Get ready to ignite your passion for science at the 2025 Spark STEM Fest!
Join us for an unforgettable four-day celebration dedicated to inspiring future generations through interactive experiences with science researchers, engineers and professionals. Kicking off on Friday, exclusively for school field trips featuring classroom activities designed to connect students directly with experts from every corner of the scientific world. Teachers are encouraged to book early! All guests are welcome to join Saturday through Monday, which will be packed with immersive hands-on exhibits and high-energy live science shows that will spark wonder in everyone! Join us for Spark STEM Fest, where dreams for tomorrow’s innovative workforce take flight!
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• Raise awareness of the value of STEM in everyday life
• Help bridge the STEM literacy gap
• Work towards equitable access in STEM
• Encourage exploration and pursuit of STEM careers
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Executive Editor JoAnn Newman
Editors Christina Schreiber, Jeff Stanford
Contributing Writers Sydney Baker, Nicholas Chapman, Alexander Davis, Esha Gill, Jill Goddard, Lisa Hardt, JoAnn Newman, Gina Owen, Chelsea Piner, Christina Schreiber, Jeff Stanford, Helen Tillem
Graphic Designer Kristie Hoover
Photographers Sydney Baker, Roberto Gonzalez
ENSURING A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING
Our mission to inspire science learning for life is made possible by hundreds of Science Center team members including dedicated educators, presenters, craftspeople, administrators, marketers, fundraisers and volunteers. Annually, the Science Center operates on a $15.5 million budget, and there is often confusion about how the Science Center is funded. Many think we are part of a government entity, while, in fact we are a private non-profit organization. What that means is that we have a combination of revenue that we earn and other funds that are donated each year.
All these dollars support not only the exhibits and experiences that are most visible, but also the initiatives that people don’t see every day like our educational outreach programs. Orlando Science Center is also much more entrepreneurial than most of our peers. On average, science museums nationally earn less than 50% of their revenue, while OSC generates 75% of our revenue through our daily activities like ticket purchases, membership sales, summer camp, and fees from events like birthday parties, weddings, and corporate meetings.
But ticket prices alone will not support the full breadth of the Science Center’s mission. We rely on generous supporters to help close the gap and ensure we can offer high quality STEM learning for all. We turn to our vibrant community, including individual donors, corporations, foundations and government entities to build a large family of supporters that enables us to provide a wide variety of engaging and educational opportunities. In addition to the annual fundraising efforts, for the last ten years we have been in a Capital Campaign called Unlock Science.
Through Unlock Science we have raised funds to support major overhauls of exhibit areas, starting with KidsTown in 2015 to the latest New permanent exhibit called Life, which premiered in April of this year.. We have raised $29 million dollars to date, including significant support from Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax. Every dollar of Unlock Science funding is invested back into the Science Center’s future.
We work every day to be a trusted community resource and an attractive destination for visitors. Through high quality educational experiences, we inspire the next generation of innovators. We have been fortunate to see large crowds this summer coming to see new exhibits like Life, where you can learn more about protecting our planet, and the Science of Guinness World Records, where you can learn the science behind achieving a world record. Our reputation as a fun place to learn and discover is essential to our success.
We need both earned and contributed revenue dollars to enable the Science Center’s mission, ensuring that our legacy of community engagement and informal STEM learning endures. Being creative, proactive and hardworking has enabled our team to establish a solid foundation from which to grow. We are grateful to all our supporters, whether you are first-time visitors, loyal members or generous donors. Your support enables us to provide STEM learning and increase science literacy for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Zika Virus Could Treat Rare Childhood Cancer
Researchers at Nemours Children’s Health have unveiled a groundbreaking scientific study suggesting that the Zika virus could hold the key to treating high-risk neuroblastoma. In a recent publication in Cancer Research Communications, the team reported that Zika injections led to tumor regression or complete elimination in mouse models.
The Zika virus, which stunts brain growth in developing fetuses, targets immature nerve cells. This led the study’s senior author, Dr. Tamarah Westmoreland, a pediatric surgeon at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, and her team including first author Joseph Mazar, PhD, Research Scientist at Nemours Children’s, to study whether they could use the virus to target neuroblastoma.
“More than half of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma do not respond to chemotherapy or radiation, or they respond initially, but develop a recurrence,” explained Dr. Westmoreland. “These patients are in urgent need of new treatment options.”
Each year, neuroblastoma accounts for only 6% of childhood cancer diagnoses, but high-risk neuroblastoma causes 15% of childhood cancer deaths. Fewer than half of neuroblastoma patients respond to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, and families are desperate for an alternative.
Dr. Westmoreland and her laboratory team are committed to developing novel treatments to address this issue to improve the overall survival of children with challenging pediatric cancers.
The next step is studying Zika’s effect on neuroblastoma in the location where it often occurs in children, above the kidney, as it best mimics a human case with a normal immune system. This research is now underway and makes us hopeful that a human trial might not be far behind. To find out more visit Nemours' Website
ZIKA BACKGROUND
Zika virus was first identified in monkeys - rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Uganda in 1947, and first identified in humans in 1952. Spread by the bite of an infected mosquito, Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus as the virus targets CD24, a developmental protein. Infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects, including a small head size and an underdeveloped brain.
