Orlando Science Center
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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.
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[edit] Mission statement
The Orlando Science Center strives to provide science for everyone by creating opportunities for experiential science learning and promoting science literacy.
[edit] 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. 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.
[edit] Current Exhibits
As of May 16, 2008, here is a list of the current exhibits within the Orlando Science Center (In order from 1st floor).
Dr. Phillips CineDome Giant Screen Films & Planetarium Shows Entrances 1st and 3rd floor, Dome takes up all floors - 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.
Titanic: The Experience [Touring December 31, 2007-December 2008] 2nd Floor - See the history of the Titanic in this incredible walk-through experience!
Rockwell's America [Touring May 24-October 12] 2nd Floor - See all of Norman Rockwell's famous artworks on display, and life sized 3-D recreations that you can interact with!
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.
Giant Worlds [Touring February 16-September 1] 4th Floor - Explore the four gas giants as you see how our solar system was formed along with Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Beakman's World on Tour [May 31] 4th Floor - Hands on exhibit based on the show of the same name. Parents and children will be able to explore the human body, space, dinosaurs, and rainforests.
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 6-9 Fridays and Saturdays.
[edit] Facility Rentals
Orlando Science Center offers the ability to host meeting or special events. The venue offers 50,000 square feet of exhibits, a private theater, and IWerks movies. The Orlando Science Center is one of Orlando's premier event locations.
