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I'd like to suggest a radical improvement to this classical exhibit. I've
never liked the idea of visitors being asked to 'whack' anything! It's just
asking for maintenance problems and it encourages inappropriate behaviour.

Many people here will be familiar with the Airzooker toy. 
http://bit.ly/bc3Yd 
(If not, then Google search and buy one online IMMEDIATELY, you won't regret
it!)

Like the air cannon exhibit, the Airzooker toy produces a powerful toroidal
vortex - a smoke ring without smoke - which glides relatively slowly
forwards, then suddenly blasts the target with the fast-moving air at the
centre of the 'ring'.

But the Airzooker membrane is simply made from a sheet of ordinary
polyethylene. In the middle of the sheet is a small plastic handle. Two
elastic cords run from the inner side of this handle to fixing points on
either side of the big hole at the front of the Airzooker.

To shoot it, you simply take aim, pull back the small plastic handle
(stretching the elastic cords) then let go. The membrane is snapped forward
strongly by the elastic cords and out shoots a particularly powerful
toroidal vortex. My Airzooker easily knocks over a vase of flowers from the
opposite side of a room. (OOPS!) 

This is a much better way to design a large Air Cannon exhibit. Pulling back
and releasing is so much better than 'whacking'. And it generally makes a
better vortex.

To prevent people from over-stretching the elastic cords or the membrane,
simply fasten a slack, non-elastic cord alongside each elastic cord.

When copying existing exhibit designs, don't just assume that the design you
are copying is the RIGHT design.

Promoting public engagement with science
through a contagious delight in phenomena
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[log in to unmask] * http://www.interactives.co.uk
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Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour.
Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime.
*
Ian Russell   (Twitter: ianrusselluk)

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