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
>

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

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.

To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]