Tech Take-Apart lets kids see what’s inside

What are the inner workings of a microwave oven? How about a cash register? A computer printer?
 

Kids from age 5 through 15 got to experience first hand how simple machines work when the Homewood Public Library hosted Tech Take-Apart on July 6.
 

Curiosity was the word of the day for the more than 50 kids who took a shot at learning what’s hidden in the plastic and metal casings. They pounded, bent and pulled apart 21st century machines.
 

Tyler Tannehill, 13, worked on a boom box combination radio and tape player. He’d removed the cover for a look inside at all the wires, gizmos and mini speakers.  
 

His buddy Dylan Parry, 13, was working on an electric cash register. He’d managed to get inside to take the innards apart. He’d found little red pedals that allowed the number keys to push down and pop back up, and he was segregating all the metal and bits of wire.
 

Tori Alt, a library paraprofessional, usually sees kids in the Makery space on the library’s second floor where they can use the 3D printer, video cameras, computers for graphics and more. 
 

She thought the Tech Take-Apart would be a fun way for these young patrons to experience something they don’t normally get a chance to do.
 

She was assisted by Shawn Needham of Computer Doctor in Homewood who shared his knowledge with the kids. His days are filled with working on computers, smart TVs, phones, tablets, video devices, so watching how they worked at getting into the devices was interesting.
 

“I haven’t seen anything that captivates kids like this in a long time,” he said. “I think it’s good for them to actually see how gadgets work.”