While Zika virus infection is most common in tropical regions, the United States experienced a rise in cases in 2016 and 2017, primarily in Florida and Texas.
In most humans, Zika virus infection results in mild cold-like symptoms. Most people infected with the virus never develop symptoms.
This study builds upon a 2018 study by Westmoreland, Mazar, and Kenneth Alexander, MD, PhD, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Nemours Children’s Health in Orlando. That research established the precedent that Zika virus could kill neuroblastoma cells.
Zika virus has also been studied as a potential treatment for glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.
Primary researchers, Drs. Tamarah Westmoreland & Joseph Mazar
21+ HALLOWEEN PARTY
Join the Young Professionals for OSC for a spooktacular event benefiting the Science Center. This is your chance to see the building all dressed up for Halloween - without the kids.
Booo-zy Beverages
Costume Karaoke
Explore
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER Board of Trustees Fiscal Year 2025
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jim Atchison
President & CEO, Retired SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Michelle DeVos Partner
Orlando Magic Ownership Group
Roi Ewell Founder and Principal Ewell & Associates, LLC
Zeke Flores CEO Flying Concessions
Dr. Sarah Layton
Managing Partner & Broker L & M Wildwood Property Holdings, LLC
Brendan Lynch Shareholder Lowndes
Jenise Osani Vice President of Marketing & New Products OUC
Lynn Sedwick Tax Partner RSM US, LLP
Dr. Richard Signer Chief Medical Director, Pediatric Surgeon, Retired AdventHealth for Children
Demetria Sloan Founder and President Vantage Point Coaching, LLC
VOTING TRUSTEES
Maureen Brockman Vice President Embrace Families Foundation
Eric Burris Meteorologist WESH, Channel 2
Juliana Calloway Owner Black Rooster Taqueria
Oluchi Chuku Senior Vice President Bank of America
Rebecca Church Vice President of Marketing Massey Services, Inc.
Lisy Correa Audit Senior Manager Deloitte, LLP
Kassandra Crimi Meteorologist WFTV, Channel 9
Chris Dawson Shareholder, Government Affairs Advisor GrayRobinson, P.A.
Jim DeCarlo Shareholder GreenbergTraurig, LLP
Shilpa Deshpande-Finnerty Advocacy Attorney / Philanthropist Deshpande Family Foundation
Jordan Eichenblatt Partner HIFIVE
Valentina Ellison Chief Development Officer Earl Enterprises
Devin Elmore
Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer Universal Orlando
Arash Farshid CEO Doorbell Capital, LLC
Melanie Forbrick
Vice President of Communications, Head of Global Brand Engagement Siemens Energy
Tonja Graham Supplier Engagement & Diversity Manager Duke Energy
Lawrence Hatch
Market President Central FL / Music & Sports Entertainment Financial Wealth Advisor First Horizon Bank
Collin Hayward Director – Energy & Utilities 1898 & Co
Tina Henton Principal CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP
Eric Lehman Vice President of Sales Technology West Group
Sean Murphy CEO 3N2 Sports
Sarah Nemes Corporate Manager / External Affairs SeaWorld Parks & Resorts
Dawn Ofodile AVP, Regional Community Engagement VyStar Credit Union
Camden Rock Business Development Analyst Signature Aviation
Ben Robinson Partner Holland & Knight
Dr. Bret Scheuplein Chief Medical Officer Complete Care
Divinne Smith Partner Smith and Williams Trial Group
Shawn Strandberg Assistant Vice President Orlando Health Physician Associates
Dr. Peter Wearden Director and Chair Nemours Children’s Health Systems
Andre Williams Vice President, Engineering & Technology Common Products & Sustainment Lockheed Martin
Keshia Woodie Director of Social Responsibility Orlando Magic
EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES
Melissa Byrd School Board Member, District 7 Orange County Public Schools
Sabrice Guerrier Associate Professor Rollins College
Mike Hess Director of Sustainability, and the Future-Ready Initiative City of Orlando
Captain Tim James Commanding Officer Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Deidre' Keller
Dean, College of Law Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Dr. Elizabeth Klonoff Vice Provost and Dean, Retired UCF College of Graduate Studies
Kristine Kraus
School Board Member, District 1 Seminole County Public Schools
Karen Saunders Program Executive Officer PEO STRI
Dr. Stephen Summers Associate Vice President, School of Arts & Sciences Seminole State College
Dr. Maggy Tomova Dean of College of Sciences University of Central Florida
Andrea Wesser-Brawner Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Seminole County Government
JoAnn Newman President and CEO Orlando Science Center
Beat the Challenge!
Do you have what it takes to beat Orlando Science Center at their own games?
We invite you to the challenge as we break records in our new exhibit, The Science of Guinness World Records, sponsored by Nemours Children’s Health. With personal records being set every day, everyone can be crowned a champion.
Orlando Science Center staff are stepping up and you can, too! They have set their sights on setting personal bests throughout the exhibit, from mastering the art of balancing and training their hands for drumming to excelling in precision throwing and conquering the skill of cup stacking. Now it’s your turn.
Utilizing the resources found in the exhibit and with science on your side, you can grasp the power of victory. Learn about the amazing feats accomplished by extraordinary world-record holders, create your own avatar, and try your hand at setting your personal best. When you beat a Science Center personal best, not only do you get bragging rights, but you'll also receive a special trophy placing you in the winner's circle!
