Plan Your Visit

Programs & Events

Live Science Shows

Danger Science at Pacific Science Center

By contributing only $50, you will captivate 75 students by powering whirling fire tornadoes during the combustion live science show.

See experiments, theatrics, and tricks in action at one of PacSci’s Live Science Shows. Shows are presented each day on the Building One Live Science Stage, and each promises to inspire curiosity, enlighten, and entertain people of all ages.

Scientific topics for shows are chosen every morning so there is always something new to see and experience. Explore adaptations and evolution, experience the chemistry of combustion, investigate the science of sound, be amazed at the physics of bubbles, confuse your eyes at an optical illusion show, meet one of PacSci’s snakes, and more. Every day features different shows and topics!

Live Science Shows Are Now on YouTube

Make sure to check back for more streaming Live Science Shows. We’re working to add more!

Curiosity Never Closes: Support PacSci

While we are closed to the public, we are still serving the community. We depend on support from you.

Support Curiosity

Live Science Shows & Demonstrations

Amazing Air

It’s all around us, making objects contract, expand, and sometimes even rise above the ground. Experience the hidden power of high and low air pressure through live experimentation! Audiences are sure to see air as never before as they observe air move things in unexpected ways, break a board in half, experience a fire tornado, and much more!

Length: 20 – 30 minutes
Audience: Grade 1 and up

Liquid nitrogen for Amazing Air is donated by Airgas Specialty Gases.

Combustion

See huge balls of fire, feel compression waves, and hear big explosions while learning about the chemistry of combustion! Audiences will experience some extraordinary effects while helping to build the “Fire Triangle” of heat, fuel and oxygen, and learn how to put out fires by learning how to make them. The finale is a real crowd pleaser, and is sure to make an impact! (Warning: This demonstration is loud.)

Length: 20 minutes
Audience: Grade 1 and up

Gases for Combustion are donated by Airgas Specialty Gases.

Danger Science (Seasonal)

Don’t miss the most spectacular live show at Pacific Science Center. The effects are so large, we can only do them outside! Witness extremes in temperature and pressure as things explode and fly in all sorts of unexpected ways. Audiences may be left drenched with water in the summer sun by the last demonstration of the show…it really makes a splash!

Length: 20 minutes
Audience: Grade 1 and up

Gases for Danger Science are donated by Airgas Specialty Gases.

Ice Under Fire

What mysterious powers does ice possess that may impact the fate of the ocean and the world? Use the analytical tools of polar science to examine global warming. Audience members will observe various kinds of ice, make predictions about on-stage experiments, and learn how scientists use ice as a “time machine” to travel back in time and observe Earth’s atmosphere 650,000 years ago. Just as important as its blazing effects and experiments, the show ends with an empowering presentation of some solutions that can be done by grown-ups and kids alike.

Length: 25 minutes
Audience: Grade 1 and up

Created with assistance from University of Washington’s Polar Science Center and Washington Biodiesel.

Liquid nitrogen for Ice Under Fire is donated by Airgas Specialty Gases.

Illusions

Can you believe your eyes? You won’t be so sure after seeing this show! Learn all about the human eye and how it works with your brain as the presenter tricks your mind with the wonders of optical illusion. Familiar images have never looked the same, and some mind-bending effects may leave you baffled. Your rods and cones won’t want to miss it! (Warning: A strobe light is used in this presentation.)

Length: 20 minutes
Audience: Grade 1 and up

Live Snakes

Come face-to-face with one of Pacific Science Center’s live boa constrictors or experience getting up close to a corn snake. Our live presenter and animal handler will show off one of our finest reptiles, while sharing the incredible facts about how snakes eat, move and live. Audiences are encouraged to share their knowledge and myths about snakes and snake behaviors will be dispelled! This show is sure to please people of all ages with a curiosity or interest in snakes or reptiles. (Please be advised that audiences are not allowed to touch the snake.)

Length: 30 minutes
Audience: All ages

Monster Sound

What’s the sound? Monster Sound! The newest Live Science Show will rock the socks off of the audience as they help the rock star presenter discover the science of sound. They will realize the wonder of sound waves, air molecules, pitch, volume, amplification and the origin of all sound – vibration! And to bring it all together, the show boasts a radical Ruben’s Tube which presents sound waves in fire! So, keep an eye and an ear out for mad melodies, loud lyrics, roaring riffs and an awesome pyrotechnic light show to hit the stage!

Length: 25 minutes
Audience: Grade 1 and up

The Physics of Bubbles

Fun abounds at the Physics of Bubbles! The presenter will lead the audience through an in depth exploration of how bubbles work. And you’ve never seen bubbles like this. The show features bubbles that float, bubbles that fly, frozen bubbles, and bubbles that even burst into flames! This show is sure to please people of all ages and is sure to leave a spring in your step!

Length: 20-30 minutes
Audience: All Ages

Supercold

Experience the thrills, spills and chills of a liquid substance so cold it can shatter rubber balls and power a small cannon! The audience will experience firsthand the wonders of super cold temperatures while examining experiments on the three states of matter. With clouds of vapor and exciting effects, this show is a sight to see.

Length: 20-30 minutes
Audience: Grade 1 and up

Liquid nitrogen for Supercold is donated by Airgas Specialty Gases.

Members Get More

Ignite your curiosity day after day! Members enjoy unlimited free admission for a year, discounts on events and programs, invitations to exclusive events, as well as passes and discounts on IMAX and Laser shows, and ticketed VR experiences.

Join Today