Our summer "curriculum" includes taking apart small appliances.  So far we've done the toaster (photo), the drill, a modem, and the tiny transitor radio J "won" for selling some Boy Scouts something or other.  All were broken, and now are really broken.  Over time, maybe we'll start to recognize different common components.

Glad those safety goggles are being worn so safely!

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Posted by Christinethecurious

It looks like the kids are having a lot of fun! It is really educational to investigate the inside of something and see how it "ticks".
Remember; televisions, microwave ovens, stereo amplifiers, and laser printers are to be avoided like the plague! In general, anything with a big capacitor (big cylindrical device on the circuit board near where the plug connects) can be dangerous - high voltage for a while even after being unplugged.
Toaster ovens, drills, and small radios are pretty safe. Old computers are pretty plentiful, and also safe, as long as the power supply is not opened up (a separate box inside the computer which you connect the plug to).
Old computer hard drives are fun - you can get several VERY powerful magnets from each one - we use them here for refrigerator magnets. The only problem is getting them off of the fridge!
I know several engineers who got their start by taking things apart when they were kids. I hope your kids enjoy the technical education!

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