01 July 2010
Posted in Science Live!

Saturday Evenings, 7:00 p.m., Through August 21

Here's a behind the scenes preview of our newest show - Sub-Zero. In this show, you'll feel the power and the energy that takes place in some of the most frigid temperatures known to man. Extreme experiments take you right to the frozen edge and give you a close-up look at the transformative force of cold. You've never seen anything like this in the Sunshine State!

23 June 2010

The A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Project is a partnership between the Science Center and OUC.  The goal of the program is to teach every fifth grade students in OUC’s service area about water and energy conservation.  

Most people think of the Science Center as a fun way to spend a day with the family.  We want to make sure you see all of the ways we work with the community to inspire science learning for life!

22 June 2010
Posted in Green Building Project

We recently "officially" launched our green building project. Here's a video of the event...

22 June 2010
Posted in Support Our Mission

Congratulations are in order for Thatcher Howard!  He was recently honored at the Black Engineer of the Year Annual Conference in February 2010 as a Modern Day Technology Leader.

It was here in the Orlando Science Center that Thatcher found his true calling, to become an Electronics Engineer. On a spontaneous trip to our facility as a young child, playing with the motors, generators and hands-on exhibits inspired him. He returned to his South Apopka home that day and began rebuilding new toys out of broken ones and incorporating his experience into his designs. Knowing that his family would never be able to afford college, he relied solely on his education to pull him through towards his dream of becoming an Engineer.

After graduating from high school, Thatcher Howard joined the Navy and began Aircraft Electricians School. Leaving the Navy in 2001, he moved on to DeVry University and received his Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering. Currently Thatcher works for Northrop Grumman as an Electronics Engineer and has been influential in regards to Northrop’s Electronic Systems Laser Program.

To help provide opportunities and experiences that Thatcher had to our youth, he regularly volunteers in a variety of ways. He leads a troop of Boy Scouts, aids in Family Science Nights at local elementary schools and chaperones fieldtrips to the Orlando Science Center. Thatcher also encourages students to pursue in science, technology, engineering and math education and careers.

17 June 2010
Posted in Green Building Project

Celebrating the Science of Sustainability

Orlando Science Center Unveiled New Energy-Efficient HVAC, Solar Panels and Announced Major Lighting Retrofit

The Orlando Science Center unveiled its state-of-the-art eco-friendly HVAC system and solar panel array and launched its plan for a major lighting retrofit on June 16, 2010. These efforts are part of the Science Center’s dedication to increase energy efficiency, decrease operational costs and help serve as a community leader demonstrating the use of sustainable technologies.

This event announces the completion of the organization’s first steps towards attaining the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its facility. Many partners contributed to the success of this effort, including the City of Orlando, Orange County, the Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs Council, Irvine Mechanical, OUC the Reliable One, the Darden Restaurant Foundation and Azur Solar USA.

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16 June 2010
Posted in Press and Media

OUC - The Reliable One, The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation, and Azur Solar USA Support Installation of Solar Panels That Will Produce 42,660 kWh of Electricity Annually

Orlando, FL - June 16, 2010 - The Orlando Science Center now has part of its facility being powered by the sun thanks to a new solar panel system. This system, recently installed on the Science Center’s roof, is expected to produce about 42,660 kWh of electricity annually - enough to power about three homes. The solar panel installation is part of the Science Center’s effort to increase its energy efficiency, decrease operational costs and serve as a community leader in the use of sustainable technologies.

In addition to the installation, educational experiences are currently being designed to engage guests in the science of solar power. The Science Center plans to use its facility as a showcase for sustainable technologies, including energy efficient lighting, high efficiency cooling, smart building controls and solar technology.

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