Otronicon returns to Orlando Science Center 2023
Otronicon returns to Orlando Science Center 2023 – Otronicon has evolved with Spark STEM Fest coming to Orlando Science Center! When Otronicon debuted in 2006, Orlando Science Center knew they had something special. Over the years, this event engaged thousands with exciting STEM lessons wrapped in an unforgettable package. As Otronicon grew, they discovered that there was real educational power with connecting the public to industry through exclusive opportunities and innovative partners. This collaboration combined with a desire to ignite curiosity, inspire innovation and build community has become the foundation for the all-new Spark STEM Fest, which premieres Friday, February 17 and continues through February 20, 2023. Spark STEM Fest builds on Otronicon’s success with capturing the public’s imagination through a fast-pasted, multi-day celebration, but focuses on the entire STEM field, not just technology. Presented by UCF Office of Research, Spark STEM Fest resides at the crossroads of inspiration and engagement, stimulating fascination with STEM careers, encouraging meaningful interactions between the public and STEM professionals and creating dreams of a bright, new future.
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What:
This 4-day event features multiple exhibitors, workshops, and dynamic demonstrations, led by STEM experts to engage visitors of all ages, including the following eye-popping opportunities.
- World Renowned Juggler and Engineer Greg Kennedy weaves science, engineering and art gracefully into a live show illustrating the physics at work during his kinetic creations. This show makes physics approachable through relatable stories and captivating demonstrations.
- John Collins is a master paper airplane builder and has amazed audiences on Conan O’Brien and shared his secrets with Wired Magazine. He has studied both origami and aerodynamics to design planes that set world records. He will be showing guests how to build many of his designs, including the one that broke the Guinness World Record by flying 226 feet 10 inches.
- Flip for science by enjoying this live acrobatic show that is the perfect blend of education and fun! Watch as the duo from WeFlip teach basic science concepts and then demonstrate how they put them to work with acrobatics! They climb five stacked chairs and test Newton’s Second Law by dropping objects from great heights!
- Learn about the Artemis Program and other current and upcoming NASA missions launching from our own backyard on the Space Coast. Act as an engineer in KSC’s Exploration Ground Systems program and work with your team to build your own Mobile Launcher tower that can withstand the winds experienced on the launch pad.
- We have all now seen amazing projection mapping on a building and seen it change before our eyes to become something or be somewhere else. What if this object that we were projecting on was moved? What if the movement was not predicable? See demonstrations of dynamic projection mapping on a moving object and learn its secrets, thanks to the experts at 7thSense.
- Discover all about sharks, our ocean and how you can help protect both with the passionate marine biologists from Minorities in Shark Sciences. They will display shark jaws, skin, skeletons and other specimens plus hosts games and activities to learn more about sharks and marine conservation. Check out shark dissections at scheduled times throughout the event.
- If it can be dreamed, it can be measured, and if it can be measured, it can be realized, says the digital geniuses from FARO, an imaging company that imagines a better, more insightful and capable world through 3D digital means and measurement technologies. Explore their vision as they share how they created a full life-sized a scan of our famous T-Rex Stan.
- Meet Dr. Joshua Colwell, a physics researcher with the University of Central Florida, who has led experiments that have flown on the Space Shuttle, suborbital rockets, parabolic airplane flights, and been performed on the International Space Station. He also developed a CubeSat for launch in 2019 and was a comet advisor, and an actor, in the movie “Deep Impact” and has appeared as a walker in “The Walking Dead.
- Get hands-on with expert-led workshops! Learn how to code like a pro, get flight lessons from Lockheed Martin or dive into the science of sharks. You’ll leave these workshops with a newfound skill and insight into different STEM careers.
- Ready Player One? Race down Rainbow Road or join the Pokken Tournament during Spark STEM Fest with Powder Keg Gaming Competitions! Visitors can enter for a chance to win cash prizes and be proclaimed champion as they compete in various video games tournaments.
- From LITERALLY cool liquid nitrogen demonstrations and foam explosions to animal encounters and meet and greets, enjoy shows and presentations from the creative minds behind our most popular events like Mess Fest, Astro Fest, and Science Night Dead.
- And so much more! Plus, all Spark STEM Fest activities are included with Orlando Science Center’s standard admission price of $24 for adults and $18 for youth (ages 2-11) and free for annual members.
Where, Cost and When:
Spark STEM Fest is February 17-20 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is FREE for OSC members, $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students, and $18 for youth (ages 2-11). For more information, please call 407.514.2000 or visit www.osc.org/visit/
SCIENCE FOR ALL – General Admission Access Program: If you have an Access Florida EBT card with your photo on it, and a matching valid photo ID, please show it at the admissions desk to receive $3 admission per person for up to six individuals.
More Details:
During Spark STEM Fest, visitors will also be able to experience the all-new exhibit, Earth Matters, which features thought-provoking and fully interactive opportunities to explore topical themes such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and carbon emissions across an informative journey that will inspire visitors to find new answers to big questions. Earth Matters is created by the renowned Scitech in Perth, Australia and produced by Imagine Exhibitions and presented locally by the VoLo Foundation. On Saturday, February 18, from 8 to 11:30 p.m., ages 21+ will enjoy Spark STEM Fest with a festive, adults only atmosphere during Science Night Live, which includes cash bars and food stations. Special programming that evening includes keynote speaker, Dr. Tracy Fanara, environmental engineer and research scientist, with her presentation, “Protecting the Planet: How We Can Positively Impact our Changing World.” Fanara has appeared on the Science Channel, the Weather Channel, and FOX. She has also been featured in National Geographic, Marvel’s Unstoppable Wasp comic book and has her own comic, Seekers of Science. Science Night Live is a separate ticketed event from Spark STEM Fest. Visit www.osc.org/snl to get tickets and more info.
Spark STEM Fest welcomes all lifelong learners, from the simply curious to the seriously savvy. Regardless of your background, this event will engage your mind, spark your curiosity and ignite a passion for STEM learning. Visit www.osc.org/spark to learn more! Our plan is for the journey of discovery to begin at this event, but to continue with Orlando Science Center throughout the year and beyond.
More Information:
DISCOVERY DAYS
Scheduled now through February 16, these smaller free events are organized for intimate opportunities to explore STEM in your own backyard while generating excitement for Spark STEM Fest. Some programs are specifically for kids and families, and some are just for adults. Sample events include conversations with a scientist or engineer, behind-the-scenes Q&A tours, craft demonstrations, a nature walk with a scientist or science trivia at neighborhood bars. Learn more here: www.osc.org/spark-stem-fest-discovery-day-events/
Don’t forget to check out the 2023 Florida Kids and Family Expo August 12-13, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center. Tickets are on sale now! Click here for details.
Disclaimer: Events and information listed on this site are subject to last minute cancellations and changes which might not be reflected in this MyCentralFloridaFamily.com post. Please always confirm with this family-friendly business by calling or clicking the links for the most up-to-date information.
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