The Lending Library is a materials resource center for teachers who have already taken Exploratorium workshops. The Lending Library contains an assortment of curriculum kits, mini-exhibits and slide packets. Each curriculum kit focuses on a particular topic and is a self-contained unit packaged within its own box (12" x 10" x 15").
Each kit contains enough materials for a small group of children (from 4 to 15) to do a variety of self-directing activities at one time. Each slide packet contains 6 to 12 numbered and titled slides (packaged in a clear acetate sheet), and a written script providing ideas for discussion. Mini-exhibits are small scale copies of Exploratorium exhibits that are relevant to the topics of the kits. They are designed to be easily displayed in the classroom and are accompanied by explanatory graphics.
Color: Prisms, filters and diffraction gratings which can be used to create colors and explore how they interact. The Color Kit combines well with the Round Light Source Kit.
Lens: Collection of lenses (concave and convex): marbles, magnifying glasses, eye droppers and plexi-glass slides.
Light/Shadow: Many different sources of light (lamps, candles, flashlights) and colored light, as well as some background information about shadows, light, reflection and color.
Mirror: Many mirrors and other reflecting surfaces with a variety of flat, convex and concave shapes. The Mirrors Kit combines well with the Round Light Source Kit.
Mirror Cards: Box of 21 sets of cards which are exercises in symmetry. Set 1 is very simple and then sets become progressively more difficult. Comes with non-breakable mirrors and teacher's guide.
Reflections: Flat mirrors in a variety of configurations (such as periscope and infinity box) which are useful for exploring multiple images and symmetry.
Quad Box/Switchboards: Multiple outlet that allows easy access to several Round Light Sources at a single location. Also useful for Colored Shadows (mini-exhibit).
Round Light Source: This kit provides a table-top source of light for many different kinds of experiments. Beams of light can be made to reflect off mirrors or pass through prisms. Colored filters will produce colored lights that can be combined to produce new colors. Four to six children can use this at one. Includes an extension cord.
Electricity and Magnetism: Compasses, nails, cutters, wire and several varieties of magnets, etc.
Sound Kit II: Different objects which can be used to explore sound. Tuning forks, slinkies, string boards, etc.
Eye Physiology: All the materials needed to do dissection of cow eyes (except eyes and razor blades). Mirrors and flashlights are included for examining human eyes, as well as an assortment of lenses to explore how images are made.
Strobe: A high intensity rapidly flashing strobe light and phenakistascopes which can be used to create the illusion of motion. Turntables and discs for making ÒmoviesÓare also included.
Visual Perception: A perspective window and small props for experimenting with size and distance relationships. A shadow box lets students explore the difference between 2 and 3-dimensional views. Escher prints, Òtrick photosÓ and a miniature Òdistorted roomÓ are also included.
Introduction to Light and Shadow: These slide provide examples of constantly changing forms of shadows, and they illustrate how shadows are used in nature for shade and camouflage. The slides also give examples of how artists use shadows.
Reflection: One Way of Seeing Light: These slides allow students to reflect on the magical qualities of mirrors and reflecting surfaces. The slides provide examples of how colors of objects can change over the course of the day and the seasons, depending on the light in the sky. Monet's series of haystacks and cathedrals provide examples of how artists can study colors in a systematic way.
Imaginary Eye: The slides show images of the eye created by surrealist artists, including Dali, Magritte and Redon. After viewing these images, the students discuss how altering the context or the eye can change the meaning of the picture.
Introduction to the Seeing Eye: These slides explore different facets of the eye and illustrate how several artists have used the eye symbolically.
Introduction to Size-Distance Relationships: These slides, by presenting apparent distortions and surprises, allow the students to discover some of the clues we use to figure out how far away things are.
Benham's Disk: When a black-and-white disk spins, colors appear. The colors seem to change with the speed and direction of the spinning disk.
Colored Shadows: Three dichroic light bulbs shine red, blue and green. When the colors overlap, unexpected colors result. When equal amounts of red, blue and green light are directed to the same area of wall, they combine to make white light. Shadows created in the colored lights can be very striking and interesting.
Depth Spinner: A spiral pattern on a disk turns in either direction giving the sensation of going into or coming out of a deep tunnel. After staring at the spinning spiral for a moment everything appears to be going in the opposite direction.
Impossible Triangle: A wooden figure of three sides, all at right angles to each other, appears to form a triangle when viewed at a certain angle.
Pupil: A plastic cylinder contains a mirror and a light with a dimmer switch. You can watch your pupil shrink and grow as you control the amount of light that comes into your eye.
Reverse Distance: The prisms in this viewer reverse left and right in each eye. Things that are on the right side look like they're on the left, and vice-versa. By reversing left and right, you also reverse your perception of what is near and what is far.
Trapezoidal Window: A trapezoidal figure is painted to resemble a rectangular window viewed in perspective at an angle. When mounted on a rotating motor, the window appears to swing back and forth.
For more information call Daniel DiPierro, Lending Librarian, at 415/561-0333.