Orlando Science Center
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The Orlando Science Center (OSC) is a private not-for-profit corporation, organized under the laws of the State of Florida, USA, and located in Orlando. Its purposes are to provide experience-based opportunities for learning about science and technology and to promote public understanding of science.
The Orlando Science Center is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC). The Orlando Science Center is member supported and sponsored in part by United Arts of Central Florida, Inc., the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.
Hours
The Orlando Science Center is open year round, and is closed on Wednesdays and four other days throughout the year, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Mission statement
Inspire science learning for life.
History
Incorporated in 1955, the Central Florida Museum (CFM) opened in Orlando Loch Haven Park in 1960. For its first decade, it was an anthropology museum with collections of artifacts relating to Florida and the Caribbean Basin.
In the early 1970s, the CFM's board of directors voted to change directions and to become a "hands-on" science and technology center. In 1973 the institution was re-named to honor a famous native son and astronaut, John Young.
In 1984, as part of an expansion and change of philosophy, the institution's name was changed to Orlando Science Center. In 1985 another major expansion created a permanent physical sciences hall, a traveling exhibit hall, and Curiosity Corner, a hands-on exhibit area dedicated to pre-school and early primary age children. During the final expansion to the original facility in 1990, NatureWorks, a prototype for OSC's centerpiece natural science exhibit was created.
In May 1992, the Board and staff developed a comprehensive master plan for the Orlando Science Center, including a blueprint for construction of an entirely new science center. Construction of the new science center began in early 1995.
The new 207,000 sq ft (19,200 m2). Orlando Science Center celebrated its grand opening on February 1, 1997. It is six times larger than the original facility, which closed December 31, 1996. The current president and CEO of the science center is JoAnn Newman.
Current exhibits
As of January 6th, 2009, here is a list of the current exhibits within the Orlando Science Center (In order from 1st floor).
Dr. Phillips CineDome Shows Giant Screen Films & Planetarium Shows. The Entrances are on the 1st and 3rd floor, and the dome takes up all floors - It is an 8 story tall dome where films about our planet and those beyond can be shown.
NatureWorks 1st Floor - An Exhibit where guests can discover the interactive, wild, and mild parts of Florida.
KidsTown 1st Floor - For those under 48" and their parents. A small town that can be "run" by children.
Science Park 2nd Floor - Some of Orlando Science Center's exhibits are brought back, with some new exhibits mixed in as well.
Let's Play Railway 2nd Floor - Takes the place of Titanic's gift shop. Based on a Brio train set. Also has some other play items for little ones.
H2Now (3rd Floor Exhibit Hall) - The future is here - with H2Now: the Great Hydrogen X-Change, an innovative approach to interactive exhibits that brings the science and technology behind this renewable energy source to visitors of all ages. In H2Now, you can explore what hydrogen is, where it comes from, and many of its possible uses. You will separate the fact from the fiction that surrounds this exciting new technology, as well as its benefits as an alternative energy source.
You can explore Hydropolis, an interactive city powered by hydrogen energy units. Whether you energize a giant ferris wheel, illuminate a city block, operate a crane, or choose to power a lighthouse, you'll have the chance to discover the amazing real-life possibilities of hydrogen. Using H2Now Charging Stations, you will see how hydrogen power is created, and how it can effect everyday life, all while earning energy units to spend at Hydropolis. See the future of energy and get powered at H2Now: the Great Hydrogen X-Change opening in the later half of the summer.
H2Now: the Great Hydrogen X-Change Was created by the Orlando Science Center in partnership with Florida Hydrogen Initiative; Progress Energy, Florida; US Department of Energy; and US Department of Education.
DinoDigs 4th Floor - How do paleontologists know how long ago the dino's were here? How do we discover bones without breaking them? You'll learn all about the dinosaurs and paleontologists at DinoDigs.
Crosby Observatory 6th Floor - Florida's largest public refractor telescope as well as an array of smaller yet still powerful telescopes strategically placed for star gazing from 5-9 on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
Facility rentals
The Orlando Science Center offers its facility to host meetings, special engagements, and weddings. The venue offers 50,000 square feet (4,600 m2) of exhibits, a private theater, and IWerks movies. The Orlando Science Center is one of Orlando's premier event locations.