Sam Goldwasser ) writes:
"NSM" writes:

"momwithtools" wrote in message
lkaboutelectronicequipment.com...
For an elementary school project, I'd like the children to take apart some
old electronics to get an idea of how things work, what goes into each
product, etc. My question is: Are there certain electronics or appliances
we should stay away from because of chemicals or something else that would
be unsafe for the children? Please advise.

Cut the plugs off first. Anything with a tube is bad.

Generally it's not a good idea IMO. Stick to books. Lots of sharp edges etc.
inside things.

Consdering the things kids get into without high tech, that's kind of
a limiting approach.

Sure, there are sharp pieces of sheet metal and tensioned springs but
with supervision, such an exercise can be fun and safe.

Would have been happy following your own advice?

I suspect for many here, they were young when they get interested
in electronics. But as the decades go by, they lose track of that.

I passed the test for a ham license in elementary school, though
it was in June so I wasn't technically licensed until I was finished
with grade six (and here, that's when elementary school ended).

That was right on the cusp of tubes disappearing, so later that year
I did have plenty of tube equipment to play with.

I think taking apart things has a tendency to demistify things. Not
so much in learning, but with everyone so afraid of electronics, a
certain familiarity with what's inside changes that at least a bit. But
random taking things apart isn't likely to be useful, unless those doing
it have an interest (and a limited bit of knowledge so some of the things
are identifiable) or the adult (given that this seems to be a school project)
has taken the time to get some grounding so they can point out what's what.

If someone is really concerned about safety, they could either strip out
the switching supplies in those VCRs, or restrict the project to battery
operated items like cassette players and portable radios.

Michael