Weekly STEM experiences that build 21st century skills with hands-on activities, labs, exhibits, live shows and more!
Spaces are filling up fast with many camps already sold out. Register now at osc.org/summer-camps.
*Preschool is a Licensed DCF Center C09OR0729
• Food and beverage, fun theming, and so much more! Check out our all-inclusive, themed party packages with awesome add-ons available!
PARTY PACKAGES INCLUDE:
• Free admission and parking for all of your guests
• A 90-minute private party
• Hands-on science programming
PARTY THEMES
Party Animals • Fantastic Jurassic Exploration Space • Weird Science
Limited times available! Book yours today at OSC.ORG/BIRTHDAYS
Editor JoAnn Newman
Editors Christina Schreiber, Jeff Stanford
Contributing Writers Sydney Baker, Nicholas Chapman, Esha Gill, Jill Goddard, Lisa Hardt, Christian Lebron, JoAnn Newman, Gina Owen, Kate Rickman, Lisa Robbins, Christina Schreiber, Dr. MJ Soileau, Jeff Stanford, Helen Tillem, Angella Van Gelder, Shannon Zimmerman
Graphic Designers Mona De Torres, Kristie Hoover
Photographers Sydney Baker, Roberto Gonzalez
DON'T STOP BEING CURIOUS
My connection to Orlando Science Center runs deep. My first experience here was a night spent on a cold, hard exhibit floor as a chaperone for my daughter’s overnight school trip. Fast forward to 25 years later, my two grandsons are enrolled in our STEM preschool. I wouldn’t want them anywhere else. We have created an environment that inspires curiosity and that’s very important.
I’ve always known that our preschool is an amazing learning environment, but hearing about it directly from my grandsons is very special. They often tell me about their school day and it’s thrilling to hear about what they’re learning. Our team incorporates STEM concepts into the preschool curriculum in a way that’s ageappropriate, fun and engaging.
Every day is a new adventure for them, whether they’re digging for fossils in our dinosaur exhibit or walking through our rainforest to see the sloth and monkeys. The Science Center makes an incredible classroom! My grandsons don’t necessarily recognize the skills they are using, like critical thinking, but they are having fun. Our activities inspire fun AND learning.
This approach for our preschoolers isn’t too different from the techniques we employ with adults. But in some ways, it’s easier for young children because they haven’t created any barriers towards learning new things. They aren’t convinced that a subject is too hard or too boring. And, they haven’t realized how tools like Google and AI provide instant answers.
I’m worried that when you believe everything has been answered you stop asking questions, and that you stop questioning the answers. We need to make sure that we continue to ask questions. We need to stay curious and more importantly, we shouldn’t always accept the immediate answer. That’s the process of science: gathering information and making decisions based on evidence. And, remaining open to new data that can ultimately change our thinking.
At the Science Center, we focus on inspiring curiosity and encourage asking the big questions. We provide opportunities to build skills and continue learning. Our exhibits and events offer a forum for discussion and an opportunity to better understand the world around you. Because when you understand, you want to get more involved. You are invested in what is happening and want to make a difference. That is why Orlando Science Center will always be here to feed your curiosity.
Sincerely,
PRESIDENT/CEO
Using Science to Outsmart the Storm
From June through November, Florida keeps a close watch on the tropics—and for good reason. Hurricanes, with winds starting at 74 miles per hour, are among the most destructive forces in nature. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Atlantic basin averages 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes each year.
Florida is no stranger to these storms, weathering Hurricane Charley (2004), Hurricane Michael (2018), and most recently, Hurricane Helene (2024)— among many others over the years. While it's always smart to evacuate if instructed to by local officials, sometimes we have to shelter in place. That’s why knowing how to stay safe at home is so important.
A basic hurricane kit with extra clothes, important documents, flashlights, and non-perishable food is a good start. But protecting your home can make a big difference too. Here are five sciencebased ways to prepare:
1. Protect Structural Integrity
Closing all interior doors during a storm might seem minor, but it helps reduce pressure on your roof. If a window or door breaks, air rushes in and pushes upward, like inflating a balloon inside your home.
