Seeing Is Believing

When you visit the Discovery Science Center, be prepared for some science show biz.

It was part of the center’s original plan: a small stage in a corner of the ground floor for live science demonstrations. But the center’s educators think planners may have underestimated how popular science theater will be.

As opening day approached, they decided to move the science show to a gallery that will seat as many as 300. Given advance public reaction, said Janet Yamaguchi, the center’s vice president for education, “we have a feeling we’ll need the space.”

The 15-minute live show is titled “En Fuego” (On Fire) and will demonstrate the principles of combustion--not with posters or slides, but with bursts of flame.

“We’re building a stage with a set, the whole thing,” Yamaguchi said. “We intend to make it short and sweet, with lots of flash and glitz and humor.”

Admission to “En Fuego” is free. But it will cost $2 to see “The Illuminated Brain” in the center’s 130-seat 3-D Laser Theater.

The unusual laser format is used in only a handful of other science centers. Photographic and laser images are combined on a projection screen to create 3-D images that seemingly come to life.

The 20-minute show will appeal to adults and kids 10 years or older, Yamaguchi said.

During the center’s first months, reservations are recommended for “The Illuminated Brain.” Call (714) 542-CUBE (542-2823).