However temporary your museum is, objects should be stored under the right conditions to avoid deterioration. You may also like to show your pupils how to repair any simple damage. Some simple rules suitable for practical work with pupils are explained here, but for more detailed further information about conservation see Ours for keeps on sheet 8.

Discuss some basic rules of conservation:

• Some items such as football programmes, labels, wrappers and magazines are printed on poor quality paper which turns yellow, fades, goes brittle and tears easily. These items should be mounted on photographic corners in albums

• Old photographs are sometimes valuable so don't put rubber bands round them which cause damage. Store them in flip albums made of polypropylene.

• Care for fossils, bones, shells and rocks by washing and drying carefully; or soak for a shot time and then scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Dry on kitchen paper.

• Coins should be handled carefully. Too much handling will tarnish the surface so teach pupils to hold them by the edges.

• Never use glues such as Superglue, Bostik, Prittstick, Copydex because they are irreversible. Other materials such as Sellotape, Blue Tack and pins should be avoided because they also cause damage.

• If you are fortunate enough to have been given something old and fragile, for example an old poster or document, it will be better to have a copy made which can be handled and displayed freely.

Developments

• Some large museums have their own conservation departments. Why not see if it is possible to visit them with your pupils or organise a talk from a conservator?