This added pressure can cause major roof damage. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, keeping interior doors closed can reduce that pressure by up to 30%.
2. Bring the Outside In
Outdoor items like chairs, toys, and trash cans can become dangerous projectiles during strong winds. The National Hurricane Center warns that wind-borne debris is a leading cause of damage during hurricanes. As wind speed increases, so does the kinetic energy behind objects it lifts. Even small items can break windows or cause injuries. Bring in anything that could get picked up by the wind, and anchor heavier items like grills and propane tanks.
3. Keep Water Out
Flooding is one of the most common—and costly—effects of hurricanes, especially in low-lying areas. Just a few inches of water can cause serious damage. Use sandbags or plastic sheeting to block doorways and prevent water from seeping inside. FEMA recommends using sandbags with plastic liners to better direct water flow away from your home. Sandbags absorb water and act like temporary levees.
4. Emergency Water Supply
When power outages strike, so can water issues. That’s why it’s smart to store clean water ahead of time, not just for drinking, but also for flushing toilets and bathing. Filling bathtubs, buckets, or large storage containers with water before a storm ensures you’ll have what you need for basic sanitation. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.
5. Power Up the Essentials
Hurricanes often cause power outages. Keep flashlights, portable chargers, and battery-powered radios handy. If cell towers go down, radios help you stay informed. Also, think about food safety: a fridge without power keeps food safe for about 4 hours; a full freezer, up to 48 hours. Keep the doors closed and use a thermometer to make sure food stays under 40°F.
Hurricanes can be intimidating, but knowledge is one of our best defenses. And, if schools remain closed once the skies clear and the power comes back on, we’ve got your family covered with our Hurricane Camps, filled with learning and fun for the little ones. Camp info will be shared on our website and social media. Stay safe, stay smart, and let’s weather the season together.
BETSY THE BURMESE PYTHON:
An Ambassador for Conservation
If you’ve been to the Life exhibit recently, you might have met Betsy, our Burmese python (Python bivittatus). Betsy isn’t just one of our coolest residents – she’s an ambassador for one of Florida’s biggest environmental challenges: invasive species. Betsy has been part of the Orlando Science Center family since July 2017, and she plays a big role in helping guests understand the impact of Burmese pythons on Florida’s delicate ecosystem.
Get to Know Betsy
The Problem with Invasive Species
Betsy weighs about 72 pounds (32.5 kg), and even though she’s pretty big, she’s usually calm and easygoing. She’s got a great internal clock too! When it’s getting close to feeding day (which happens twice a month), she’ll perk up, flick her tongue, and keep a close eye on her keepers.
While most of the animals in Life live in the exhibit full time, we have a few animals that live behind the scenes and serve the important role of Animal Ambassador. All of our ambassador animals, including Betsy, participate in programs on a voluntary basis. That means if Betsy’s not in the mood to interact, she gets to sit it out. She’s not shy about letting us know how she feels either! If she’s not up for handling, she’ll give a quiet hiss, and her caretakers will give her some space. That trust and understanding between Betsy and her handlers shows how much care goes into working with all our animals.
Fun Fact
Burmese pythons like Betsy aren’t venomous, they’re constrictors. Their jaws aren’t fused together, so they can stretch their mouths wide to swallow large prey. They use their strong muscles and flexible spines to push food down their throats. It’s a true full-body effort!
Burmese pythons started showing up in Florida in the 1970s and 1980s because of the pet trade. Baby pythons are small and have beautiful markings, which made them popular pets. But as they grew bigger (some can reach over 20 feet!), many owners realized they couldn’t take care of them anymore and released them into the wild.
