Gabrielle Russon
On another busy day of politics in Tallahassee, lawmakers could catch an unexpected break with an illusionist’s tricks, robots, a flight simulator, Legos and more on the Capitol’s third-floor rotunda.
This was part of the annual STEM day as educators lobbying for more state funding showed off their technology and exhibits that make learning fun.
“Orlando Science Center has joined with other science museums and STEM advocates to connect with legislators about the critical role that science centers and museums play in creating prosperity for our state,” said OSC marketing vice president Jeff Stanford.
“Displays at STEM Day encourage hands-on learning and reinforce how science museums light the spark of curiosity, promote future careers and build essential 21st century skills.”
“As our world continues to grow more complex and competitive, we are reminded that science matters now more than ever,” Stanford added.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
OSC, known for its dinosaurs and hands-on play areas, first organized STEM Day in 2014, but this year’s event comes after an unprecedented time of funding cuts for museums and science centers.
OSC was among a long list of organizations losing funding after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ unprecedented $32 million in line-item vetoes last year.
In Tallahassee, OSC brought in magician and science educator Jason Latimer, who has appeared on the Discovery Channel. OSC organized a “Legislative Record Breaker Challenge” using tennis balls and domino stacking. In addition, lawmakers, staff and interns could play with hands-on displays and learn about the life cycle of coral in between Thursday’s committee hearings and floor votes.
Stanford said this year’s event was presented by the Environmental Defense Fund. The other partnering science centers and STEM supporters joining included: Challenger Learning Center, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Museum of Discovery and Science, National MagLab, Science is US/American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Tallahassee Museum.
