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We currently have an exhibit of 17-19c. microscopes in a gallery  
(they are really gorgeous, by the way).  We have utilized a variety  
of scopes in associated floor programs, ranging from the "scope on a  
rope" through real microscopes, and images from electron microscopes  
on the walls.  It gives folks a sense of range and skill.
B.
On Mar 28, 2007, at 9:30 AM, martin weiss wrote:

> 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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> *******
>
> Wayne;
>
> There is something to using "real equipment" however there are  
> skills necessary to having a meaningful experience with "real"  
> instruments and a problem of "abuse" due to just so many visitors  
> using an instrument. Perhaps this means using them in a facilitated  
> space?
>
> Many of the experiences we've observed visitors having with living  
> materials is the thrill of seeing something alive and I think this  
> is independent of using a Wentzscope (or even a hand lens) or a  
> microscope that conforms to a visitors image of a "real"  
> instrument. I think if the experience for our visitors is discovery  
> of something new and different (like the inside of a large  
> protozoan). The instrument maybe incidental. In the recent Darwin  
> exhibition much was made of Darwin's use of a hand lens and if they  
> had been able to give each visitor a hand lens to sue in the  
> exhibition it would have enhanced the sense of discovery. Sometimes  
> I think we make too much of high tech instruments when observations  
> can me made easily and with less intrusion to the process of  
> observation and personal discovery.
>
> Martin
>
>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>>>  WAYNE LABAR 03/28/07 8:58 AM >>>
>> Ok
>>
>> Just to be even more different than Joe.
>>
>> My issue with Wentz scopes is that at times I want the visitor to  
>> use a
>> real microscope. Getting close and hands on to real scientific
>> instrumentation has some serious benefits and implied messages versus
>> having science seen through "exhibit objects".
>> So at times go with Wentzscopes, at other times working with a  
>> real one
>> may make a lot of sense.
>>
>> Wayne
>>
>>
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>
> -- 
> Martin Weiss, Ph.D
> Vice President, Science
> New York Hall of Science
> 47-01 111 th Street
> Corona, New York 11368
> 718 699 0005 x 356
>
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> More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
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>
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Beryl Rosenthal
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Dir. of Education and Public Programs
MIT Museum
265 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617)452-2111 (t)
(617)253-8994 (f)



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