Gadget Autopsy, A Disassemble Activity

Gadget Autopsy

Children love to disassemble
things! Recycle those old
household gadgets and let your
kids take them apart...
... no assembly required!

This is a great lesson in how things work, and helps improve small motor skills.

What You Will Need:

• Screwdrivers
• Small Hammer
• Wire Cutter
• Old Appliance (see list below for ideas)
• Plastic Storage Bowl (used margarine tubs work well)

What You Do:

• Work with your child to disassemble a small appliance that no longer works.
• Give children the opportunity to use small hand tools and teach them how to use them safely.
• As small parts are removed from the appliance, have younger children separate and sort the pieces into piles that are similar in some way.

Variations:

• There is no need to reassemble the item you've taken apart, but kids might want to do this. Even if they don't get it put back together exactly right, they will have fun trying.
• If your child is interested in discovering how the appliance works, you could search for information on the Internet to discover the inner-workings. We also have a book available called The New Way Things Work that you might be interested in.

Items to Disassemble:

• Telephone
• Radio
• Clock
• Electronic Toy
• Toaster
• Electric Blender
• Computer
• 10-Key Adding Machine