One of the activities we offer in CREATE is deconstructing decommissioned technology such as old computers, printers or other items that might be donated to us. The only rule is that students disassemble – not destroy. The object is for them to observe and analyze the item, try to figure out how it was assembled and then select the appropriate tool for disassembly. When they first experience this, often their choice is the biggest hammer they can find. That's when they start learning about different screw heads, Torx drivers, torque and analytical thinking.
"...the biggest hammer they can find."
The usual end result is a pile of components and chassis that are stripped bare and some recovered motors and magnets. But sometimes, the end result is something else entirely.
What just happened?
The sound from outside the door was reminiscent of street scenes from Santa Cruz or from Haight Ashbury in the 1960s. Instead, it was technology repurposed in ways never intended by their manufacturers. Leave it to our kids to put the A in STEAM.
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