Exploring the Science Behind Pixar
The Cincinnati Museum Center hosted The Science Behind Pixar , a touring exhibit produced by the Museum of Science , Boston . PHOTO BY TIMOTHY MOORE
BY TIMOTHY MOORE
To all those who sat in a trigonometry class and mumbled under their breath , “ When am I going to need this ?”— I have your answer .
Bringing our favorite Pixar characters , worlds , and stories to life is as much about art as it is math , science , and a lot of computer engineering . Complex coordinate geometry makes Marlin ’ s movement possible , programming turns a single blade of grass into a diverse sea of green , and mathematical simulations of curled springs give us Merida ’ s ferociously bouncy mane .
Last year , the 13,000-square-foot Science Behind Pixar touring exhibit , produced by the Museum of Science , Boston , made a stop at the Cincinnati Museum Center . So I donned my “ I ’ m a Nervous Rex ” T-shirt and joined a mob of screaming children for the world ’ s coolest museum exhibit .
But don ’ t rush to the exhibit too fast after the video . Take your time down the hall to catch artwork of your favorite Pixar characters midcomputer animation .
An out-of-this-world ad for the touring exhibit . PHOTO BY TIMOTHY MOORE
Assuming this touring exhibit is always set up the same , you ’ ll be greeted by a life-size ( not toy-size ) Buzz Lightyear upon entering . He ’ s not moving , so he must still be in hyper-sleep — the perfect opportunity for a quick photo before learning all of Pixar animation ’ s greatest secrets …
FUN FACT : Cincinnati Museum Center is in Union Terminal , Cincinnati ’ s old train station . This iconic piece of architecture may look familiar ; it was used as inspiration for DC ’ s Hall of Justice .
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Before entering the exhibit , you ’ ll be treated to a 5-minute video featuring your favorite science teacher , Mr . Ray , and , to make sure you follow the rules ( no gum , please !), Roz from Monsters , Inc .
Tim poses with a life-size Buzz Lightyear . PHOTO BY TRENTON BRADFORD