tion is developed, a process in which the Museum's 

 curator scientists provide valuable assistance. Various 

 techniques are used for interpreting information in 

 ways that will captivate the visitor. Objects used in 

 these activities — as diverse as owl pellets, papyrus 

 pith, and thumb pianos — are obtained in various 

 ways, and from various sources, but all are meant to 

 be handled, manipulated, investigated; the musical 

 instruments are meant to be played. 



"This IS 6 bushels of grass," 



communicate in diverse ways concepts related to 

 human and natural history. Each activity would be 

 a portable program that could be taken to any of 

 the Museum's public areas. The object-based format 

 meant lots of trial and error for the staff, with coop- 

 erative visitors testing many kinds of activities. Would 

 families be agreeable to getting down on the floor to 

 grind corn in the style of a Hopi Indian? Would this 

 experience enhance their understanding and 

 appreciation of Hopi life? Would they enjoy them- 

 selves while getting corn dust on their clothes? 



For each activity, a core of background informa- 



"Making paper from papyrus is fun. 



14 



"No we didn't put the fossils in the marble floor.' 