Keep an eye out on our website and social media for updates on new Science Center records to break. If you
beat a staff member’s record and share a video or photo as proof to a staffer on the floor, you can walk away with your very own 3-D printed trophy! Also, you never know who might be competing with you. Recently, WESH - CH 2 meteorologists Eric Burris and Marquise Meda went head-to-head for a shot at glory.
Can you use science to outsmart our records?
Join the challenge. For more information, visit osc.org/science-of-guinness.
Break a Record With Us
Not only can you beat someone else’s personal best, but you can also join us in setting a giant world record with Guinness this fall! Orlando Science Center will attempt to go down in history by setting a world record that’s unique to us, but we need your help! We'll be attempting to break our very own Guinness World Record: Most people flying one paper rocket each simultaneously at a single venue. Keep an eye on our social media for more details!
DR. PHILLIPS CINEDOME
Elephants Never Forget
Elephants
NOW PLAYING
Elephants are symbols of strength, power, and wisdom. They have captured our imaginations for centuries. Elephants is an epic journey across Africa’s Namibia desert, getting up close and personal with the largest land mammals on the planet. Making one of the world’s oldest deserts home, the desert elephants are one of nature’s most inspiring examples of survival and adaptation.
Follow the journey of an elephant baby, Little Foot, as she learns from her elephant family, led by a wise Matriarch. Brave the desert’s elements and use some elephant superpowers- from finding underground aquifers to foreseeing sand storms. The film will reveal the hidden magic of a seemingly otherworldly and formidable landscape where a cast of iconic animals from giraffes, monkeys to lions form a unique canvas of life.
See what is now playing, check show times, watch trailers, and more at osc.org/theaters.
SEPTEMBER
Mysteries of the Unseen World
Amazing Caves
Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimps
Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure
The Last Reef: Cities Beneath the Sea
Superpower Dogs
Journey to the South Pacific
OCTOBER
Tornado Alley
Animalopolis
The Living Sea
Great Bear Rainforest
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
Grand Canyon Adventure
NOVEMBER
Galapagos
Journey to Space
Great Barrier Reef
Into America’s Wild Flight of the Butterflies
Wild Africa
DECEMBER
Amazon Adventure
Dinosaurs of Antarctica
To The Arctic
Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure
Dinosaurs Alive!
Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation
DIGITAL ADVENTURE THEATER
ALL SEASON LONG!
Elephants
Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope
SEPTEMBER
LITERACY MONTH
Are you ready for a page-turning month? Join the fun as we celebrate the tall tales and heroic adventures of characters, both big and small. Not only do books spark imagination and wonder, they reveal important lessons and start curious conversations.
OCTOBER
SPOOKY SCIENCE MONTH
Join us for a fang-tastic time and sink your teeth into vampire-approved science experiments. Unearth the chemistry behind slime in Dr. Dare’s Lab, meet friendly ghosts during a not-so-scary StoryTime, or catch a spooktacular live show at the Digital Adventure Theater.
Kids Night at the Museum* Spooky Science (Ages 5 – 12) 6:00 – 10:00 pm
OSC After Dark* Ages 21+ Halloween Party Hosted by Young Professionals for OSC 8:00 – 11:00 pm
Get ready for a warp-speed adventure as we explore all things science fiction! Beam up your curiosity and blast off into a universe with mindblowing experiments from some of your favorite books and movies.
DECEMBER
DINO-MITE MONTH
Deck the halls this month with all things fossils! This month, we are putting on our paleontology gear and getting hands-on with experiments. Don’t forget to wrap up the year with your favorite dinosaurs as they twinkle during Dinos In Lights!
Protect the Planet: Conservation Counts
If you’ve been keeping up with our Protect the Planet programs, you understand that becoming responsible stewards of the planet is crucial. The good news? Many people are working to help protect species and ecosystems impacted by human activity. This is just part of what inspired our new Life exhibit – and the associated Conservation Counts campaign.
What is Conservation?
Let’s start with a few definitions. Here’s how National Geographic defines preservation, conservation, and sustainability:
• Preservation (noun) – protection from use. “Preservation protects the environment from harmful human activities.”
• Conservation (noun) – management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect. “Conservation is the act of protecting Earth’s natural resources for current and future generations.”
• Sustainable (adjective) – able to be continued at the same rate for a long period of time.
“Sustainability is the practice of using natural resources responsibly today, so they are available for future generations tomorrow.”
The main tenet of preservation is to “touch nothing,” while conservation and sustainability say, “touch if you must, but do no harm.”
Conservation includes maintaining diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems, but it also applies to functions of the environment such as nutrient cycling. In this way, conservation is more closely linked to natural resources, while sustainability is more closely related to human use of those resources. In practice, the two terms are often used interchangeably, as the concepts are symbiotic. To conserve resources, we must learn to live sustainably.
The Life exhibit focuses more on conservation biology, which applies this concept to the natural world, focusing on protecting Earth’s biodiversity and maintaining natural
ecosystems. One of the most well-known areas of conservation biology is the identification of endangered species. If you’ve ever heard of a species being referred to as “endangered” or “vulnerable,” you’ve already been exposed to the field of conservation!
