In article <Pine.SOL.3.91.950718084220.5350A-100000@comp>, Debbie Herren
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> We are planning to open a children's museum in the coming year and are
> working on displays for many hands on activities.  One display we would
> like to be able to show is a black light on minerals.  We will have two
> activities pertaining to minerals so we feel this would be an
> enhancement.  We have considered a recessed area so that the children are
> never able to look at the light, no matter what position they put
> themselves into, but still see the minerals.  Does anyone have expertise
> in this area or suggestions?
>
> Debbie Herren
> Museum
> University of Arkansas
> Internet: [log in to unmask]

   The Lyman Museum in Hilo, Hawaii has one of the largest collections of
minerals in the U.S.  They have a room for these fluorescent minerals.
The visitor enters the room and sees a label discussing how minerals may
look different under different lights.  They then can push a button or
pull a string and the black light comes on.
   For you purposes, you can also add a glow-in-the-dark text panel that
further explains fluorescence when the black light comes on.  This may be
the extent to which you can display these rocks with hands-on experience.
   Hope that helps.

Lance Kita
Exhibits Interpreter
Bishop Museum
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