Spark Stem Fest
February 13-16, 2026
Join us February 13-16, 2026!
Experience Spark STEM Fest at the Orlando Science Center, proudly sponsored by the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research. This premier event brings together UCF researchers and STEM professionals to showcase cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, and math innovations. Attendees will engage with UCF’s top researchers, explore groundbreaking studies, and experience interactive exhibits highlighting the real-world applications of STEM across various fields.
From School Field Trip Day to an exclusive Science Night Live for adults, Spark STEM Fest offers an immersive experience for all. This event fosters an inclusive environment where innovation, discovery, and career exploration thrive.
Connect with our UCF Exhibitors
This year’s featured events include…
Presenter: UCF Florida Space Institute
Location: Level 4, Our Planet, Our Solar System
Date & Time:
- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Exhibition Info: Explore the wonders of space science and see how discoveries beyond our atmosphere help us better understand life here on Earth.
At the Florida Space Institute booth, guests of all ages can dive into hands-on activities connecting space, technology, and everyday life.
Stop by and experience how groundbreaking space research starts right here on Earth!
Presenter: UCF Institute of Artificial Intelligence
Location: Level 4, DinoDigs
Date & Time:
- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday Night, 7:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Exhibition Info:
- Live Person Activity Detection
- Automation and Safety with AI
- AI for Chemistry and Molecules
Discover how AI is transforming scientific discovery.
Presenter: UCF Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science
Location: Level 4, DinoDigs
Date & Time:
- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Exhibition Info: Measure grip strength, test reaction time, and explore muscle performance using ultrasound and wearable sensors.
Hands-on activities for all ages!
Presenter: Center for Behavioral Health Research and Training (CBHRT)
Location: Level 4, DinoDigs
- Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Meet Sully, the therapeutic harp seal, and learn about animal-assisted therapy advancements.
Presenter: Dr. Kolpashchikov Lab
Location: Level 4, Discovery Stage
- Sunday, 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Monday, 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Learn how DNA can function as a computer in the molecular world. This 25-minute engaging talk will explore DNA logic gates and feature interactive activities to involve the audience in the bonding process.
Presenter: Neuroscience Alliance at UCF
Location: Level 4, Dr. Dare’s Laboratory
- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Participate in hands-on activities and witness a sheep brain dissection.
Presenter: Robotics Club of Central Florida & UCF IST
Location: Level 4, DinoDigs
Time: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Meet TapeMeasure, our Boston Dynamics Spot robot, and see robotics in action.
- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday Night (18+), 7:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Level 4, DinoDigs
Eight interactive exhibits exploring science, energy, space, drones, memory, VR, marine biology, and DNA.
Exhibit 1: The Bugverse: Heroes and Villains
Increase understanding and appreciation of insect diversity and ecological importance through hands-on observation.
Exhibit 2: Watch Energy in Motion: Discover How Energy Is Converted and Stored
Demonstrate how energy is transformed and stored across mechanical, electrical, chemical, thermal, and light systems.
Exhibit 3: Wild Florida: A VR Experience of Virtual Nature
Teach participants about Central Florida ecosystems using immersive virtual simulations.
Exhibit 4: Memory Myths: The Science of Remembering People
Illustrate the strengths and limitations of human memory through interactive psychology activities.
Exhibit 5: UCF at the Moon!
Showcase how UCF studies the Moon using lab tools, samples, and NASA mission materials.
Exhibit 6: Drone Lane: Exploring Technology in Action
Introduce drone technology and its applications in research and society.
Exhibit 7: Visualizing DNA
Help participants understand the structure and study of DNA through hands-on extraction and visualization.
Exhibit 8: Where Art Meets Marine Biology: Exploring Florida’s Marine Life
Educate participants about marine biology, ecology, and conservation in Florida waters.
Time: Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Level 4, Discovery Stage
Meet a humanoid robot and a Unitree Go1 robot dog through supervised demonstrations.
Time: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Level 4, DinoDigs
Explore graduate research in digital media, physical computing, and game design.
Presenter: UCF College of Medicine
Location: Level 4, DinoDigs
- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday Night, 7:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Explore COM instructional technologies including AI, VR, oceanography, and modeling & simulation.
Presenter: School of Teacher Education & DRACO Lab
Location: Level 2, Inspiration Classroom
- Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Learn about micro:bit sensors, programming, and computer engineering — and you might even take one home.
Stay up to date with more Orlando Science Center events
Orlando Science Center’s most popular multi-day event Spark STEM Fest will be back!
The event resides at the crossroads of inspiration and engagement, igniting curiosity in STEM careers, empowering meaningful connections between the public and STEM professionals, and building excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead.
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