Conserving Florida’s Ecosystems
Florida’s wild spaces are a unique mosaic of grasslands, coastal reefs, upland forests, and wetlands. These diverse ecosystems are vital to the survival of keystone species like the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and apex predators such as the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi). But these animals are not the only ones who call Florida home. From 2022 to 2023 Florida was home to four of the top five fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, according to the US Census.
This influx of humans puts our wild spaces in danger. Habitat loss is a primary threat to wildlife survival, and particularly vulnerable to this threat are grounddwelling Florida natives such as the scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia floridana), and the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
The gopher tortoise, a keystone species, shares its burrows with over 350 other species, including burrowing owls, rabbits, snakes, and invertebrates. This interaction makes gopher tortoises and their burrows crucial to their ecosystem's health - which is why the species and their homes are both protected under state law. You can learn more about gopher tortoise conservation and meet our resident tortoises, Alice and Rocky, at the Life exhibit!
Walking the Walk at Orlando Science Center
It's important to us at the Science Center to pair informational resources with on-site activities that help demonstrate and explain the science behind these important concepts. The Life exhibit is just one part of how we’re walking the walk, but of course it is a huge part!
Many of the animals you’ll meet in the Life exhibit are part of Species Survival Plans, which is a program cooperatively managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
to help manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population for threatened species. We use the produce grown in our aeroponic towers on Level 1 as part of our animals’ diets, and we use recycled materials such as cardboard and newspapers as enrichment for our animals.
In addition to the animals that call Life home, we provide seasonal homes to Purple Martins (Progne subis), which rely on human-made nests to raise their chicks. We participate in a banding program to help monitor their populations and migration patterns.
The food available for purchase inside the 4Roots Cafe is sourced from local farmers as much as possible. Additionally, our HVAC system is magnet-driven, and all our light bulbs are LED. Our building is partially powered by solar panels installed on our roof, and our exterior glass is coated in a UV film to protect from UVA and UVB rays.
We also incorporate conservation into our programs where possible, so you might want to catch the Calibrating Carbon or Conservation Catastrophe shows next time you visit. Seafood Watch helps teach guests about sustainable fishing practices, and the Tiny Green Home shares tips and tricks on how to reduce waste and energy consumption.
You can get hands-on with these athome activities to learn more about conservation and sustainability:
• Soil Erosion
• Lionfish – Ocean Conservation
• Purple Martins – Building Nests
• Storm Run-Off
A member of our Animal Care Team gently holds a Purple Martin for banding as part of conservation efforts.
n o {p op} p o LyM ers!
Learn to pierce a baLLoon without popping it and the science behind it!
ateria L s
• Soap or oil
• Balloon
• Skewers 10 in (25 cm) or longer
• Sharpie optional
• Gloves optional but recommended
directions
1. Bonus Step! Dot your balloon with marker. Cover as much surface as possible. Make sure, you draw them on either end of the balloon and around the middle.
2. Inflate the balloon and tie off the end. Balloon must be 8 inches (20 cm) wide in diameter maximum!
6. You should have successfully pierced the balloon. Congratulations! 1 5 6
3. Observe the size of the dots. You should see that some of the dots will be more stretched/ darker than other dots.
4. Coat your wooden skewer in oil or dish soap.
5. Carefully push the pointed end of the skewer into a small (less stretched) dot near the knot of the balloon. Use gentle pressure and a slight twisting motion to pierce the balloon. Continue to move the skewer through the balloon, exiting through another smaller dot at the top of the balloon.
science e X p L anation
Balloons are stretchy because they are rubber, which is a material made of long chain molecules called polymers. Inflating a balloon causes those long molecules to stretch out which puts them under a lot of stress.
When you pierce a balloon, those long chains break and they snap back to their preferred position of being jumbled up, and the balloon pops! If we pierce the balloons where the polymers are under less stress, the chains don't break!
You can do this on the top and bottom of the balloon because the rubber is less stretched. You can also use tape to keep the chains intact. Try it again and put tape on 2 of the stretched out dots, and then see if you can pierce through them!
Homeschool students can enjoy the opportunity to safely engage with their peers and encounter STEM resources they may not have at home.
Each course includes:
• Standards-based Discovery Lab
• Exhibit experiences with an Educator
• Film in the CineDome or a Live Show in the Digital Adventure Theater
• Work samples for your student’s homeschool portfolio
Register today at osc.org/homeschool
\ \ Homeschool Program for Grades K-8
WHEN SCHOOL’S OUT, BREAK CAMPS ARE IN!
Full-day programs are available for children in Preschool* –Grade 5. From robots and slime to critters and creations, engaging Break Camps give children a hands-on and fun way to spend their time off from school and explore the far reaches of STEM.
Member pricing and multi-day discounts are available, but space is limited so register early! Learn more and register today at osc.org/break-camps.
MEMBER PERK ALERT!
elebrate their year-round commitment to supporting OSC, Members get the best ticket prices.
JANUARY 25, 2025
You're invited to the only fundraiser where science and suds mix! Brew knowledge at the fourth annual Science on Tap. This familyfriendly event will feature a diverse range of beers and brew tastings from Central Florida's local breweries for those over 21, as well as lawn games and hands-on experiments for those under 21. Get ready to explore a variety of flavors, from robust ales to sipable ciders, rich IPAs, and so much more! Plus, enjoy science demonstrations and live music. Between thirst-quenching flights, build up your appetite with tasty bites from loca l food trucks.