Then, in 1992, a reptile breeding facility near Miami was destroyed by Hurricane Andrew, letting countless pythons loose into the Everglades. With no natural predators, these snakes quickly took over. A 2012 study found that mammal populations in the Everglades have plummeted: raccoons are down by 99.3%, opossums by 98.9%, and bobcats by 87.5%. Rabbits and foxes have nearly disappeared.
Why It Matters
This devastation of our natural Florida ecosystems is a reminder of why it’s so important to be a responsible pet owner. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, do your research first. And if you have a pet you can’t care for anymore, don’t release it into the wild. Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a Pet Amnesty program where you can safely surrender exotic animals. If you think you see a Burmese python or other non-native species in Florida, take a photo, note your location and report your sighting by calling the Exotic Species Hotline at 888.Ive.Got1 (888.483.4681)
Meeting Betsy
Betsy often takes part in our Animal Encounter program, where you can meet her up close – if she’s in the mood, of course! Since we give Betsy the choice to participate, we don’t always announce her appearances in advance. But if you swing by the Life exhibit, you might just catch her hanging out with her keepers. Don’t miss your chance to see one of nature’s most impressive predators up close!
Grab your capes, Orlando, the Justice League™ needs your help! DC Super Heroes™: Discover Your Superpowers is an interactive, action-packed exhibit that lets you step into the world of Batman™, Superman™, Wonder Woman™, and other legendary heroes. Do you have what it takes to save the day?
Every hero has an origin story, and yours starts here at the Hall of Justice™, the headquarters for superheroes. As a new recruit, you’ll be briefed by Superman and Supergirl™ on all their allies. Here, you’ll be able to use the Crisis Scanner to survey the city for any supervillain threats that may be lurking in Gotham City™.
Work alongside Batman and Robin™ as they solve clues hidden by The Riddler™, Catwoman™, and Poison Ivy™. They need your help to restore the city back to normal after being sabotaged by The Joker ™! Once accomplished, the Bat Signal™ will be restored in the sky.
Think you’re fast enough? At the S.T.A.R.S Labs, you can test your reflexes with Green Lantern™ in the Circuit Challenge or see if you can match The Flash’s™ speed in a high-energy simulator. Act fast and try to keep up!
Go for a dive at The Docks™ with Aquaman™ and Cyborg™ as you uncover Black Manta’s™ secret lair. Use your problem-solving skills to protect the ocean and rescue a stranded dolphin.
Don’t forget to explore the Museum of Ancient History where you’ll join Wonder Woman and Batgirl™ as they catch The Cheetah™. Use your agility to navigate through a laser maze, wield Wonder Woman’s bracelet and lasso to recover stolen artifacts, and prove you have the skills of a true hero.
This exhibit isn’t just about action — it’s also about teamwork, problem-solving, and self-discovery. Just like the Justice League™, you’ll learn that when we combine our strengths, we can overcome even the biggest obstacles. Challenge yourself mentally and physically to gain new skills while learning from others.
Heroes aren’t born, they’re made! DC Super Heroes: Discover Your Superpowers is only here for a limited time. Are you ready to answer the call and unleash your inner hero?
Member Preview: May 17, 2025 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dr. Phillips Cinedome*
MAY
Journey to South Pacific
Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation Forces of Nature
Grand Canyon Adventure
Animalopolis Forces of Nature
JUNE
Mysteries of the Unseen World Robots
The Magic of Flight
Wild Africa
Sea Monsters
Dolphins
JULY
Journey to Space
Apollo 11: First Steps Edition
Galapagos: Nature’s Wonderland
Great Bear Rainforest
Cuba
AUGUST
The Living Sea Everest
Dinosaurs Alive!
Dream Big
JOURNEY INSIDE THE HUMAN BODY
Digital Adventure Theater
Now Playing
Get ready to learn more about the greatest machine we know – the human body. Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels, narrated by Matthew McConaughey, is coming to the Digital Adventure Theater this Summer. Explore the inner workings of the human body and the incredible breakthroughs in science that are allowing us to live longer, healthier lives. Through cutting-edge CGI, you can discover the amazing biological systems that make us tick. See how superhuman our bodies really are! Plus, meet the people behind some of the greatest medical innovations of the past decade – and see how science and technology help us intervene when our bodies fail us.
