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Maybe an exhibit-cluster of different devices could be used?

The lowest possible magnification always makes it easier for people 
to relate the scale of the actual object they see under the lens with 
the scale of the magnified image. This is important. Here are two 
photos of the cheapest video microscope I ever made: 
http://www.interactives.co.uk/hands_uwstl.htm It is simply a small 
LCD TV connected to a low-price camcorder in a wooden box with a 
clear Plexiglass bottom. These photos were taken shortly before I 
zoomed in the macro setting, so it now magnifies considerably more 
than this. Many camcorders, including this Panasonic model remember 
the zoom setting when they are powered up at the mains, if the 
camcorder's power switch is left in the ON position. The great 
advantage of this incredibly simple system is that the camcorder has 
autofocus and to 'zoom' visitors simply pick up the specimen and 
bring it closer to the camera! This one has now had nine months of 
heavy use without a hitch.

To give people the experience of looking directly at a slide-mounted 
specimen through a real (students-type?) optical microscope, I like 
the idea of mounting one inside a clear Plexiglass dome, arranged so 
it is easy to look through the eyepiece but not possible to touch 
anything else. This scores high on context and 'reality' but low on 
interactivity.

We mustn't overlook the most important issue here, which is how 
visitors can manipulate the SPECIMEN under the lens ( whatever kind 
of lens). If they can't do this, there is no connection between 
specimen and image and the whole experience seems unreal. It is so 
much better if they can move, and preferably exchange specimens. One 
option is to mount multiple specimens in largish, loose, clear-topped 
boxes. Where security is more of an issue, a great method is to mount 
several specimens in a clear-topped disc (English spelling!) which 
can be rotated to bring different specimens into view. But so it is 
also possible to EXPLORE each specimen, the central pivot hole should 
be oversized so the disc can be slid about sideways as well as rotated.


[log in to unmask] * http://www.interactives.co.uk
*
Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour.
Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime.
*
Ian Russell 

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