All proceeds raised from this event allow Orlando Science Center to inspire science learning for life for people of all ages through engaging
Dine with the Dinosaurs, Dance Under the Stars, Celebrate with Orlando Science Center.
Orlando Science Center invites you to host an unforgettable wedding at a venue as unique as you are. Make a dramatic statement by holding your wedding in our grand five-floor facility conveniently located in beautiful Loch Haven Park. To learn more visit osc.org/weddings.
SEPTEMBER 21 & 22
Bippity boppity SCIENCE! Fly your magical dragon over to KidsTown for an enchanting weekend of STEM learning inspired by your favorite fantasy books. Follow the winding path to Orlando Science Center and claim your throne.
NOVEMBER 16 & 17
Fire up your laser beams and get ready for a science fiction adventure. Teleport with us through time and space as we explore the realism behind some of our favorite sci-fi film moments through interactive experiments, live shows and more!
DECEMBER 14 & 15
Do as the dinos do and party like it’s 65 million B.C.! Stomp into the prehistoric past with your favorite dinosaurs to experience jaw-dropping live shows, claw-tastic programming, hands-on excavations, and more.
NOVEMBER 8 – JANUARY 7 SHOWING DAILY! Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a dino-twist. Gaze upon Stan the T. rex and his fossil friends in a festive light show set to holiday music. Don’t forget the wintery surprise at the end!
ASK A SCIENTIST
Our inaugural Scientist in Residence, Dr. M.J. Soileau has a passion for learning and educating the community through STEM. You’ve asked him some of your burning questions and he has answered!
How do electric cars work?
All cars need a source of energy. Electric cars store energy from the electric power grid in large batteries. Like gas-powered cars, they have a pedal on the driver side floor. Pressing the pedal sends electric current to the car’s electric motor. The amount of current in the motor controls the speed of the motor and the force, called torque, that turns the car’s wheels.
What are Newton's Laws of Motion?
Newton’s three laws of motion and law of gravity, published in 1687, revolutionized science, and to this day enabled the abundance that we enjoy in the developed world. Let us first look at the laws of motion:
1st Law: Objects in motion will remain in motion (at the same speed and in the same direction) unless acted on by a force. An alternative statement is an object’s momentum (its mass multiplied times its velocity) is conserved (does not change) unless acted on by a force.
2nd Law: The acceleration (change of speed and/or direction) of an object is proportional to the net force applied to the object and inversely proportional to its mass.
3rd Law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Newton’s
Law of Universal Gravity:
Every particle attracts every other particle in the universe with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the distance between them. Newton’s Laws revolutionized our understanding of the motion of objects. These laws explained the motion of the Earth, Moon, planets and their moons, comets, and all mechanical motion. Newton’s Laws are the backbone of the Industrial Revolution and our space program, and they enable the modern life we enjoy.
Why is fire different colors?
The color of fire is due to two things: 1. the temperature of the fire and 2. the material being burned.
How does temperature impact the color of fire? This question is the easiest to answer. The hotter the fire, the bluer the color. Blue-hot is much hotter than redhot. The physics behind this is called black body radiation.
Light is electromagnetic radiation, and all objects radiate light depending on their temperature. This is how “contactless” thermometers work. Our body temperature is about 98-degrees Fahrenheit (37-degrees Celsius) which we radiate in
infrared - well outside the range of human vision but detectable by a thermometer. If you build a wood fire, the burning wood will first radiate in the red range of our vision. As the fire burns hotter (perhaps because we fan it), the hot coal left by the burning logs radiates blue light.
So, how does the material being burned impact the color? There are particular materials that burn differently than wood (think fireworks). The gases from these burning materials emit light at many discreet colors or wavelengths. The specific colors produced depend on quantum physics.
How old can starfish get?
Starfish can live up to 35 years. There are over 2000 species of starfish, many of which live in tropical areas like Florida coastal waters. They cannot live in freshwater. One interesting fact about starfish is that they can regrow or regenerate a lost limb.
Don’t let your questions outlive a starfish! We invite you to submit your science questions to our Scientist in Residence, Dr. Soileau, our Ask A Scientist Forum on our website at osc.org/ask-a-scientist. You can also stay current with all answered questions in our archive. Stay updated for more ways you can interact with our Scientist in Residence!
Life Science: The Balancing Act of Aquatic Living
Life is all about balance, especially in our new animal conservation exhibit! For animals in our three habitats, Swamp, Ocean, and Rainforest, creating equilibrium is the key to success so each animal can thrive and live a happy life. This interconnectedness is equally vital in the touch pool in the Ocean Gallery, where guests can interact with and learn more about sea creatures. To create a happy environment in our touch pool, we must maintain the perfect balance of pH levels and water quality, and no one is better equipped to handle this task than our animal care team.
Understanding the potential of hydrogen (pH) levels in our water is essential to maintaining a healthy environment. The pH measures the acidity or basicity of a substance by determining the amount of hydrogen ions present. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with substances below 7 being acidic, above 7 being basic, and at 7 being neutral. Our touch pool aims to keep the pH levels between 8.0 and 8.3 so our sea creatures can remain healthy.
