cory Owens
Amanda Paneque
Angelisse Perez
Ivan Santana
Alex Simons
Amy Snyder
Bill Torres
Alison Walminski
MARY CLOER
Mary’s STAR of the Month nomination highlighted her dedication to recently designing and helping to facilitate an in-depth space-themed experience for KidsTown
She developed programs to match our monthly theme for both StoryTime and Mini Maker workshops in the KidsTown Studio, to rave reviews from guests. Her nomination also focused on the “wealth of background knowledge” she shares with the parttimers in KidsTown and Public Programs, and how quick she is to jump in to help out – either front of house or back of house Her nomination was proud to share the positive impacts of having her as a teammate!
Thank you, Mary!
SPARK WINNER
AUGUST 2
Community Partner Showcase Day
AUGUST
ENGINEERING MONTH
AUGUST 2 & 3
& SUN Bank of America Weekend
Step into the role of an engineer as we learn about the skills it takes to invent, innovate, design, build, maintain, and improve the world around us!
8
Day of Summer Camps
AUGUST 9
9
Storytime Cinema “Dolphin Tale”
13
OSC Returns to Closed Wednesdays
Celebration of Running 5k
AUGUST 16 & 17
In this special re-release of the smash hit film Everest, audiences will revisit the inspiring ascent of the world’s tallest mountain with a team of four international climbers who find hope, beauty, and triumph in the wake of tragedy. When Everest was first released, it shattered all previous attendance records and went on to become the highest grossing giantscreen documentary of all time.
Now a new generation can experience this moving, critically acclaimed film.
COMMUNITY COMMENTS
There’s a good variety for kids of all ages and we really like that the traveling exhibit area changes on the 2 floor! nd
We hadthe besttime ever. We come to Orlando from the UKeveryyear andweareguttedthatwe never knew ofthisplace before thisyear!
Everythingwasfantasticandmy familyhadalovelytime! Weenjoyedalltheexhibitsand welovedhowinteractive KidsTownwasforourgroup.
A fantastic first visit to OSC! My only complaint is that my three children were far too excited by everything to even attempt to see a movie! :)
The Rainforest was amazing! The animals were active (even the sloth!) and it was so cool to be inside it and also to see it from the gift shop.
Mysonsignedupforcampagain thisyearandwewerethrilledthat hegottoexperienceallthefun!
SUMMER IS FOR VOLUNTEERING
Each summer, Orlando Science Center onboards hundreds of teenagers 13-17 years old to help us inspire science learning for all. This summer was no exception!
From the first week of Summer Camp 2025 through the beginning of August, 218 Catalyst Youth Volunteers have given 18,367 hours of service to the Science Center.
Catalyst Youth Volunteers apply to join our summer team in February, providing an essay and video interview Volunteers from previous sessions also return to join the new volunteers, acting as leaders and mentors as they learn their new roles and how to navigate our building
Teens ages 13-14 assist as Youth Visitor Experience Volunteers, facilitating learning experiences in our exhibit halls, performing science pop-ups, and helping with supply prep and guest service
Teens ages 15-17 help our Education Department as Youth Camp Volunteers, getting matched with camp classes to provide a safe, fun, and exciting learning environment for hundreds of campers each week.
The Catalyst Youth Volunteer School Year Session will start training at the end of August and we’ll have just under 100 teens joining us for weekend volunteering! Thank you to everyone who helps make a welcoming environment for the teens. W E L C O M E T O T H E T E A M
Sam Dominguez
Rylee Gawlik
Julian Rodriguez
Analiese Melendez
Nathan Orsine
Natalie Ratzke
April Beckner
Catalyst Youth Volunteers do a reflection at the end of their service, including a creative piece, like the one below!
What she didn’t know
She looked me in the eye, came up to me
Asked, "Can it fly? Will you help me, please?"
With paper in her hands and hope in her eyes, She listened, gave it her best, and tried.
With each and every fold, every little crease,
Her plane soon turned into a masterpiece. In the end, she cradled it in her hands.
She waited for her turn, near the stands
She came up, placed her piece in the stand,
Away it flew, not ready to land
That day, she watched the plane that flew
What she didn’t know was that her hope did too
- Gauri B (14)
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