Comment How Things Work Seminar (Score 1) 256
Then, ask the students to think of one thing they want to talk about. Let them bring the items into the classroom with lab time to take them apart, guided by the instructor, and other students. They can choose junk in their basement or garage, or buy something cheap from a second-hand store. Or even from the local recycling center. Need basic tools, multimeters (inexpensive from Harbor Freight -- good enough for this class), etc Provide some basic instructions on safety and tool usage.
They might even figure out how to fix something.
Then, for the rest of the couse, each student does their presentation. (They also "accidentally" learn some presentation skills.)
The best way to learn is to teach!
Years ago, I participated in a "How Things Work" seminar at MIT just like this. Great stuff!