Since our opening in April, guests have been excited to take part in learning about our sea creatures through hands-on experiences.. However, what’s on human hands could introduce all sorts of things into the water that our sea creatures might
not like. Chemicals in hand sanitizers, lotions, food, and drinks can affect the pH levels. We ask guests to thoroughly clean their hands before interacting in the touch pool to prevent unknowns from entering the waterways.
We understand that sometimes mistakes happen, and some chemicals might make it into the touch pool. Luckily, in small quantities, this doesn’t affect the water quality, but as a precaution, we test our pool twice a week. In an instance when the pH levels are unbalanced for a short time, our hard-bodied creatures like the horseshoe crabs and the slipper lobster can withstand the change. However,
it’s not the same for our soft-bodied friends. Sea creatures like starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers are more sensitive to the change in levels. If the pH levels are unbalanced too long, this can harm their health. Sea urchins might lose their spines, and starfish and sea cucumbers might become discolored.
According to Carissa, our lead aquatics keeper, maintaining the pH and water quality of the touch pool is a delicate process. Even though human products claim to be non-toxic, they can still pose a threat to marine animals. The next time you join us at the touch pool, please remember clean hands mean happy sea creatures!
Atreya Manaswi Wins Dr. Ying Competition For Second Year Orlando Science Center SCIENCE COMPETITIONS
Atreya Manaswi, a junior at Orlando Science High School in Orange County, has won the top prize in the prestigious Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition at Orlando Science Center for the second year in a row. His research project, now in its fifth year, is focused on saving the world’s bee population. Atreya won a scholarship of $5,000, a $1,000 award for his science teacher, and an additional $1,000 for their school.
For 25 years, Dr. Nelson Ying — local scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist — has partnered with Orlando Science Center to celebrate outstanding student scientists through his creation and sponsorship of this competition.
Previous winners of this competition have gone on to continue their research at top universities, compete in national science competitions, and ultimately pursue exciting STEM careers, including positions at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To compete in the competition, each entrant must be a Florida high school student pursuing a research project that has the ultimate goal of benefiting humanity.
This year, submissions were accepted from throughout the state with finalists selected from Orlando, Boca Del Ray, Merritt Island and Ocala. Projects ranged from suppressing algae blooms to improving chemotherapy treatments to addressing oil spills and making it easier for newly hearing-impaired adults to learn American Sign Language. In addition to the grand prize winner, each finalist received a cash prize to continue their research.
Atreya’s winning project is part of his multi-year research effort to address the decline of the world’s honeybee population, which is responsible for pollinating 80% of the world’s food
crops. Last year, he won first place by developing an organic solution that's just as effective as chemical pesticide, but it's non-toxic and 80 times cheaper.
For this year’s winning submission, Atreya 3D printed a reusable trap with sensors that holds the solution and keeps track of the pests caught inside. The trap is fully solar powered and uses AI to predict future pest infestation levels to help beekeepers work more efficiently and make more informed pest management decisions.
For information about applying for the competition in 2025, please visit Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition.
Orlando Science Center’s science competitions provide students with benefits accolades and recognition. They provide opportunities to develop essential life skills with value beyond the competition floor. These events are more than just contests; they nurture skills crucial for personal
Rewards Beyond Awards
and professional success. Participants strengthen their abilities in critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and public speaking. The demands of our competitions teach students the importance of organization, adaptability and time management. In addition, students connect with like-minded
peers from other schools to build longterm support networks. Our judges are educators, engineers and scientists from STEM industries who provide valuable feedback and mentoring. The networking that results from participating in our competitions lasts long after the event has concluded.
2024 Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition Finalists
Ashwanya Deshpande – Sophomore, American Heritage School, Boca Del Ray
Current cancer chemotherapy treatments attack healthy cells and malignant cells alike. Ashwanya developed a system that only targets the malignant cells and leaves the healthy cells alone, creating a more efficient chemotherapy treatment.
Sharanya Natarajan – Sophomore, Edgewood Jr/Sr. High School, Merritt Island
Sharanya designed an integrated algae mitigation system to detect and suppress algae blooms that torment waterways and affect ecosystems like the Indian River Lagoon. Sharanya designed a remote operated vehicle with a filter that could detect and suppress algae blooms.
Mahie Patil – Freshman, Orlando Science High School, Orlando
Bacteria that live on banana bark have an enzyme that breaks down the molecules in oil. Mahie was able to grow that bacteria and apply it to oil spill simulations. The Lipase enzyme in the bacteria consumes the oil, which could lead to a faster, more efficient way to address oil spills and wastewater treatment.
Miguel Secillano – Freshman, Vanguard High School, Ocala
When people become deaf later in life, it is harder for them to learn American Sign Language. Miguel created a program that can be used as a teaching mechanism for hearing impaired adults. The program took camera inputs from a webcam of a person performing ASL. It identified the positions hands make when signing and recognized the signs being performed as letters, numbers, days of the week, etc. The program then translated the signs into text, which can be read on a tablet.
