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Take apart activities in general are great for the generation of kids 
who do not tinker.  I put out an all staff memo and canvassed my 
business contacts to see if they had anything of interest while cleaning 
out their attics and basements.  I hit up the thrift stores repeatedly.
Beryl

David Smith wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> I wish I could remember where I saw a very well-written piece on this
> recently, but the gist was that kids should be focused on trying to figure
> out how the pieces go together to make the whole system work.  That means
> that electronics are not great because circuit boards are so inscrutable.
> They suggested and I think you should look into big appliances that are more
> evident.  Washers, dryers, dishwashers would all be good targets and you
> could very likely get an appliance or home store to donate some ones that
> they have removed for recycling when they delivered the new ones.  Also,
> this requires more collaborative effort since they are so large.
>
> Dave
>
> On Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 1:37 PM, Ed Sobey <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>   
>> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
>> institutions.
>>
>> *****************************************************************************
>>
>> Katie-
>>
>> Treat the take-apart as an exploration - you're looking for cool parts.
>> Coolest are ones kids can use in projects - motors from VCRs for example.
>> Gears, keys from keyboards, belts, levers, etc. The circuit boards are
>> generally worthless. They can figure out oryou can tell them what some of
>> the components are, but that's a "who cares" activity.
>>
>> Also avoid disposable cameras. They are a cool take apart with good stuff,
>> but they have a capicator that packs a whallop.
>>
>> The best stuff has mechanical parts: typewriters, keyboards, toys - all of
>> which are hard to find. Ask local thrift stores to save stuff they receive
>> but can't sell.
>>
>> Rules:
>> 1. Before any take apart (at home) get permission of the owner.
>> 2. Remove any electrical plugs, bend the prongs outward and dispose of the
>> plugs. (We didn't use to do this last step - but after that explosion at the
>> wall outlet, we now do)
>> 3. No hammering, no hammers. Screw drivers (mostly Phillips, small sizes)
>> and pliers. One pair of wire cutters and a few other tools that you hold.
>> 4. Goggles
>> 5. Stress the fact that you're looking for cool stuff. When they find
>> something, stop and alert you so you can draw everyone's attention. This
>> reduces the "tear it apart" mentality. Keep some 9 v batteries and clip
>> leads handy so they can test any motors they find.
>>
>> This is a great first day activity. It builds teams, its an immediate start
>> - little explanation, get started, and they create piles of stuff to use
>> later in the week.
>>
>> For more info, see my books "Inventing Stuff" and "Inventing Toys."
>>
>> Best wishes,
>>
>> Ed Sobey
>> Northwest Invention Center
>>
>>
>>
>> Global Evangalist for Creative Learning
>>
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>   

-- 
Beryl Rosenthal, Ph.D.
Director
Tsongas Industrial History Center
Boott Cotton Mills
115 John Street
Lowell, MA 01854
(978) 970-5081 (t)
(978) 970-5085 (f)
[log in to unmask]
www.uml.edu/tsongas/index2.htm
A joint program of UMASS Lowell and Lowell National Historical Park

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