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We have had Wentzscopes as part of an exhibition on microbes for along
time; since the 90's. We make out own sides and house them in a slide
holder that allows free movement only within the range of the
specimen. We use black slides that have a clear area for the specimen.
This gives the user an idea of what area of the slide to position
under the lens. We do not use specimens that are not translucent or
transparent as the scope is not designed as a reflecting scope.

The majority of our visitors have no difficulty using the scopes and
finding materials. Since we are using them for microorganism we build
the slides so that there is bound to me something in most fields of
view. However since these critters move it not alway feasible.

Many years ago the Boston Museum of Science deveoped and built a
circular specimen holder (with the scope in the center and specimens
rotated under the scope a visitors turned the tray. It is an
interesting design that was easy for disabled visitors to use.

Cheer,

Martin

Martin Weiss, PhD
Science Interpretation Consultant
New York Hall of Science
[log in to unmask]
On Oct 21, 2008, at 4:52 PM, Ben Burress wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology  
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related  
> institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> With our Wentzscopes, which we use in our youngsters' Discovery Lab
> (pre-k through about 2nd grade level), we use two different styles of
> specimen holders.  Dry, flat specimens we have laminated along with a
> label into ~3x5 inch cards.  These work pretty well for a range of
> specimens.  We occasionally use a shallow Petri dish for looking at  
> live
> specimens in water.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Informal Science Education Network
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Diederick, Laura
> Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 1:36 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Wentzscopes
>
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
> Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
> ************************************************************************
> *****
>
> Hi Everyone!
>
>
>
> We are preparing to install a Wentzscope in our public gallery, but  
> have
> not decided on a design for a specimen tray. I have seen sliding  
> trays,
> rotating trays, and scopes with no trays at all. I'd appreciate any  
> and
> all feedback from those of you who have experience with Wentzscopes -
> what worked/did not work, what you wish you had tried, etc.  We  
> already
> have the scope mounted to a cabinet, so I'm just looking for advice on
> how best to display specimens for public in a (relatively) high  
> traffic
> area.
>
>
>
> Thank you!
>
> Laura
>
>
>
> Laura Diederick
>
> Education Specialist
>
> Smithsonian Marine Station
>
> Fort Pierce, Florida
>
>
>
> 772.465.3271  phone
>
> 772.465.3237  fax
>
>
>
> www.sms.si.edu/SMEE
>
>
>
>
>
>
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> For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers  
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>
> Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org 
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