The Impact of Education Greetchen Díaz
Greetchen Díaz, a Puerto Rican scientist, educator, and advocate, has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers for Hispanic and Latinx individuals in STEM. As the Director of the Science Education Program and Community Partnerships at Ciencia Puerto Rico (CienciaPR), a nonprofit organization, Díaz is on a mission to transform scientific education and make it more inclusive and accessible.
Díaz's journey into STEM began with curiosity and an encyclopedia. Growing up in a community with limited resources and attending public schools in Puerto Rico, she dreamed of becoming an astronomer. However, her path shifted towards the study of microorganisms,
leading her to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, and a Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from The Ohio State University. Her experience as the first in her family to obtain a doctoral degree instilled in her a passion for promoting diversity in STEM.
Throughout her career, Díaz has been a pioneer in utilizing the nonprofit sector to drive social innovation in science. She began as the Grants Program Director of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust, where she implemented the first local grant mechanism for researchers. Her work in this role helped provide essential funding to local scientists, laying the groundwork for a stronger research community in Puerto Rico. Her passion for connecting people with science continued at CienciaPR, where she now leads initiatives that integrate STEM professionals into K-12 education, making science more engaging and relatable to young students. Díaz's commitment to fostering representation and participation extends beyond her professional work.
As a longtime volunteer for CienciaPR, Díaz has led numerous projects to empower girls and
women in science. She founded the “Borinqueña” blog to highlight the stories of Hispanic and Puerto Rican women in STEM and later created the “Semillas de Triunfo” (Seed of Success) program, which encourages middle and high school girls to become STEM Ambassadors. Through this initiative, young women develop and execute STEM outreach projects in their communities, helping to cultivate leadership skills and inspire future generations.
For Díaz, the nonprofit sector has been a powerful platform for driving change in STEM. She believes that many students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are unaware of the vast opportunities within nonprofits to innovate and make meaningful social impacts through science. By bridging the gap between STEM professionals and young learners, Díaz is helping to democratize science education and create a more equitable environment.
Greetchen Díaz’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and commitment to social justice. Her work not only empowers students and teachers in Puerto Rico but also serves as a model for how nonprofits can drive social change in STEM. She is building a future where everyone, regardless of background, can succeed and thrive in science.
Saving the Planet One Tradition at a Time
Imagine if ancient traditions held the secret to saving our planet. Dr. Wildcat, a current professor at Haskell Indian Nations University and a member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, is proving that old wisdom can help solve modern problems. He believes that, with his knowledge of Indigenous culture combined with scientific research, he can help address climate change.
In 2022, Haskell Indian Nations University was awarded a $20 million Rising Voices, Changing Coasts (RVCC) Hub grant from the National Science
Foundation. As the lead principal investigator, Dr. Wildcat leads his team of researchers and Indigenous experts in developing sustainable solutions for climate-impacted coastal areas from Alaska, Louisiana, Hawai’i, and Puerto Rico. Using what RVCC coins “convergence science,” they aim to bring people of diverse backgrounds to help solve complex issues.
Dr. Wildcat and his team rely on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to bring about change. This is a holistic approach to using knowledge that has been passed down through
generations. By understanding weather patterns, animal behaviors, and environmental changes, they are uncovering insights that aid climate research.
With sea levels rising and threatening ecosystems along shorelines, especially in places like Hawai’i, the RVCC team utilized their Indigenous knowledge and STEM research to help preserve the coastline. RVCC successfully identified historical patterns and changes in sea levels, collect data from satellite imagery, and use tide gauges to create future scenarios of what this impact could bring. By integrating TEK, Dr. Wildcat and the RVCC team were able to rehabilitate degraded wetlands that serve as buffers against rising ocean levels and storm surges.
Dr. Wildcat’s work with Rising Voices, Changing Coasts has started a ripple effect of awareness for climate change initiatives. RVCC has started facilitating educational programs that introduce a mix of Indigenous traditions and STEM research to local youths, inspiring the next generation to take action.
With their five-year grant ending in 2027, the RVCC hopes to continue to advocate climate change reform and empower Indigenous leaders to support sustainable land usage so that today’s worries will inspire tomorrow’s solutions toward a healthier future.
Meet the Fu Family: Champions of Science and Community at OSC
Jacques and Yvonne Fu are a dynamic duo who have seamlessly blended their professional successes with a profound and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Their mission? To identify real-world problems and solve them on a local scale. They are also proud parents of three children: Annalise, Kristof, and Sophia.
Yvonne’s love for science began in middle school, where she participated in a program called the "tech team." "I actually wanted to be a scientist in middle school,” Yvonne recalls. “We did a lot of activities, but my science teacher throughout all three years was fantastic. I liked the logic of being involved in an experiment; having an idea and trying to test it on real things.” This passion led her to a career in information technology, and she is now the Director of IT Infrastructure at a local logistics company.
Jacques’s childhood dream was to become a police officer, but by the age of ten, his interests shifted to software engineering. True to his aspirations, Jacques co-founded Stax Inc., one of the 500 fastest-growing companies and the first startup in Orlando to achieve “Unicorn” status. Today, Jacques is the CEO of PETE, an AI-powered platform for course creators, and hosts the “Taking Your Time” podcast. He is also the author of the book “Time Hacks.”
