STEM education will be the focus when a new 12,000sq ft (1,114sq m) exhibition exploring the science behind the magical world of Pixar goes on display in Los Angeles next month.

Set to debut on 15 October at California Science Center, The Science Behind Pixar Exhibition will showcase science, technology, engineering and math concepts used by the artists and computer scientists who help bring Pixar's award-winning films to the big screen.

With more than 40 interactive elements, the exhibition demonstrates how the technology that Pixar uses supports the creativity and artistry of its storytellers.

Split into eight sections, the exhibition looks at each step of the filmmaking process, including modelling, rigging, surfaces, sets and camera, animation, simulation, lighting and rendering.

The exhibition will offers hands-on activities to visitors of all ages, using examples from its portfolio such as Toy Story, A Bug’s Life and Inside Out. Visitors will also be able to take photos with human-sized recreations of Pixar characters such as Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode and WALL•E.

"The Science Behind Pixar Exhibition is a fun, hands-on experience where guests can explore the art and science of animation at Pixar as though they were part of the production team," said Jeffrey N. Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center. "It's a great opportunity for them to participate in the step-by-step process where art incorporates STEM to make all the elements of an animated film seem more believable."

The touring exhibition was originally developed in collaboration with Pixar by Boston’s Museum of Science. Currently at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute, the exhibition will travel the US for the next four years, with more than a million people expected to visit the exhibition during its lifespan.