Digital Adventure Theater
Desert Elephants 3D
Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels 3D
Storytime Cinema
Flubber (May 10)
The Absent-Minded Professor (June 14)
The Little Prince (July 12)
Dolphin Tale (August 9)
See what is now playing, check show times, watch trailers, and more at osc.org/theaters.
*This summer is your LAST CHANCE to catch a giant-screen film in the Dr. Phillips CineDome before it closes for renovations in August!
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!
Since white reflects heat and black absorbs heat, why are the lenses in sunglasses usually black?
In science, it's important to ask the right question to get the best answer. We can better understand the answer to this question by changing the word "heat" to "light." So, let's look at this question: Since white reflects light and black absorbs light, why are the lenses in sunglasses usually black?
The answer is that we make sunglasses partly black to absorb some of the sunlight coming through them. That way, the light that makes it through the dark glasses is not too bright for our eyes.
Note that sometimes sunglasses look shiny white rather than dark. These glasses are made of very thin layers of metals (like aluminum) that reflect some white light but let some through. The light that comes through the lens is now safe for our eyes, because it's not too bright.
Explore More!
Words used in science have very specific meanings. For example, light is electromagnetic radiation. That radiation can be reflected (off a mirror), transmitted (through a clear piece of glass), or absorbed (into a black surface). The light absorbed by a black surface heats (raises the temperature of) the surface. Light reflected or transmitted does not heat the surface it's interacting with.
Who invented science?
Science was probably invented by a young child driven by curiosity about the natural world. Note that science is a human effort to understand the natural world through observation and experimentation. I would bet that you've done this yourself!
It's likely that the earliest science-related topics were explored in Egypt and Mesopotamia about 5,000 years ago. They contributed to understanding math, astronomy, and medicine.
About 2,500 years ago in the 4th century BCE, Aristotle of Greece pioneered the application of logic, observation, and inquiry to help understand nature. However, the word "scientist" wasn't used back then. People who explored and attempted to explain the natural world were called "natural philosophers" instead.
Galileo Galilei, born on Feb 14, 1564 in Italy, was arguably the first scientist as we would define it: someone who studies nature through the application of logic, observation, and experimentation. For example, Aristotle reasoned that gravity accelerated heavy objects faster than lighter ones, but he never tested this hypothesis with measurement. Galileo proved by reason and experimentation that Aristotle was wrong; acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the object.
The first person to use the word "scientist" was William Whewell. He coined the term at Cambridge University in 1834, using it to refer to a person who explores and tries to understand the natural world.
JULY
ASTRONOMY MONTH
3...2...1...blast off to Orlando Science Center during Astronomy Month! Join us as we explore the solar system and beyond, launch hands-on astronomy and engineering challenges, learn about the science of rockets, and more!
AUGUST
ENGINEERING MONTH
We’re building curiosity during Engineering Month! Step into the role of engineer as we learn about the skills it takes to invent, innovate, design, build, maintain, and improve the world around us!
Little Prince (2015) 11:30 am - Based on the book “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
MAY 22 – AUGUST 10 The Science Center will be closed on Wednesdays beginning August 13.
Tale (2011)
am - Based on a true story of a dolphin named Winter who gets a prosthetic tail
am - 4:00 pm
5k*
Shoo Fly, Don't Bother Me!
It’s a warm summer evening in Florida, and you are hanging out in your backyard by the pool or grilling up dinner, when, ZAP! You feel that familiar sting, and a little red bump starts to itch. A mosquito just made you its dinner!
Mosquito bites can be just as dangerous as they are annoying. Mosquitoes are what scientists call vectors, which are tiny creatures that spread diseases like malaria and dengue to humans and animals. According to the World Health Organization, mosquito-borne diseases cause over 700,000 deaths every year. That’s a big problem!