The Fu family are enthusiastic Innovator members of the Orlando Science Center. Their favorite spot is the new Life exhibit. “It’s wonderful to
see the original reptile ambassadors in the swamp area, but also explore ecosystems in the rainforest and ocean areas. The live animals and those experiences are fantastic!”
Their involvement with the Science Center began seven years ago when Yvonne sought engaging and educational activities for their children. The Science Center provided a fun, safe, and airconditioned haven where the children could explore and learn. This initial visit blossomed into a long-term relationship.
In addition to their support for the Science Center, Jacques and Yvonne are deeply invested in the broader community. They are particularly concerned about the educational challenges faced by children today after the events of recent years. Many students have fallen behind, and the Fu family sees the need for more support and programs to help bridge this gap. Their hopes align perfectly with the Orlando Science Center’s initiatives: Science for All and Neighborhood Science. These programs aim to provide STEM education accessible to all, by addressing the challenges many local families face.
on the world. Their story serves as an inspiration to others, showing that anyone can make a difference in their community. Through their support of the Science Center and their broader philanthropic efforts, the Fu family embody the spirit of innovation and community service. They are not just members of the Orlando Science Center; they are champions of its mission to inspire science learning for life.
The Fu family’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the desire to make a positive impact
For more information on how you too can become an Innovator member and support the Science Center, please contact Gina Owen, Director of Individual Giving, at gowen@osc.org or 407. 514.2183.
B E R T W M A R T I N
We are so grateful to the Bert W. Martin Foundation for their ongoing support of our Unlock Science Campaign! Their most recent contribution will go towards our next Unlock Science project, the digitization and revitalization of Dr. Phillips CineDome to provide an immersive Full Dome Digital experience. The critical improvements that the Science Center has made through the Unlock Science Campaign, such as the recent construction of our brand-new Life exhibit, are possible thanks to generous support from contributors, including our friends at the Bert W. Martin Foundation, which has provided services to those in need in this community since 1948. Thank you for your ongoing generosity and commitment.
Let’s celebrate our friends at Publix Super Markets Charities for generously supporting the Science Center’s birthday party program. To fulfill our mission to inspire science learning for life, the Science Center has developed fun and engaging programs that integrate STEM learning opportunities. Birthday parties at the Science Center allow children to explore our hands-on, STEM exhibits while they celebrate their special day. We provide all-inclusive party packages designed to take the hassle out of party planning for caretakers. Thank you, Publix Super Markets Charities for providing an opportunity for kids to engage in science exploration and discovery while celebrating their special day!
Neighborhood Science helps us improve the lives of individuals and families in Central Florida by building communities that thrive, together. Bank of America recognized our impactful work with underserved youth in our community through Neighborhood Science and recently awarded us a grant to support our goal of inspiring science learning for life in Central Florida. Neighborhood Science aims to be the spark that ignites curiosity in the innovators of tomorrow by providing free after-school STEM programming for youth in low-income, underserved communities in Central Florida. Thank you, Bank of America!
We are honored to receive a grant from Orange County Citizens’ Review Panel to support Ignite Discovery, our early childhood education program. This program is funded in full or part by Orange County Florida. This program brings hands-on STEM experiences to preschool-aged children from low-income households, provides educators with teacher professional development to enrich their STEM curriculum, and empowers caregivers with the tools needed to support their child’s learning journey. Ignite Discovery builds a strong and lasting foundation for our youngest learners, to help them on their path to being the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Thank you, Orange County Citizens’ Review Panel.
PARTY PACKAGES INCLUDE:
• Free admission and parking for all of your guests
• A 90-minute private party
• Hands-on science programming
• Food and beverage, fun theming, and so much more! Check out our all-inclusive, themed party packages with awesome add-ons available!
PARTY THEMES
Party Animals • Fantastic Jurassic
Exploration Space • Weird Science
INVEST IN THE FUTURE
Orlando Science Center’s Corporate Partnership Program is a customizable sponsorship program designed with your company’s community engagement priorities in mind. This unique opportunity allows your company to support many areas of our mission, including workforce development and STEM education, while receiving year-round recognition through our exhibits, programs, publications, and special events.
YOUR EMPLOYEES BENEFIT
• Tickets to the Science Center and special events
• Engagement opportunities
• Invitations to exclusive receptions and VIP events
YOUR COMPANY BENEFITS
• Reach an annual audience of 600,000+
• Logo recognition and advertisements
• Support of workforce development through STEM education
• Plus much more
YOUR COMMUNITY BENEFITS
• Educational programs that bring STEM education to thousands across Central Florida
• Development of new high-quality exhibits and experiences
• Access for learners who experience OSC for free or reduced price
• Increased youth participation from cradle to career
DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE UPCOMING EXPERIENCES
Renew Early and Save 10% on Another Year of Membership! Check the expiration date for your Membership to make sure it's active through these exciting exhibit premieres. To renew early, go to osc.org/membership
The Science of Guinness World Records, presented by Nemours Children’s Health, will be here until January 6, 2025!
J a nu a r y 26 - M ay 4 , 2025
Crack the Code. Uncover the Truth. Solve the Case. Explore the science of spying and espionage and see if you have what it takes to solve a thrilling mystery!
M ay 17 - S ep tember 7, 2025
Discover Your Superpowers. Grab your capes and begin your training with the Justice League. No alter egos necessary!
