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Hands-on learning abounds for little minds at Orlando Science Center

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 17:20 GMT by WFLX
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Hands‑On Learning Abounds in Little Minds at the Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center’s newest venture—Little Minds—has made waves in the local community as a dynamic, interactive learning hub for children under five. In a feature published on September 5, 2025, WFLX chronicled the center’s expansion, its programming philosophy, and the palpable enthusiasm of families who have already experienced its impact.

A Mission‑Driven Expansion

The article opens with a clear mission statement: “Little Minds isn’t just an exhibit—it’s a classroom that lives inside the science center, designed to ignite curiosity and lay the groundwork for STEM literacy from the earliest ages.” The center’s director, Dr. Amanda Lee, is quoted expressing her excitement: “We’ve always believed that learning is a natural, playful process. With Little Minds, we’re embedding that belief into every corner of the building.”

The piece describes the 1,200‑square‑foot space that was transformed last year, highlighting its bright color palette, soft flooring, and modular furniture that can be rearranged to support a variety of hands‑on activities. According to the article, the design was influenced by research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which emphasizes the importance of sensory‑rich environments for young children’s cognitive development.

Interactive Exhibits That Speak to All Senses

Readers are taken through a virtual tour of the exhibit, noting a series of stations that cater to different learning styles. One station—“Water Wizards”—lets toddlers play with a series of graduated cups, measuring cups, and hoses to explore concepts of volume, flow, and gravity. Another, “Sound Garden,” invites kids to build simple instruments from recycled materials and then listen to how different shapes and sizes affect pitch and timbre. The article quotes an early‑adopter parent, Maya Ortiz, who says, “My son loves turning the water spout and listening to the sound. It’s like magic.”

The feature also details the center’s commitment to inclusivity. The Little Minds area incorporates tactile panels for children on the autism spectrum and has designated “quiet corners” where parents can help their kids regulate sensory overload. The article links to a downloadable accessibility guide (https://www.wflx.com/little-minds-accessibility) that outlines how the center accommodates children with various needs.

Curriculum‑Aligned Learning Experiences

A key point in the article is that Little Minds is not just a fun playground; it’s an educational program that aligns with early childhood curriculum standards. The center partnered with the Orange County School District to develop a curriculum map that dovetails the daily activities at Little Minds with the district’s Common Core objectives. The article includes a link to a PDF of the curriculum map (https://www.wflx.com/little-minds-curriculum) that teachers can use as a reference.

“We’re creating a bridge between the science center and the classroom,” explains Dr. Lee. “Our teachers visit every month to lead guided play, and we provide them with lesson plans that they can adapt to their own classrooms.” The piece reports that over 30 local schools have already enrolled in a “teacher residency” program, where educators spend a week at Little Minds each school year.

Community Partnerships and Outreach

The article goes on to highlight several community partnerships. The center has teamed up with the local library to offer a “STEM Storytime” series that encourages children to build simple science projects at home. Another partnership is with the nearby Florida International University, where graduate students in education conduct action‑research projects in the Little Minds space to test new pedagogical approaches.

The center’s outreach also extends to the broader community. The article recounts an open‑house event held last month where 500 families toured the new exhibits and took part in a “mini‑science fair.” The event featured a live demonstration by a NASA astronaut who talked about how curiosity has driven human discovery. The event’s highlights were compiled in a photo gallery on the center’s website (https://www.wflx.com/little-minds-gallery).

Admission, Scheduling, and Fees

Practical information is not left out. The article notes that admission to Little Minds is included in the standard adult ticket price, with discounted rates for families and school groups. The center runs a 24‑hour schedule for the Little Minds space, but the busiest times are weekday mornings and Saturday afternoons. The piece includes a link to the full schedule (https://www.wflx.com/little-minds-schedule) and a reminder that reservations are recommended for school field trips.

Families can also take home “take‑away” kits from Little Minds, which include simple science experiments and activity books. The kits are sold in the gift shop and come with a QR code that links to instructional videos on the center’s app.

A Look Toward the Future

The article closes with a forward‑looking tone, noting that the center is planning to expand the Little Minds program into a second location at the downtown branch of the Orlando Library. It also mentions upcoming summer camps that will build on the concepts introduced in Little Minds, offering a deeper dive into biology, astronomy, and engineering.

Overall, the WFLX piece paints a vivid picture of a science center that has redefined early childhood education by making science tangible, accessible, and, most importantly, fun. For parents, teachers, and community members interested in early STEM learning, the article provides a comprehensive overview—complete with links to deeper resources, schedules, and accessibility tools—demonstrating that the Orlando Science Center’s Little Minds is more than just an exhibit; it’s a catalyst for lifelong learning.