But Logan Lee, a Hawaiian high school student, is working on a tiny solution with a big impact. With a passion for protecting native Hawaiian birds from diseases spread by mosquitoes, Logan found a new way to help make mosquito control more effective. His research earned him fourth place in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high schoolers. Logan aims to help the fight against mosquitoes by making the male mosquitoes stronger and healthier.
Believe it or not, male mosquitoes don’t bite people. In fact, one of the most common ways scientists try to control mosquito populations is by releasing male mosquitoes that can’t reproduce properly. The hope is that if those males mate with females, the eggs won’t hatch, lowering the mosquito population. However, these lab-raised males aren’t always strong enough to survive in the wild.
Logan’s project focuses on the mosquito microbiome, which is the helpful bacteria that live inside them. Just like humans have gut bacteria that help with digestion and health, mosquitoes have their own helpful bacteria too.
Logan discovered that by giving lab-raised male mosquitoes a “microbiome transplant” from wild mosquitoes, their health and development improved. They became stronger and lived longer, which means they had more time to do their job in the wild.
Logan’s research isn’t just about mosquito control, but it’s also helping protect Hawai‘i’s unique bird species. Birds like the vivid ‘i‘iwi and the ‘apapane are found only in Hawai‘i, and they’re in danger because of mosquito-borne diseases like avian malaria. By reducing the number of mosquitoes, Logan’s work gives these rare birds a better chance to survive and thrive.
From local science fairs to the national spotlight, Logan Lee proves that students can tackle real-world problems and make a difference. His work is a powerful example of how curiosity, creativity, and a love for science can lead to change, one mosquito at a time.
Sally Ride's Legacy Aim for the Stars
Most Americans know about Sally Ride, the brilliant physicist who joined NASA’s astronaut program in 1978. In an already competitive field, Ride was a trailblazer – not only the first woman in space, but also the first astronaut to represent the gay community.
But most people did not know Ride was a lesbian until her death in 2012. The fact that she remained closeted throughout her career illustrates the general attitude toward gay and lesbian individuals of her time. That pressure to remain closeted hasn't changed much since then, either. Even now, the only openly gay astronaut (Anne McClain) did not come out of her own volition. Yet it’s never too late to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Jane Rigby is an astrophysicist and was Deputy Operations Project Scientist for the James Webb Telescope. She also received the 2022 LGBTQ+ Scientist of the Year award from Out to Innovate (formerly the National Organization of
Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals).
Rigby said in an interview with the American Astronomical Society (AAS) that Ride was one of her biggest role models as a child. When Ride came out, Rigby felt that connection deepen, stating she “needed existence proofs. Here were gay people, and they were astronomers, and they were surviving.” Consider that the next young woman who feels strange in her skin might look to Rigby for her existence proofs.
Sally Ride received the NASA Space Flight Medal and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, yet her legacy reaches beyond these honors. Ride’s courage to claim her identity, even on her deathbed, shows people that it’s possible to live authentically while excelling in any field –even astrophysics.
Stephen Hawking A Legacy of Triumph and Discovery
July is Disability Pride Month, marking the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and we love celebrating trailblazers in STEM who defy the odds to triumph in their fields. These leaders are more than their disabilities, redefining what’s possible in science and tech. The most recognizable of these leaders? The legendary Stephen Hawking , of course!
After earning his first-class BA degree in physics from University College, Oxford, Hawking’s journey brought him to Cambridge, where he studied applied mathematics and theoretical physics. During his time in this PhD program, at the age of just 21, he was diagnosed with a rare, early-onset and slow-progressing form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was given just two years to live – but that didn’t stop him.
Hawking did more than survive – he thrived. He was years ahead of his time when he made his theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation and was the first to unite the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics into a theory of cosmology.
