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Wow, that does seem heavy.  Even without abuse, if one of those spheres is dropped then you are talking crushed toes (unless they are incredibly well padded).
There is a small version of this exact exhibit in LIGO's traveling exhibit http://ligo.phy.olemiss.edu/LIGOexhibit/ , but it uses small masses.
As a programmatic activity we do a larger version of that using 5 lb balls, but I can't see leaving that open to the public.

-William
William Katzman	 						Program Leader
[log in to unmask]				LIGO Science Education Center
225-686-3134							"Inspiring Science"

On Aug 12, 2010, at 1:49 PM, Doug Johnson wrote:

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> Greetings, 
> We are currently working on a exhibit that illustrates space in 3-D. The concept is borrowed from the Einstein exhibit "Space-Time Table". Its essentially a rubber sheet showing the "X" and "Y" axis. Guests place spheres of different size and density on the grid to form a "Z" axis. My question is one of safety. Often times when an exhibit is being developed we 
> have to ask ourselves "How will the 1% of guests use or abuse the exhibit in a way that is harmful to themselves, other guests or the facility." With that being said, has anyone had experience with a exhibit that used loose spheres weighing up to 5-7 pounds? If so, what was used to promote proper usage of the exhibit? We really do not want to tether the spheres due to tangling issues and lack of freedom to explore the different properties of "curved or bent" space. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
> Cheers,
> -Doug
> 
> Doug Johnson
> Exhibit Developer
> Orlando Science Center
> 407.514.2031
> [log in to unmask] 
> 
> Inspire science learning for life
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