DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER OF ORANGE COUNTY
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Mission Statement
Discovery Cube Orange County’s (DCOC) mission is to inspire and educate young minds through engaging, science-based programs and exhibits, in order to create a meaningful impact on the communities we serve.
About This Cause
Discovery Cube Orange County’s (DCOC) mission is to inspire and educate young minds through engaging, science-based programs and exhibits, in order to create a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Named for the unique and inspiring large-scale cube structure that beckons visitors, the Discovery Cube is a science center that offers interactive exhibits and education programs that support our four core initiatives: (1) STEM Proficiency – We strive to increase the skills of both students and teachers in science, technology, engineering and math, thus preparing students to successfully enter the workforce and become productive, problem-solving community members. Our exhibits and programs help students improve their science proficiency in the classroom and better understand the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). (2) Early Learning – We are dedicated to helping parents and guardians employ techniques needed to teach children ages 5 and younger how to read, understand the concept of numbers, interpret complex language and prepare to succeed in school. (3) Healthy Living – We seek to educate families about healthy living and the interconnectivity of body systems, mental health and nutrition to increase their physical and psychological wellness. Programs and exhibits range from a grocery store teaching guests the importance of understanding packaging labels and nutrition facts to nature trails and ranches. (4) Environmental Stewardship – We are devoted to encouraging behaviors that result in eco-friendly living and promoting environmental stewardship of land, air and water. This is accomplished through events such as watershed cleanups and recycling drives, as well as building partnerships with agencies that share in our environmental mission. Discovery Cube Orange County is located in Santa Ana on a 30-year-old campus, however it began its good work in 1984 as an innovative, mobile exhibit unit that brought hands-on, tabletop exhibits to the public. In 1993, a "Launch Pad" preview facility opened in Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza. Launch Pad laid the groundwork for Discovery Cube’s educational programs by inviting the public to learn more about STEM subjects through interactive exhibits and programming. And, in 1998, a permanent science center location in Santa Ana, named Discovery Science Center, was opened to the public. In July 2014, Discovery Science Center announced a name change to “Discovery Cube Orange County.” The rebranding effort was part of an expansion of the Santa Ana campus and the opening of a second science center, Discovery Cube Los Angeles. In June 2015, DCOC opened the doors to its 44,000 square-foot expansion, which added a California Natural Resources Pavilion, Julianne Argyros Showcase Theater, Mission Control Space Launch, and Petersonville Healthy Kitchen to the current galleries with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Through grants and support of the Education Fund, Discovery Cube furthers its mission by leveraging its resources to provide educational programs that reach deeply into the community. With a vast array of exhibits and educational activities for children, their parents, and other community members who visit the Discovery Cube, the Education Fund: • Brings students and teachers from underserved public schools to the science center on fieldtrips • Sends science educators directly into the community through school-based programs and public events that incorporate hands-on STEM learning with state and national standards in science education • Provides teachers with intensive training and support to enable them to incorporate STEM into their curricula Within and outside its science center walls, Discovery Cube Orange County educates and inspires more than 700,000 children, families, and school teachers each year in the county. In May 2013, the Science Center was awarded the National Medal of Service by First Lady Michelle Obama, the highest honor conferred upon museums and libraries, for its community impact and excellence in promoting environmental awareness through award-winning exhibits and educational outreach programs. We are proud to be part of such a prestigious group, and over the next few years the Cube will continue to expand to meet the community need for interactive science education, to inspire the next generation of innovators, and to lead the way in STEM and NGSS education. With the support of individuals, foundations and corporation, we will continue to develop and expand science education programs to help promote STEM within the Orange County community.