ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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As we begin a new year, the future, to me, at least, looks bleak.

 

I could cite several reasons, but here is a very grave one: maybe not
tomorrow, but soon, I face a dire shortage in the third greatest invention
of the 20th century. (#1 = duct tape, #2 = PVC pipe, but you all knew that.)
I speak of the 35mm film canister.

 

Consider the science center-ly wonders that the empty film can helps us
accomplish:

*	Perfect for storing chemicals that children are too young to measure
out personally (ie the ubiquitous slime chemicals)
*	Vital to an absolutely marvelous experiment on sound, when combined
with PVC, balloons, rubber bands and simple tools
*	The vehicles for alka-seltzer-powered mini-rockets
*	Useful for cheap + easy senses experiments, like housing a
scent-saturated cotton ball (doused in, say, mint extract) or a mystery item
that must be shaken to identify by sound
*	Excellent storage utensil for storing a plethora of necessary
supplies, from mini-light bulbs for circuit experiments to ferret treats.

 

I could go on. The point is that the film can is a highly useful, often
irreplaceable tool. And it may be vanishing. With the spread of digital
cameras (curse you, technology!), it is only a matter of time before
locating a 35 mm film can becomes akin to locating a 78 rpm record.

 

What can be done? Can these uber-devices be procured in ways other than
hitting up your local film developer? (A process whose days seem well
numbered.) Could any substitute possible prove as versatile and inexpensive?

 

Save the film cans!

Jonah Cohen

Outreach & Public Programs Manager

Science Center of Connecticut

 

 

"A free and independent press is essntial to the health of a functioning
democracy. It serves to inform the voting public on matters relevant to its
well-being. Why they've stopped doing that is a mystery. I mean, 300 camera
crews outside a courthouse to see what Kobe Bryant is wearing when the judge
sets his hearing date, while false information used to send our country to
war goes unchecked?!?"

       -America: The Book

 


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