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Exhibits at the Orlando Science Center

Permenant and Limited Engagement Exhibits

From Carol James, for About.com

Permanent Exhibits:

  • Dino Digs
    Become a paleontologist and uncover the extinct by examining the world of fossilized dinosaurs. This exhibit allows visitors to examine fossilized dino eggs, uncover fossils in the dig pit, discover dinosaurs of the ancient oceans, and dig deeper with the only publicly accessible Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in the area.

  • Dr. Dare’s Lab
    Description: Play scientist for a day and accomplish hands-on experiments with the guidance of a trained instructor. See the unseen by magnifying everyday objects with the optical microscope and the scanning electron microscope (SEM).

  • Nature Works
    Realize the rich ecosystems of the natural world of Central Florida. Discover the insects, plants and animals of coral reefs, salt marshes, mangrove swamps and other Florida environments while learning how living and non-living things interact with each other and their environment.

  • Science Park
    Explore such concepts as light, sound and waves, electricity and magnetism, nature’s forces and simulation. New interactive exhibits include a giant 56-foot echo tube, pipes of pan, air cannon, and visitor operated giant Tesla coil. The earthquake room is back with a new “build and test” shake table.
    There are also new open-ended exhibits that invite visitors to imagine, create, and construct various inventions from paper flying machines to structures from PVC pipe. Science Park will also feature a variety of live shows and demonstrations that complement and enhance the topics in the exhibit.

  • KidsTown
    KidsTown is a spot where children under 48’ tall can explore their world in a town designed just for them. Fun abounds for even the littlest scientist in this pint-sized town. This miniature town introduces science concepts through whole-body experiences, hands-on interactives and opportunities for imaginative role-playing. Water tables, automotive garage, orange juice processing plant and more invite the joyful hands-on creative play that is so important to the cognitive development of young children.
    • Pick and sort oranges at the Orange Grove Factory
    • Explore the KidsTown tree
    • Discover what's under a City Street
    • Float boats at the Waterfall
    • Build dams and channels at the Water Table
    • Play mechanic in the Super Service Center
  • All Aboard
    No destination is too far for a child’s imagination. Watch as your child travels the world in the vehicle of their choice. Child-sized models of trains, planes, even the space shuttle provide the mode of transportation - creativity provides the road map. All Aboard is a great way for kids to learn about transportation, as well as geography.
    This exhibit features Let’s Play Railway, developed by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in cooperation with BBO. The train is modeled from BRIO®'s classic wooden toy train and features an assortment of hands-on activities on each car.

  • Science on a Sphere
    Science on a Sphere connects guests of all ages to Earth and space science through a dramatic visual presentation using a six-foot suspended sphere and state-of-the-art projection technology. Explore our planet's dynamic landscape and weather, tour the solar system and understand the complex relationship between our planet and its sister worlds.

Limited Engagement Exhibits:

  • Grossology
    Presented by Arnold Palmer Hospital
    Open from January 31
    Sometimes it's stinky; sometimes it's crusty; and sometimes it's slimy! Grossology explores why your body produces that mushy, oozy, crusty, scaly and smelly gunk in this traveling science exhibition that uses the power of live interactive video experiences to examine the "impolite" science of the human body.

  • Hatching the Past
    Open from January 31
    Take a rare and exciting look at the life of dinosaurs through their eggs, nests and embryos. A captivating experience for all ages, this exhibit invites visitors to experience hands-on exploration stations, dig for eggs and view animated video presentations featuring well-known dinosaur experts. Hatching the Past blends the arts and sciences with an astounding array of authentic dinosaur eggs and nests collected from all over the globe, including those of each of the major plant and meat-eating dinosaur groups.

  • The Science of Milk
    Open from January 31 for a Limited Engagement
    The Science of Milk is presented by the Dairy Farmers, Inc. to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how milk goes from the inside of a cow to the outside of your cookies. Learn the skinny on the milk trade and become a pro at lactose science by exploring informative displays, including a life-size model of a cow that visitors can actually milk!

  • H2Now: the Great Hydrogen X-Change
    Presented by Progress Energy
    October 1, 2008 through Fall 2009
    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 while enjoying six interactive kiosks called H2Now Charging Stations, as well as visiting Hydropolis, an interactive city powered by hydrogen energy units.

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