ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Matthew,

I have done similar scientific experiments at a few museums, not the ELISA,
but PCR and DNA sequencing among other things. They can be done, but you
need to think about volume of visitors, scientific expertise  of staff, and
trouble shooting, and turn around time. Can the experiment be done in a
relatively short period of time? If not you need to think about how to
structure it so that people can obtain their results. Think too about how
the public might be able to interpret their results. Finally, these sorts of
activities are expensive to set up and operate, setting aside adequate
funding is critical.

If you would like to talk about any of these things further, please contact
me offlist.

-Rita



***************************
Rita Mukherjee Hoffstadt
Exhibit Developer
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111th Street
Queens, NY 11368 
718-699-0005 ext. 373
***************************


> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Hello,
> 
> The National Museum of American History is planning an exhibition to
> commemorate the 50th anniversary of the announcement of the success of the
> Salk Polio vaccine. In the Hands On Science Center we are planning to host a
> short science experiment associated with this exhibition. It has been
> suggested that we try a short Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), a
> precise and sensitive antibody-based detection method for antigens such as
> bacterial and viral proteins.
> 
> Has anyone, or does anyone know, of an informal science learning environment
> that has tried this type of activity? We are currently trying to decide if
> this is the road we want to go down and would be interested in anyone's
> thoughts.
> 
> 
> 
> Matthew White
> Director, Hands On Science
> Smithsonian Institution
> PO Box 37012
> NMAH MRC 603
> 14th St. & Constitution Ave
> Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
> 202/633-3698
> FAX:202/357-3328
> [log in to unmask]
> 
> Please note new number 202/633-3698
> 
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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
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To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
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