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Discovery Science Center

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Discovery Science Center © Discovery Science Center
The Santa Ana Museum District is a wealth of culture and history. It’s also the location of one of few science museums in Orange County, the Discover Science Center. From interactive exhibits and guided research programs, to science camps and seasonal events, the Discovery Science Center is a fun and educational activity for kids and a great place for experiential scientific learning.

A Brief History:

The Discovery Science Center started much like many other educational and cultural organizations in Orange County: conceived and executed by local community leaders. In 1984 these leaders combined the Exploratory Learning Center (now the Heritage Museum) and the Experience Center, to create the Discovery Museum of Orange County. The goal was two-fold: to provide a place to explore O.C. history as well as a hands-on science education experience. While the Heritage Museum opened in 1985, it was nearly a decade before the the first iteration of the Science Center -- called the “Launch Pad” -- opened in Costa Mesa in as a preview. Five years later, the Discovery Science Center opened in its current location in the historic Santa Ana Museum District.

Exhibits & Programs:

The Science Center has more than 100 interactive exhibits, activities and educational programs designed to teach science concepts. Highlights include:

Eco Challenge: This exhibit endeavors to educate families on recycling and environmental conservation by teaching eco-friendly shopping, proper disposal of hazardous household waste, and how to identify and sort recyclables from the regular trash.

Boeing Rocket Lab: This permanent exhibit is the first phase in the Space Exploration Gallery featuring a rocket launch simulation, a rocket fuel chemistry lesson, and an interactive air and water rocket launch station.

Dino Quest: This exhibit is the first of its kind and features life-size dinosaur models, interactive quests and virtual archaeological digs to discover and identify prehistoric fossils.

Planetary Research Station: Featuring a suspended, animated globe, this station enables visitors to learn about the atmosphere, weather patterns and other aspects of Earth science. There are presentations daily and private research sessions are avialable by appointment.

Science Summer Camp: The Science Center offers several summer camps for school-age students ages 5-10 desgined for a more in depth scientific education. Check the website for class descriptions and registration details.

Seasonal & Special Events:

In addition to the regular featured exibits, the Science Center also hosts a variety of special exibits throughout the year. Annual exibits include the Science of Ginger Bread, the Bug Invasion, and the Pumpkin Launch.

Admission & Membership:

The Science Center is open daily except on major holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is $12.95 for seniors and children ages 3-15 and $14.95 for those over 15. Teachers get in free with verification. Santa Ana residents get are admitted for free on the first Tuesday of each month (proof of residency required) and Bank of America cardholders get in free on first Saturdays.

Annual membership packages are also available, which include unlimited admission to the Science Center and hundreds of other participating ASTC passport program science centers, exclusive access to special events and previews, discount admission for up to four guests, and discounted theater tickets.

Location & Hours:

The Discovery Science Center is located in the Santa Ana Museum District at the intersection of Main St and the I-5 freeway.

2500 North Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Contact the Science Center:

Website:http://discoverycube.org
Phone: 714-542-2823

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