Conservation isn't just something that happens behind the scenes here, we want to make it part of the experience With the debut of the Conservation Hallway on Level 1, guests are invited to explore the challenges facing our environment and solutions that can make a difference
The new exhibit shows OSC's role in sustainability, highlighting three key conservation causes: Golden Lion Tamirin protection Purple Martin conservation Coral Reef restoration
Each wall offers a deep dive into these species and ecosystems, and the exhibit includes handson ways to explore
For example, you can learn about how Golden Lion Tamarins have lost 98% of their native habitat due to deforestation This species has been forced into small, disconnected patches of forest Through our partnership with Save The Golden Lion Tamarin, we're helping to regrow tree corridors to connect their fragmented home range
The Conservation Hallway also highlights our broader environmental initiatives From our Gold LEED certified building and climate education programs, to our partner program with OUC, Project A W E S O M E -- guests can learn about all the ways we commit to sustainability
This work is part of the larger goal of accreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Now that Life has been open for over a year, we are eligible to apply for this designation, which will be an important moment in OSC history
Learn more about OSC’s Conservation Counts advocacy campaign by clicking here
OSC UPDATES
All Staff Meetings
We’ll hold All Staff Meetings this month and everyone is encouraged to attend! These meetings are an opportunity to hear from multiple departments, learn about exciting OSC updates, review upcoming calendars, read through guest feedback, and more.
The December All Staff Meetings are scheduled for:
Tuesday, December 16 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday, December 17 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Please make plans to attend one of the two meetings Both meetings will cover the same content
If you have any questions about attending, please check in with your direct supervisor See you there! Happy end of the year!
December Break Camps
OSC will be hosting Break Camps on multiple days during December. Break Camp will run on Dec 22, Dec 23, Dec 26, and Dec 29 through Dec 31 Just a few reminders:
You can reach the Camp Team on radio channel 7
The Clubhouse will be closed to the public from 7:00am - 9:30am and 3:30pm - 5:30pm
If you need to enter the Clubhouse during these times, please check-in with an Education staff member
The Clubhouse and SDC bathrooms are CAMPER ONLY No staff are permitted to use these bathrooms during Break Camps
Bathrooms that are for campers only will be clearly marked, looked for the signs!
Kaylah Anderson
Dylan Bartley
Ella Binyam
Mac Bodden
Natalie Bonatis
Mary Cloer
Solaris Coton
Bug Croghan
Kloe Delgado
Meghan Farmer
Sharlene Figueroa
Alyssa Flores
Jillian Gelfand
KARA COOLEY
Kara’s nomination highlights the lasting impact she makes at the Science Store by transforming daily processes, updating visual product presentations, and enhancing team culture. Her leadership has created a structured, efficient, and motivated team while ensuring every guest enjoys a positive, memorable experience
As her nomination shared: “Her work ethic, professionalism, and genuine care for both people and results make her an outstanding representative for the Science Center.” Kara “continues to set the bar for what exceptional teamwork looks like!”
Thank you, Kara!
SPARKS
Beth Hall
Sofia Herrera
Caprice High
Kristie Hoover
Ollie Hull
Jill Johnson-Collier
Daphne Kemak
Kirby Lee
Skylar Lindeman
Amy Loveless
Tasha McCluhan
Yami Mendoza-Gonzalez
Danielle Miller
Valentine Murphy
Annabelle Neijenhuis
Cory Owens
Abby Palmer
Amanda Paneque
Angelisse Perez
Travis Potts
Paige Siegel
Matthew Silva
Cami Sly
Austin Smith
Margaret Spencer
Beck Steele
Alison Walminski
Fusion Gallery Opens “Space For Art”
DECEMBER
PALEONTOLOGY MONTH
Dig into history! From hands-on activities to real fossil exploration, discover how paleontologists piece together the past during this dino-mite month!
6
Community Partner Day DEC 6 & 7 SAT & SUN Bank of America Weekend
13
Storytime Cinema “The Good Dino”
DEC 24 & 25 WED & THU OSC is Closed
COMMUNITY COMMENTS
We're planning our wedding at OSC because we know our guests will love the experience!
Our birthdayparty was great!The room was decoratedas "WeirdScience"anditwas very cute.
This place is a total blast for a date night and to let your inner science nerd run wild!
W E L C O M E T O T H E T E A M
Ananda Ribeiro Recent new hires include:
Phillip Deleon
Hayden Schoster
Laurie Godfrey
Brandon Lopez
Victoria Moix
Samantha Webster
Melinda Vega
Amiah Boyd-Susa
Presented by the UCF Office of Research, Spark STEM Fest will take place from February 13–16, 2026! This four-day festival is one of our largest events of the year, welcoming over 10,000 guests to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
But Spark is more than just exhibits it’s a powerful opportunity to connect guests directly with STEM professionals Through hands-on presentations, interactive demonstrations, and engaging exhibits, visitors of all ages explore real-world applications of STEM and discover exciting career pathways
Spark STEM Fest staff shirts are available soon! Last year’s blue shirt is still OK to wear especially in the weeks leading up to the event to build buzz.
Let’s show our Spark pride, get guests hyped to attend, and make this year’s Spark STEM Fest the most unforgettable yet!
Click here to stay current on event updates and info!
Cosmic Upcyling Fashion Show
This community activity invites guests of all ages to design futuristic spacesuits using upcycled materials. Open Make Sessions will be hosted on December 20 & 21 so guests can explore materials, tools, and techniques to kickstart their designs. We'll be encouraging people to submit their designs for selection at a live fashion show during Spark STEM Fest, judged by a stellar panel including former NASA astronaut Nicole Stott
Jason Latimer’s Impossible Science Live Show!
This year's show is bigger than ever with new illusions, jaw-dropping science demonstrations, and interactive moments designed to leave you questioning what's possible. Jason's show explores the physics of bending light, the chemistry of shaping water, and the engineering of walking through solid objects by fusing magic with science
Keep an eye out for information on staff previews!
Chats with Astronaut Nicole Stott
This special presentation will take place during SNL (ages 18+), featuring Nicole Stott, former astronaut and artist; Christina Korp, a.k.a. The Astronaut Wrangler; and will be moderated by Brendan Byrne of Central Florida Public Media. This inspiring dialogue will take place before Jason Latimer’s evening shows, offering a unique opportunity to hear firsthand stories from space and beyond.
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