Creating Look-Alike Displays

 

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Use Look-alikes to create an interactive display!

 

A “look-alike” display allows you to demonstrate that:

·         two or more items can resemble each other; and

·         it can be difficult to distinguish between items.

 

 

Key Messages

·         Keep all items in their original containers with original labels.

·         Store potential poisons in cabinets with child-resistant safety locks.

·         Never guess or assume that something is safe

·         Teach children to “Always ask first”

·         Don’t tell children that medicine is candy and do not make a game out of taking medicine.

·         Always read the labels and directions for use each time you use cleaning products, medicines or other potential poisons.

·         Do not take or give medicines in the dark.

·         Do not keep medications on the counter or within the reach of children

 

 

Safety First

Always keep the look-alike displays near you.  Remember to put them away if you need to leave your table, or you are unable to give them your full attention.  Young children often will grab them, which will surely demonstrate to parents the important lessons of poison prevention. 

 

 

Getting Started

There are many liquid and solid pairs that can be used to create a look-alike display. Using household items such as clear plastic bottles, clear plastic containers or zippered baggies can be an easy way to display the look-alikes.

 

 Display Idea 1 

Two effective look-alikes are ibuprofen tablets and the white candy from Good & Plenty®.  Place a few of each into two separate clear containers.  Ask outreach participants if they can tell which one is which.

 

 Display Idea 2 

Fill an empty plastic juice or soda bottle with colored water. Ask children if they would drink the contents and then discuss the importance of keeping products in their original containers.

 More Display Ideas 

Use some of the following items to create your own look-alike display:

 

Liquids

 

Green liquid                             Brown liquid                            Blue Liquid

Cough syrup                           Maple Syrup                            Windshield wiper fluid

Antifreeze                                Motor Oil                                  Glass Cleaner

Kool-Aid®                                                                                Kool-Aid® or Gatorade®

 

Clear Liquid

Water

Alcohol

 

Solids/Medicines

 

Orange                                                            Pink

Skittles®                                                          Good & Plenty® candy

M & M’s®                                                         Pink Bismuth tablets

Motrin IB®

 

Brown                                                              Blue

Laxative                                                           Drixoral NDF® (over-the-counter product)

Milk chocolate square                                     M & M’s®

 

Red                                                                 Purple

Sudafed                                                           Smartie®/SweeTART® candy

Redhot candy or Skittle®                                Children’s Tylenol (grape)

Comtrex®

 

Miscellaneous

Tums®

SweeTART®

 

 

Be creative!  See how many look-alike pairs you can come up with!

 

 

Also, check out the IPC’s Online Ordering System for educators: Order free materials online (magnets, stickers, brochures, etc.)

 

 

 

© 2006 Illinois Poison Center, a program of the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council

 

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