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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Hi Sheri,

We've done several of these exhibits over the years and have found that 
you need to reinforce any model purchased.  The wiring of commercial 
skeletons is not made for type of motion or constant motion.  The key to 
making the skeletons last is to use the proper hardware to strengthen 
the skeleton's moving parts and keep the moving parts (arms/legs) 
properly aligned as they move with the pedals and handlebars.  Otherwise 
they tend to jam or create a jerking motion and loosen the parts.   It 
also helps to have a governor to control the speed.

Rob Callahan
Superior Exhibits


Sheri Cifaldi SET ISEN-ASTC-L Digest 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 just opened a new exhibit (Healthvyille) about children's health and the
>choices they make to keep themselves healthy.
>
>One of the activities is the old "have a skeleton enclosed in a box ride
>along with you". The fabricator we worked with purchased an American 3B
>Scientific skeleton (Model: The Functional Skeleton) and was told by the
>manufacturer that this is the skeleton that many other science centers have
>for similar activities.
>
>In the past 2 weeks, we have opened up the case about 4 times to fix the
>skeleton. Various parts have come apart because of the movement. We have
>reinforced parts of the skeleton and those pieces aren't coming apart.
>
>What other makes/models of skeletons are other science centers with similar
>activities using. Do you find that you can use them right off the shelf or
>do you need to reinforce them?
>
>Many thanks in advance,
>Sheri
>____________________________________
>Sheri Cifaldi
>Director of Exhibits
>Stepping Stones Museum for Children
>Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue
>Norwalk, Connecticut 06850
>203 899 0606, ext 234
>
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