Jason A.
Yelp
When something of massive scale that you only see or read about in textbooks is actually in front of you...and no less has done much to advance our understanding of science and space travel, you have no option than to stand in awe in reverent acknowledgement and wonder. Either that, or you're a 7-year-old kid on a field trip from one of the local schools and you don't quite appreciate it on the same level as someone four or five times your age. Yup, I was seven years old once.
It's somewhat serendipitous if you go during the weekday mornings and there's a bunch of field trips coinciding with your visit. The kids help induce a long lost child-like wonder in most adults that's only enhanced by actually laying eyes on something that's been in space. In space! (I actually admire the teachers and parents who try to inspire awe, despite some children's short attention spans and sole concern with socializing with their friends).
Because most adults can only really experience a child-like wonder in front of something as massive or historic like the Space Shuttle Endeavour, coming to the exhibit for only a couple of bucks is totally worth it. (Really, a ticket to see it up close and just about touch it is only USD $2 at this time). You can splurge and do an IMAX special on it as well, but for me, just visiting this famous spacecraft, with its heavily documented construction, missions, retirement and ultimate delivery to Los Angeles's California Science Center was enough to make me wonder why I never pursued my dream to be an astronaut, as about half of the school kids say they ultimately want to do (the other half want to look for dinosaurs).
As far as logistics in getting here (this is a science museum, and logistics are important for a well-executed experience after all), I recommend you use the new Expo Line train to get to the museum. It's cheaper than driving and you help out congestion/the environment. The stop would be Vermont/Exposition Park or anywhere near USC. If you use the Metro Rail, you'll also qualify for a 10% discount for tickets to the Science Center (however, the $2.00 to see Endeavour is a flat rate applicable to everyone, despite AAA membership, student status, seniority, or military service. Believe me, I asked). Parking would be at your own expense and risk on site.
The Space Shuttle Endeavour is the hot ticket item right now. If you can possibly delay your visit to after 1pm, it would save you from having to queue up with the many schools that visit here during the morning hours. Though walk-ins are acceptable, you probably should consider reserving a visit time and buying tickets online, so that that's one less line to wait in during your visit to the museum, and more time enjoying the exhibit. There is a McDonald's and a café on site, so be sure to eat ahead of time or plan for that accordingly if you're visiting early or need to kill some time before your appointment.
On the way to the Endeavour pavilion, there is an interesting pre-exhibit area with videos of getting the shuttle to the Science Center, simulators and artifacts of items that the astronauts and scientists took with them on board the shuttle. It's totally informal, but this serves as a good prelude to the actual ship in the adjacent pavilion. If you spend adequate time here, you'll be well equipped to take it all in at the end when you see it up close.
The shuttle is currently being housed in a temporary pavilion (warehouse or hangar, more like it) with a gift shop on site. There are models in the hangar of the proposed expansion and final exposition of the shuttle. The leading proposed suggestion is to have a huge pavilion with other air and space exhibits, with the space shuttle as the centerpiece. The Endeavour would be positioned as if it were about to be launched into orbit. Currently people cannot enter the shuttle, but that's not to say that it can't happen when the final construction of the new pavilion is completed and tour routes are finalized. The models of the expanded museum sure offer an up-close and personal proposal, I must say.
Honestly, seeing it for yourself is probably the best way to explain the initial "woah" feeling that you get upon entering the hangar. The scorch marks from re-entry into the atmosphere is very visible and the thrusters are massive. I recommend reading up on it or viewing the preview material first instead of just bee-lining it for the end. Like what your teachers said, you'll get more out of it if you do the reading beforehand.
In short, if you're visiting Southern California, and you're a fan of history, science and technology, I definitely would include a visit to Exposition Park and the museums here, particularly the Endeavour exhibit at the California Science Center. If you have kids, definitely bring them too. It just might be the impetus or tipping point to inspire another great future person of science who'll do much to advance us technologically as a civilization.