Look for the big black cube to discover a place where science engages both body and mind.
The Discovery Science Center (DSC) in Santa Ana is spread over 5,500 square metres of exhibition space. It’s designed with children in mind, but adults will also enjoy its 120 interactive exhibits. The centre is a mix of themed areas. Find out about the scientific aspects behind the game of hockey in the Science of Hockey area, see life-size dinosaurs in Dino Quest or learn all about seismology in the Quake zone.
Try one of the experiential simulators. Stand in a wind machine and feel the power of a hurricane, launch a rocket into space at the touch of a button or take a journey through a dinosaur’s belly for a lesson in digestion.
See images of historic storms and earthquakes projected onto a 1.8-metre high globe at the Planetary Research Station. Visit the Eco Challenge area to learn about the science behind recycling. If you’re passionate about sustaining the planet, pick up your digital shopping trolley in the simulated grocery shop and learn how to choose food with the greenest packaging. Sort household rubbish and see if you can identify recyclable rubbish.
The DSC’s best-known feature is the 33-metre tall black cube balanced on one point. Ten per cent of the building’s electricity is generated by solar panels located on its south side. Inside, you’ll find the facility’s highly popular Boeing Rocket Lab. Kids will marvel at the sight of a real Delta Rocket RS-68 Booster Engine hanging from the roof. Blasts of fog, sound effects and imagery to help you experience what a real launch feels like.
The DSC hosts temporary exhibitions as well as permanent displays. A rotating schedule of short films also plays in the Discovery Theater. (There’s a small charge for this on top of the general admission price.)
More than 450,000 people visit the DSC every year and it’s a popular venue for school field trips as well as tourists. Beat the queues by buying your tickets online before your visit. You need to be aware that queues may be long at exhibits if your visit coincides with touring school groups.
The DSC is located in central Santa Ana. It’s accessible by public bus and onsite parking is available for a fee. The museum is open daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
