Summary

Discovery Science Center is a publicly/privately funded, non-profit, informal educational organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing understanding and appreciation of science, math and technology. Discovery Science Center challenges the visitor’s perception of the world through hands-on exhibits, interesting educational programs and a stimulating learning environment. The 59,000-square-foot building, located directly off Interstate 5, offers both in-house and outreach educational programs for children, adults and teachers.

Exhibit Program

The exhibit program was developed to foster a person’s creative thinking processes and to encourage the understanding of science as consistent with inquiry-based science education as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences. Discovery Science Center empowers the visitor to observe, infer and experiment to develop an understanding of both scientific concepts and technology. More than 100 exhibits explore physical and earth sciences, and how we interact with and learn about the world around us.

Science - Southern California Style

Guests experience “Science – Southern California Style” in a center that showcases the physical diversity of the region and pays tribute to the air and space industry, of which Southern California is a leader.

First Floor - Natural Earth

The design of the first floor is a loose interpretation of the region’s sandy beaches and deserts, expansive oceans, golden fields and jagged peaks. With organic curves and gentle slopes, the spaces appear to have been shaped by natural movement -- as if a gust of wind has just blown through the area. The natural colors, shapes and textures relate to all the elements and landscape that make up Southern California.


Atrium

The center’s atrium is constructed from large glass panels. The dramatic entrance introduces the guest to DSC by commanding their attention, peaking their curiosity and encouraging hands-on interaction. The atrium holds several exhibits and an information desk. An asterisk (*) denotes one of the new or redesigned exhibits added in May 2003 as part of the center’s grand reopening. The reopening also included the covering, renovation and lighting of the center’s 10-story solar panel Cube. Exhibits include:

Perception

The human perception area is the first area guests encounter. The exhibits in this area challenge visitors to experience science firsthand, affirm their natural curiosity and promote a self-guided sensory exploration. The exhibits provide a “safe danger,” where guests quickly learn that they are allowed and encouraged to touch and experiment without being harmed, and where there are no rights or wrongs. An asterisk (*) denotes a new or redesigned exhibit. Exhibits include:

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth exhibits explore the changes and patterns on Earth, in the atmosphere and throughout the Earth’s waterways. Guests develop an understanding that the Earth’s surface is constantly changing, both in a slow, predictable mode (as in erosion) and in a rapidly changing, more chaotic mode (as during earthquakes or large weather events). The area also encourages guests to develop a genuine appreciation of the unique landscape of Southern California. Exhibits include:

Quake Zone

The Quake Zone is an area dedicated to the natural phenomenon of earthquakes. The exhibits enhance the visitor’s understanding of seismic activity both in California and throughout the world. An asterisk (*) denotes a new or redesigned exhibit. Exhibits include:

Theater

Discovery Science Center's 125-seat theater offers comfortable seating and a is a great place for presentations, corporate events, screenings and more. To learn more about renting out this space, call 714-913-5038.


Showcase Gallery

This 4,000 square foot room is used for a variety of traveling exhibits.


Other First Floor Features:

Second Floor

Science of Hockey

Discovery Science Center, the Anaheim Ducks, the National Hockey League, and USA Hockey have joined together to showcase The Science of Hockey, a permanent exhibition. Experience the colder side of science as we explore physics, physiology and flying pucks! No helmets required, but the icy interactives aren't for rookies! Exhibition highlights include a Zamboni Machine, Penalty Box and Broadcast Booth, and more!

• You Be the Goalie
• You Be the Shooter
• Reaction Time
• Broadcast Booth
• Friction Table
• Uniforms, Weights and Measures
• Penalty Box
• Skater Challenge
• Coach's Corner
• Zamboni Machine

Planetary Research Station

The “Planetary Research Station” is an animated globe that can show dynamic, animated images of the atmosphere, oceans, and land of a planet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) primarily uses PRS as an education and outreach tool to describe the environmental processes of Earth. With over five-hundred data sets, it can display everything from real-time infrared satellite over land, to sea ice concentration and snow cover, to the topography of Venus!

The Planetary Research Station includes five instructional panels to further expand on the intuitive and compelling images of PRS. An automated narrated voice will guide Discovery Science Center guests through pre-set data sets, although it can be customized to display data sets for research and display purposes.


Discovery Stadium

One of the newest areas at Discovery Science Center, Discovery Stadium explores the sciences of sports including sports medicine, human performance, and hand/eye coordination. As a tribute to collegiate and professional athletes, colorful sports team banners line the ceiling, and a cheering crowd of fans (including former science center president, Karen Johnson and family) is depicted in a painted mural. One of the most popular exhibits at the science center, Virtual Volleyball resides here. 

Techno Arts

Where music and art meet science, this new area explores…

Air & Space

This area celebrates the ingenuity, imagination and innovation of Southern California’s scientists, aerospace engineers and astronauts and the contributions they have made to the advancement of flight and space exploration. Energy is the key element in the design of this area. Bold, punchy colors are used throughout this level including blue, purple and yellow. The jagged walls and angular columns give the effect of a rocket bursting through the floor.

Principles of Flight focuses on the physical forces and properties involved in flight and space exploration. Scientific principles such as propulsion, drag, lift and gravity are addressed.
Exhibits include:

Space Exploration exhibits provide information on space exploration and let visitors simulate the type of activities an astronaut performs while in space.
Exhibits include:

KidStation

This area is designated for five-year-old children and younger. The area was specially designed to safely accommodate active and imaginative children. The area encourages creative play and development of gross motor skills. Exhibits/activities include:

Computer Classroom

This classroom offers 22 computer stations primarily used for student and teacher workshops that teaches both children and adults how to use the computer as an educational tool.


Cube Plaza

Outside the rear entrance of Discovery Science Center near the base of The Cube is the Solar Fountain, the first hands-on exhibit designed and built by Discovery Science Center. A whimsical, 10-foot tall fountain is surrounded on both sides by a set of four solar panels affixed to rotating bases. When these panels are aimed at the sun, the sunlight is converted by the solar panels into electricity, which in turn provides power to motors in the fountain that propel water up in the air and into the fountain.

In May 2003, the 108-foot tall solar Cube at Discovery Science Center underwent a complete upgrade as part of the grand reopening of the science center. The Cube, which originally was covered by solar panels on the Southwest side, was recovered with more efficient solar panels on the southwest side, and black aluminum mesh panels were added to cover the remaining sides. Much of the labor and materials for the project was donated by New Vision Technologies and BP Solar. Fiber optic lighting from Lumenyte was added to each of the Cubes 12 edges, providing a spectacular nighttime view from miles around.


Location

Discovery Science Center is located in the heart of Orange County next to Interstate 5 at Main Street in Santa Ana. The address is 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, Calif. For more information visit online at www.discoverycube.org or call 714-542-CUBE.