Last updated: 8/15/2008
Santa Ana, California
Address
2500 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
phone: 714-542-2823
e-mail: contactus@discoverycube.org
web: www.discoverycube.org

Hours

Admissions

$12.95 for adults
$9.95 for children 3-17
children 2-years-old and younger, as well as Science Center members, are admitted free.
Parking is $3.

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Joe Adams
phone: 714-542-2823
e-mail:
Julie Smith
phone: 714-542-2823
Description

Discovery Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. Discovery Science Center is Orange County’s leading destination for hands-on science fun. Guests can explore more than 100 hands-on exhibits in themed areas: Discovery Stadium, Techno Arts, Air & Space, Perception, Dynamic Earth, Quake Zone, KidStation, Digital Lab and Dino Quest. Visit the Science Center in Summer 2008 for Animal Grossology, Bob the Builder™ – Project: Build It, and Fall 2008 for Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats.

Mission

Discovery Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. Join the list of companies that have contributed nearly one million dollars worth of equipment, software, and expertise to our ongoing operations. Benefits include increased visibility with our high tech audience, public relations opportunities, sponsorship recognition and tax deduction options. We welcome product donations. For information on our needs or how you can help, please contact Mike Fuhr Director of Corporate Relations or call (714)913-5026.

History

The idea of Discovery Science Center began in 1984 when the boards of the Exploratory Learning Center and the Experience Center joined and formed the Discovery Museum of Orange County (DMOC). Simply stated, their goals were to teach kids what life was like at the turn of the century in Orange County in an interactive manner AND to build a world class hands-on science center. They first developed the DMOC site, which now has two historic homes, a carriage barn, rose garden, riparian habitat and much more. Once this project was up and running smoothly, the Board turned to achieving their second goal, building a hands-on science center.

In 1989, a funding feasibility study was conducted to learn if the county leaders would fund such a project. They indicated strongly that they would. "And further," they said, "we're a county of almost 3 million people, we should have such a facility for our children." There are more than 200 science centers in the U.S. Orange County was one of the few major populations, which until December 1998, did not have a science center.

Artifact Collections

Within DSC there are approximately 120 interactive exhibits that encourage visitors to search for answers, think and explore. The center is divided into several themed areas where guests will explore Perception, Dynamic Earth, Quake Zone, Techno Arts, Air & Space, Discovery Stadium and KidStation (an area for 5-year-olds and under).

The newest exhibit, Dino Quest, includes a life-size argentinosaurus to walk through and other prehistoric giants that teaches guests about life sciences. Seasonal events, including BubbleFest in April and Spooky Science in October, are offered throughout the year. During the school year, guests can participate in science experiments and group challenges designed by grade level through the Center's Making the Grade programs.

Educational Programs

Discovery Science Center's many education programs align with California Science Content Standards and are intended to help K-12 students perform better in school and on State science tests required in the 5th and 7th grades. For school groups, we offer a wide range of Science-to-Go and assembly programs (where we come to your school) as well as fieldtrip programs (where your school visits us)
The Center's Digital Lab computer center offers classes where students and adults can learn Word Processing, Digital Photography, Web Design and more. Discovery Science Center is also the education content provider for the Municipal Water District of Orange County and the Tiger Woods Learning Center.
Services
Gift Shop
ADA

parking, wheelchair access, vi

fee for parking

Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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