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Brian,

The only small microscope that will with stand constant public use is  
the Wentzscope, which is basically a projection screen microscope. A  
better solution in my view, for a variety of reasons, is a video  
microscope with externalized user controls. I have tested, used, have  
(and have had) on display just about every combo and technique.  Your  
choice of instrument and display varies with your needs.  Don't know  
what to say about worth….
On Mar 27, 2007, at 12:11 PM, Brian Hostetler wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology  
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related  
> institutions.
> ********************************************************************** 
> *******
>
> Hello All-
>
> We are putting together an exhibit revolving around Pathology Labs  
> and the work they do.  As part of this we are looking at using  
> microscopes for visitors to try without staff supervision.  Does  
> anyone have experience using unsupervised microscopes in an  
> exhibit, and if so what have you done to effectively allow visitors  
> to use them without breaking them into thousands of tiny bits?  Are  
> actual microscopes worth the maintenance and upkeep trouble?  Or  
> should we replace them with images on an LCD screen?
>
> Any reply and/or insights would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Brian Hostetler
> Exhibits and Programs Coordinator
> The YouZeum
> Columbia, MO
> www.youzeum.org
>
>
>
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Charles Carlson
Director of Life Sciences
exploratorium
3601 Lyon St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
[log in to unmask]
Tel:   415-561-0319
Fax:  415-561-0370



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