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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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…and you'd eliminate the stereotype of the lab-coated scientist.
Beryl

On Aug 30, 2010, at 5:51 PM, Paul Orselli wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> Hi Michele,
> 
> I feel your pain.  Unfortunately, perception often trumps factual
> information.
> 
> I had the occasion to speak with two of the world's foremost lice
> researchers (at Harvard and the University of British Columbia) when trying
> to diffuse a similar exhibit situation. It didn't matter that both of the
> "experts" said hard plastic construction helmets couldn't possibly support
> head lice --- a few board members stamping their feet shouted the exhibits
> and education departments down.
> 
> The brief bottom line, based on lice abatement studies and research, is that
> in the case of both plastic goggles and lab coats, head lice would not be an
> issue.
> 
> Good luck trying to convince the teachers --- they honestly sound like they
> are "itching" for a fight. (Sorry!)
> Would they feel comfortable with just the hard plastic eye protectors?
> 
> If not, I might suggest focusing on "lice resistant" props and tools
> (clipboards, magnifying lenses, etc.) that scientists might use rather than
> articles of clothing.
> 
> 
> --------------------------------------------------
> 
> Paul Orselli, President and Chief Instigator
> 
> Paul Orselli Workshop (POW!)
> World Headquarters
> 1684 Victoria Street
> Baldwin, NY  11510
> 
> (516) 223-1043
> 
> POW! website
> <http://www.orselli.net>
> 
> Exhibit tips + tricks at the ExhibiTricks blog:
> <http://blog.orselli.net>
> 
> 
> 
> We are preparing to launch a mobile classroom and want to outfit the
>> students
>> with goggles and lab coats when they walk in the door to help them get in
>> the
>> mindset to be a scientist.  However, when we mentioned lab coats the
>> teachers
>> were worried - actually worried is a minor word - about lice.
>> 
>> Has anyone had experience with sterilizing either goggles or lab coats?  Is
>> lice
>> an issue anyone has encountered?  Any advice?
>> 
>> Thanks, Michele
>> 
>> Michele Laverty
>> Director Ag Science Center
>> [log in to unmask]
>> P.O. Box 4937
>> Modesto, CA 95352-4893
>> 
> 
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Beryl Rosenthal, PhD
Executive Director, Waterworks Museum
[log in to unmask]
617.277.0065


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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

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