Do you have oodles of old technology sitting around, waiting to be recycled? Why not put them to good use--before they're recycled...and put to good use--and host a Tech Take-Apart?
A Tech Take-Apart is literally just that: patrons get the chance to take technology/technology-based toys apart to see what's inside and find out how they work.
This program can be as structured or free-form as you like, depending on your expertise, comfort-level, and/or prep time. At the most basic level, you provide your participants with goggles, technology, and tools and let them loose on your available outdated technology. Be sure to also pull out books or print materials that explain the inner workings of your available tech! Folks will be curious to learn, so be ready!
To expand upon the idea, you could also consider reaching out to a local technician or handyman who may be able to provide insight on the various pieces found in the disassembled equipment. (You could even make this a series of programs, focusing on a different type of machine each session!)
My library's recent Tech Take-Apart was hit with patrons of all ages--it was so fantastic watching some of the younger kids help an older woman with her endeavors, explaining the various bits and pieces to her as she disassembled her computer of choice--and garnered attention from both regular patrons and folks who have never been in our library before this particular program.
A few things to consider before hosting a Tech Take-Apart of your own:
1. Even if you ask patrons to bring their own screwdrivers and you have a small stockpile of your own, bring more. You can either buy relatively inexpensive ones or simply ask staff members if you might be able to borrow theirs for the duration of the program. Out of the multiple families who attended, only three of them remembered to bring a screwdriver along. **TIP: Provide screwdrivers of varying sizes. The wee ones for eyeglass repair and the like came in quite handy for many a participant.**
2. Be sure the technology you're providing is suitable for disassembly. Remove any battery packs, snag SIM cards, clear and/or remove hard drives, and so forth. Additionally, avoid any CRT (cathode ray tube) television screens or computer monitors. The contents are extremely volatile. (Needless to say, kids with tools cracking them open? Bad News Bears.)
3. Provide goggles for your participants. While most folks are quite careful, even the most diligent tech lover could accidentally send a computer key flying through the air during the break-apart of your take-apart.
4. Depending on where you hold the program, consider having some sort of table covering handy. Indentations on tables are less than optimal, let's be honest, and technology can be awfully scratchy.
5. Have a plan in place for the various materials upon completion of your program. Most of the technology will need to be recycled, so consider reaching out to either the recycling location or your local city/town government. They may be willing to add your recycle-worthy technology to an already existing stockpile. (The recycling location may charge a fee for drop-off and your community officials might have an agreement in place, allowing you to drop off your items at a more cost-efficient rate.)
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