Even after losing his ability to speak in 1985, he continued to change the world. With the help of a special computer, Stephen continued his work on black holes, the origins of the universe, and the nature of time. His book, A Brief History of Time, sold over 10 million copies and made complex science approachable for the masses.
Hawking's legacy is more than his discoveries. He showed the world that with determination, anything is possible, no matter the obstacles.
KATE RICKMAN OF LOVECLUB LABS On Blending Art and Science
I grew up loving both art and science.
I would doodle almost every day as a child and was part of my elementary school’s science club. Space was my favorite –I even wanted to be the first astronaut to enter a black hole (though I now retract this statement, knowing I would be transformed into an infinitely long spaghetti noodle).
As I got older, I felt pushed away from STEM careers, and creating art never seemed like a “real” career. I pursued creative writing as a happy medium, but it didn’t feel right. I considered what I would do if nothing was holding me back, and after one very long coffee shop trip and a couple sleepless nights, I decided to transfer schools to study aerospace engineering.
About a year later, COVID moved my studies online. I was initially excited about the flexibility, but my mental health took a hit. I realized I craved more creativity than my physics and math courses allowed. At the same time, I needed a new source of income, so I began making art that I hoped would connect with others. A year in, I discovered my biggest inspiration: science. That’s how Loveclub Labs was born.
My unique blend of STEM and art emerged gradually.
The first piece I made was a watercolor of the Sun, which became the Sun Diagram that I still sell. This evolved into a collection of Planetary Diagrams, which remain favorites because they sparked everything.
But loving that first collection so much made it hard to feel satisfied with future pieces. The Planetary Diagrams were something I was extremely excited for, but I didn’t feel the same about the work I created next – not because it was bad, but because I was only creating it for others. Narrowing my niche to science-based art helped me discover more meaningful support and opportunities. Taking that blind leap was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Every piece I have made for Loveclub Labs has been inspired by STEM – from black holes to anatomy. I only settle on (or discard) an idea after extensive research, but because the art stems from my own curiosity and love of learning, I stay passionate about what I create.
FLEX FARMS
GROW SUSTAINABLY
Fork Farms is creating a better, cleaner, more efficient and sustainable food system for our communities, one farmer at a time. Fork Farms builds the most energy and resourceefficient hydroponic food access technologies on the planet, transforming the way people grow and connect with fresh food across the globe. Their Flex Farm and Flex Acre growing systems not only produce fresh food, they also produce this food year-round, hyper-locally, efficiently, and sustainably while offering everyone better access to fresh food. Flex Farms are highly scalable, mobile vertical growing systems that require only nine square feet of space and a standard electrical outlet for operation.
A single Flex Farm can grow 25 pounds of lettuce every 28 days. The Flex Farm is designed for simplicity and requires only 15 minutes per week for upkeep. Compared to other hydroponic units, the Flex Farm is 40% more energy efficient. Unique to Fork Farms is a digital platform called Farmative that harnesses the power of community. The platform offers grow guides, a variety of lesson plans and activities for learners making hydroponics easy for anyone.
Perfect for schools, the Flex Farm transforms classrooms into living labs, teaching students about STEM, sustainability, nutrition, teamwork and critical thinking. More than 1,000 Flex Farms are growing in K-12 schools and are used for educational purposes.
Fork Farms has placed more than 3,500 Flex Farms in 48 states and 14 countries in health care, school, food service, community service, hospitality and home settings to name a few.
Importantly, Fork Farms has 27 partners in Florida that use more than 30 Flex Farms including: Feeding Tampa Bay, the Challenger Learning Center, school districts, and the Lemur Conservation Foundation of Florida. Learn more at www.forkfarms.com
THANK YOU
We would like to thank our many sponsors, culinary partners, volunteers, and distinguished guests for making Science & Wine a huge success! With your support, we raised critical funds for the continuation and growth of our programs and exhibits that enable us to inspire science learning for life – and we had some fun while doing it. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Science & Wine!
Thank you to our sponsors
Rosen College of Hospitality Management
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