Take Apart Isn't Just For PreSchool

The first time I had a group of 5th graders in my room and I told them they could take apart a computer they looked like I had given them a million dollars.  They were so excited.  The next day they started bringing in all kinds of electronics and tools saying that their parents would not have allowed to investigate until after they had been introduced to the concept at school. 

I've also worked with high schoolers that do not know how to turn a screw driver (instead they slammed it down like a hammer.)  It has made me realize how important exploration is to all ages.  There have also been exciting times when teachers have been introduced to drills for the first time.  (That actually scares me a bit because knowing how to use a drill is an essential adult skill when living through hurricane season in South Florida.)  However I believe the best part of 'Take Apart' occurs when students look at the pieces and start thinking about what they can do with the leftover pieces.

We have a mantra in my classroom:  Take apart is about investigation, not 'break apart.' 
This means that we look at how to take an item apart and try to figure out the best tool for the job.  When I hear a hammer, I do some serious inquiry into why that tool was chosen because most of our take apart has multiple screws.  It is finding their locations that is the tricky part because there is always one hiding.

Our 'Take Apart' area only exist with the help of the community.  We accept old VCRs, Tape Players, Fax Machines, computers, etc.  The funniest moments are when we get a piece of equipment that the students are not familiar with.  For example, explaining what a fax machine did for those of them that have not seen one before.

Please let me know how you utilize 'Take Apart' areas in your school.