In article <[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] "Richard Caldwell" writes: > ... > In addition to traditional media, we want to use hands-on devices to deliver > some of the exhibit concepts and content. For example, having learners > physically stack the number of cans that come from one salmon, measure how > fast they disassemble a Velcro salmon, or look through opposing > stereopticons at contrasting views of cultural stereotypes, etc. > > Has anyone out there worked with similar concepts, content or delivery > devices? We are also considering working with local artists to create a > space for the community to respond to issues of technology and culture in > their daily lives. We would love to hear your ideas, contacts, words of > encouragement or words of warning! > At the recently opened Buckinghamshire County Museum, we have used a wide variety of hands-on devices. The 'Touch of Bucks' Gallery is multi- disciplinary, and divided into eight (changing) themes including 'wood' (ecology, economics, woodworking tools, wood decorative art), 'Celts and Romans', 'jewellery', and 'villages'. Hands-on devices range from wood samples to a tiara to try on. There are several multi-media interactives, too. Advice (we haven't done the evaluation yet, this is just off the top of my head): * simplicity seems to work well. * we are verging on being under-staffed on the ground, and are very pleased that early in the design stage we threw out all ideas that were not self- resetting (who is going to reassemble the Velcro salmon?). * we have included in each theme something which can be done by a toddler. - these are popular with more than this age range. * we should have made the train in the 'farming' section a bit bigger: children want to sit in it, not just 'take the produce to market'. -- Patricia Reynolds Keeper of Social History, Buckinghamshire County Museum / Freelance Curator 16 Gibsons Green Heelands Milton Keynes MK13 7NH ENGLAND [log in to unmask]