Breadcrumb Technologies

We take in small appliances like:  computers, cell phones, washers/dryers, dishwashers, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, TVs, scooters, sewing machines, power tools, air conditioners, automobiles and various other household gadgets for our "lifelong learners" to either repair or methodically disassemble into component parts (and then sell on eBay).  

We try to identify design issues (e.g. "planned obsolescence" and come up with improved designs (e.g. "Design for Disassembly") that we share with product engineers.  

We also explore older technologies (from steam engines to sun dials) to see how they still might be useful today (as AI is poised to be the apple that brought down Eden...)

This introduces STEM-career oriented students to the practical integration of various components of complex (but commonplace) technologies, such that they can better apply "best practices" and theoretical principles from across the continuum of development on into the future.

* Breadcrumb Tech also identifies what tools are needed to fix basic appliances, which then informs our purchasing for our Neighborhood Tool Libraries.  🙂

Related info:

Mule Team Wagon Wheelwrights

Norwegian Dragon Ship Rebuilds

Water-Powered Sawmill

Medieval Iron Production

Blacksmiths Association of Missouri

See also:  Repair Cafes & Maker Faires & Spectrum eCycle 

Plus:  Master Samurai Tech & Blue Collar Recruiter