Dr. Anton T. Squeegee writes:

In article i_aPd.43462$L_3.31200@clgrps13, says...

"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.

I disagree. Taking things apart was one of the major starting
points for me in learing about electronics (I started when I was about
five or so).

Properly supervised, and taught to use the correct tools and
procedures, such activity could be very beneficial in later life, and
not just for electronics. General mechanical knowledge of
disassembly/reassembly teaches logic, hand-eye coordination, and
(perhaps most importantly) safety in what NOT to do!

My suggestion would be to hitch up with the local amateur radio
club. A listing of such can be found at http://www.arrl.org -- I would
wager they could come up with an easy way to merge their introductory
program to yours.

My guess would be that the people who think taking things apart is a stupid
dangerous idea are those who had no strong interests in electronics or
engineering in general as a kid and only went into a technical field
for other reasons. I know this may be a gross over generalization but
I can't imagine someone who actually had a early passion for how things work
to make such a statment.

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