Break it Apart! Project

In this project, we were given the challenge to take apart an object from home that we don’t usually think much about, and analyze how it works. I chose a basic handheld calculator that I had lying around. I’ve used it before in math class, but I never thought about what was inside or how it works. To begin, I used a small screwdriver to remove the screws from the back. After that, I carefully opened it up and analyzed the components.

Once I had it open, I saw all the parts inside like the keypad, the battery compartment, a green circuit board, and a thin screen at the top. I was honestly surprised at how many little parts were inside something that looks so simple on the outside. I started sketching what I saw so I could better understand each part. I tried to make my drawings neat and accurate, and I labeled what each part was. After that, I created a flowchart that shows how the calculator works using the input → process → output model.

One of the big concepts we used in this project was the idea of a system, all the parts of the calculator work together. Another was input, process, and output. The calculator takes input from the keypad, processes it through the chip on the circuit board, and gives output through the screen. I also thought about human-centered design. The calculator is made to be easy to use, with simple buttons and a screen placed at the top for easy reading. From science class, I used my knowledge of circuits and electricity, because the battery sends power through the board to make the calculator work. This project helped me see that even small devices have complicated insides, and it made me more interested in how everyday things work. Two things I think I did really well were being careful when I took it apart, and taking my time on the sketches to make them clean and understandable. I also learned how to explain technical things in a simple way, which I think helped my group follow along. Two things I could have done better were labeling more parts in my drawings and managing my time better. I kind of rushed near the end and didn’t get to research the chip as much as I wanted to. Next time, I’ll make a plan for what to do each day so I don’t fall behind. Overall, I really enjoyed this project and would recommend it to other students. It was hands-on, fun, and made me think about technology in a new way. It wasn’t just about taking something apart, it was about learning how engineers design things and how everything inside has a purpose.