HEADING TO THE CAPITOL
As our world continues to grow more complex and competitive, we are reminded that science matters now more than ever. By partnering with other Florida organizations, museums, and science centers, Orlando Science Center assembles in Tallahassee for STEM Day at the Capitol each year.
This year, STEM Day is presented by the Environmental Defense Fund, and our goal is to connect with legislators about the critical role that science centers and museums play in inspiring and creating the STEM workforce of tomorrow.
STEM Day at the Capitol illustrates how collaborations with industry and academia partners can help expand STEM
pathways. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, STEM occupations are predicted to increased 10.4% by 2033, compared to 3.6% in non-STEM occupations. The growing demand for STEM professionals requires that we reach beyond the traditional STEM sources... and science museums provide access to many communities of future STEM professionals.
Leaders from OSC and other organizations will meet with legislators to advocate for increased funding to support STEM education efforts.
Research has shown that science centers, museums, and informal learning organizations are some of the most trusted resources for information -OSC's goal is to showcase the benefits of our organization’s mission and secure additional funding for our programs.
This year, STEM Day at the Capitol will be held on Thursday, March 27.
Learn more about STEM Day at the Capitol by visiting: www.osc.org/stem-day
OSC UPDATES
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!
As an ongoing effort to find ways to create memorable experiences for our guests, we have created new birthday buttons to give out! Guest Services will be giving out buttons to any guests (or staff!) who are celebrating a birthday so that they can wear it with pride!
If you see anyone wearing a birthday button, please be sure to wish them a happy birthday and make their day extra special And if you come across anyone
who mentions a birthday and didn’t get a button from us, please either send them to Guest Services or stop by and grab one for them
Thank you, as always, for making sure our guests are having a fabulous time at the Science Center!
READY FOR SOME COMPETITION?
It’s about time for our annual Field and Fun Day competition! The day is filled with friendly games combining physical athletics, brain power, and team-building challenges! Do you have what it takes to win this year’s games?
Field and Fun Day is scheduled for Wed, April 2.
Be on the lookout for an invite to RSVP to play or to join the pep squad and cheer on the teams!
SPARKS
Parker Amesbury
Sean'ese Athouriste (2)
Maiya Baker
Sydney Baker
Dylan Bartley
Evette Berardi-Cox
Ella Binyam
Tatum Byrnes
Mary Cloer
Teresa Conde
Solaris Coton
Mandi Cutting (2)
Xander Davis
Celeste Dixon
Meghan Farmer
Matthew Ferguson
Marcus Fernandez DeCastro
Sharlene Figueroa (2)
Alyssa Flores
Emily Frese
Maggie Gamson
Evelyn Garcia (2)
Gabi Gomes
Yami Gonzalez
Beth Hall (2)
Caprice High
Mandy Holden
Aimee Jenkins
Lia Lam (2)
Katyiana Leblanc
Christian Lebron
Sky Lindeman
Zachary Mailhot
Olivia Marchinke
Jackie Marquez
Yangelis Martinez (2)
Danielle Miller (2)
Genesis Morales
Kadesh Munroe
Valentine Murphy (4)
Solanch Naranjo (4)
Mark O'Berry
Amanda Paneque (5)
Travis Potts
Amy Quesinberry
Abigail Robinson
Katerina Samson
Ivan Santana (2)
Isabelle Sgambati
Margaret Spencer
Mercedes Suttles
Jenny Volz
Shannon Zimmerman
SPENCER JONES
Spencer has “done whatever it takes”, according to one of his nominations, to ensure a successful schedule of programming and events for the Science Center
In planning for Spark STEM Fest, he prepped his staff for one of our biggest events of the year and “worked through various challenges” to make sure everything happened successfully.
OSC also participated in Downtown Orlando’s Immerse Festival this year, and Spencer worked with his team to prototype and develop an exciting multifoamsplosion show for thousands of attendees
His nomination explained that he’s “a thoughtful and helpful person” that we’re “lucky to have as a colleague!”
SPARK WINNER
TRAVIS POTTS
MAR 1 & 2
SAT & SUN Bank of America Weekend
MARCH
SUPERHERO MONTH
MAR 7 & 8
FRI & SAT Lockheed Martin Science Challenge
MAR 15 & 16 SAT & SUN Superhero Weekend
MAR 17 - 21
MON - FRI Spring Break Camp
Develop your superpowers as we uncover everyday heroes right here in our community and all the ways you can make a difference
MAR 8 SAT
Storytime CinemaThe Iron Giant
MAR 8 SAT Solar Saturday
MAR 19 WED OSC is Open
MAR 27 THU STEM Day at the Capitol
Superpower Dogs
In this inspiring true story, our best friends are also real-life superheroes. Journey around the globe to meet remarkable dogs who save lives and discover the powerful bond they share with their human partners.
As we discover the incredible abilities of dogs and the astonishing science behind their superpowers, we’ll never look at our best friends the same way again! You’ll meet Halo, Reef, Ricochet, and others who are saving the day all around the world!
Please
COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Our group had all ages, from 4 to 73, and we all had a wonderful time and learned so much.
Thankyou for answeringallourquestions before our fieldtrip. We loved the activities!
Wehavebeencomingherefor 12yearsandtheLicenseto Spyexhibitisourfavorite travelingexhibityet!
Our visits are always amazing and filled with fun and education My son already asked to go back two days in a row!
ThiswasthefirstSparkSTEMFest weattendedandtherewassomuch todo.Wehadafantasticday!
There's so much to do,it's awesome! If we lived locallyI would definitely get a membership.
BY THE NUMBERS
9,937 17,267 2,861 FISCAL MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025
LET’S CELEBRATE!
W E L C O M E T O T H E T E A M
Recent new hires include:
Haley Tremblay
James Kondrach
Emily Hunt
Bayani Cabigting
Carli Marasco
RELATING TO SCIENCE
Michelle Barboza has always been a scientist in the making, but she said, "it took a while to realize it " Barboza grew up going to museums, but she never thought she'd be part of "the scientist life."
Barboza is a paleontologist at the Florida Museum, doing research on animals from the mid-Miocene.
She primarily studies the teeth of ancient animals to better understand their eating habits and what they can tell us about the plants and animals during a period of extreme climate change
"Sounds familiar, right?" Barboza said. "We can use the past to understand the present and future."
Barboza wants to expand science knowledge beyond research papers, and she engages with the public via social media and as a guest on STEM podcasts. She's "not in the business of convincing everybody to become a scientist," but simply wants everyone to have the chance to relate to scientists and appreciate what they do
Have a story you’d like to submit to the newsletter? Share with us!
OSC shared the wonder of science and inspired Downtown Orlando at Immerse Art Festival 2025