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For very heavy use by unsupervised visitors, I can see why Bill is
interested in 'dissecting microscopes' because low-magnification,
top-illuminated microscopes are so much easier to use and able to deal with
all kinds of larger specimens: rocks, shells, fossils, feathers, bones,
insects, pond-life, your fingers, stuff from your pocket ... etc.
I personally like low-power video microscopes for this application. OK, they
are not exactly lab microscopes, more like 'macroscopes', but they are SO
much easier to use by all those people who seriously struggle with peering
through eyepieces. And a large image on a large screen makes for a better
shared experience.
I designed the heavy Corian casing to be immensely tough and styled it to be
slightly suggestive of a classical microscope shape. By means of an
autofocus camera, I also did away with all user controls, partly to make it
easier and partly for long-term reliability. To 'zoom' the user simply holds
the object closer to the lens.
The resulting design has performed reliably for years in various
installations around Britain :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/interactives/8657991376/
Promoting public engagement with science
through a contagious delight in phenomena
*
[log in to unmask] * http://www.interactives.co.uk
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http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/ian-russell/0/636/305
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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
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Watson, Bill
Sent: 24 May 2013 18:34
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: microscope recommendations
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*
Hi, everyone -
We're looking for input and recommendations on microscope models to use in
public classroom-like spaces. Our ideal scope are 1) high enough quality
that they provide a memorable and in-depth user experience, 2) sufficiently
durable to withstand use by hundreds of thousands of people a year (not in
exhibits but in more controlled environments - we have a very large
visitation), 3) user friendly enough to be used by museum visitors over age
12 with little to no staff support, 4) relatively easy to maintain, and 5)
cost effective.
Our biggest need is for stereo/dissecting microscopes.
Does anyone have any recommendations or success stories with microscopes
that fit any of the characteristics above?
Thanks,
Bill
Bill Watson, Ed.D.
Chief of Learning Experiences and Evaluation National Museum of Natural
History Smithsonian Institution
(202) 633-1127
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