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I second Beryl's remark about not perpetuating the stereotype of scientists in lab coats. If you google 'scientist lab coat', the first hit is for a mad scientist costume. As a formerly practicing scientist I can attest to the fact that we only wore lab coats when absolutely necessary. They are but one of many tools scientists use (including goggles). Here's a link to kids' thoughts on the matter.
http://restructure.wordpress.com/2010/06/11/scientists-are-normal-people-children-discover/
_______________________________
Cathy Regan, Ph.D.
University of Colorado Museum of Natural History
Girls At the Museum Exploring Science
Education Coordinator
UCB 218
Boulder, CO 80309
303-492-4843
[log in to unmask]
http://cumuseum.colorado.edu/
---- Original message ----
>Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:12:55 -0400
>From: Informal Science Education Network <[log in to unmask]> (on behalf of Beryl Rosenthal <[log in to unmask]>)
>Subject: Re: Kids and Critters
>To: [log in to unmask]
>
>ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>*****************************************************************************
>
>…and you'd eliminate the stereotype of the lab-coated scientist.
>Beryl
>
>On Aug 30, 2010, at 5:51 PM, Paul Orselli wrote:
>
>> 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.
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>
>Beryl Rosenthal, PhD
>Executive Director, Waterworks Museum
>[log in to unmask]
>617.277.0065
>
>
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>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.
>
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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.
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