Countywide : Dr. I. Wonder Brings Science to Children

After an hourlong science exhibition by a man who juggled torches while on stilts and balanced a wheelbarrow on his chin, second--grader Juan Carlos Luna could not recall exactly what he had learned, but he knew it was significant.

“I don’t remember,” the 8-year-old said. “A lot of things.”

Juan was one of 100 children from Pio Pico Elementary School and the local Boys and Girls Club who attended a science exhibition at the club Friday.

The free show by Tennessee-based performance artist Michael Frith, also known as Dr. I. Wonder, was sponsored by Discovery Science Center.

Frith performed other feats, such as somersaulting over three youngsters tied together by a balloon, to demonstrate scientific principles. By sprinting toward the children and hurdling them, he demonstrated momentum.

Balancing the wheelbarrow helped show that every object has a center of gravity, Frith said, and he has to find that center to pull off his act.

“This is not magic,” Frith told the youngsters Friday. “This is science.” Frith, 41, said his road show was inspired by two personal interests: science and the theater. He performs with various acting troupes when he is not portraying Dr. Wonder.

For $3, Discovery Center members can see the nationally known performer this weekend at the center’s Launch Pad in Costa Mesa. Admission for non-members is $5.