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Rubber sheet probably needs excessive weight to be deformed. I've seen the same thing done using thin, elastic Lycra fabric printed with 'graph paper' lines. 



This was so elastic that a steel ball only about 25mm diameter formed a perfect funnel. Then a similar sized lightweight wooden ball rolled in orbit around it. 



Ian Russell

www.interactives.co.uk



Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device



-----Original Message-----

From:         Doug Johnson <[log in to unmask]>

Sender:       Informal Science Education Network <[log in to unmask]>

Date:         Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:49:16 

To: <[log in to unmask]>

Reply-To:     Informal Science Education Network

              <[log in to unmask]>

Subject: Warping Space Exhibit Safety



ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers

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

*****************************************************************************



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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