Orlando Science Center inspires students from kindergarten to 12th grade to pursue STEM careers with a variety of science competitions. Young people grow stronger in critical thinking, problem-solving, public speaking, organization and time management skills, among others, when they participate. OSC science competitions help students develop these essential life skills that allow them to be successful in their personal and professional lives.
It’s important that students learn how to network and build a support system that will empower them to achieve their goals. Students who participate in OSC science competitions not only channel their creativity and passion for STEM but also grow their support network. Our competitions connect them with like-minded peers from other schools and with their judges, who are educators, engineers and scientists in STEM industries.
(COURTESY OF ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER)
At OSC, there is a science competition for every student!
First, there’s the Curtis Rising Stars Challenge, an entry-level STEM competition designed for grades K–5 that introduces young students to science competitions and helps them develop teamwork skills.
Next is the Curtis Kinetic Science Competition, which invites students in grades 6–8 to assemble a team of engineers to compete for cash prizes and challenges them to transform ordinary objects into a kinetic system.
There’s also the Lockheed Martin Science Challenge that provides county science fair winners in grades 6–12 an opportunity to present their projects to a team of expert judges before advancing to the state science fair.
Finally, the Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition celebrates a select group of high school students with very big ideas. Students in grades 9–12 challenge themselves by submitting original research designed to address the world’s biggest problems. Five finalists are selected from schools throughout the state to present their findings before a panel of expert judges. They compete for up to $5,000 in cash scholarships. Awards also go to their teachers and schools.
With science competitions designed for students of all ages and interests, Orlando Science Center fosters a space for young minds to reach their full potential. To learn more, please visit OSC.org/learn/competitions.