Reverse Engineering
Dismantling broken household electronics using basic tools to explore mechanical components and see how things work.
Thinking
9–12 years
45–45 min
Calm
Some mess
At home
What you need
- A broken small appliance or electronic (already unplugged)
- A basic screwdriver set
- A tray to hold small parts
Setup
- Confirm the item is unplugged and any batteries removed
- Lay out a tray to catch loose screws
- Take a quick photo of it before starting, for reference
Play prompts
- Can you guess what each part does before pulling it out?
- Can you find the motor, the wiring, and the circuit board?
- Can you sketch how the parts connect?
Ways to change it up
- Try reassembling it afterward
- Look up the part names once you're done
- Turn the parts into a labeled 'exploded view' display
Safety notes
- Never open anything that plugs into mains power or a wall outlet
- Avoid batteries that are swollen, leaking, or damaged
- Keep small parts away from younger children
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