Reverse Engineering is easily explained as working backwards - in order to best understand how something works, take the object apart. The process allows engineers to create new products and to improve existing products. Student teams will deconstruct a device as they write directions for a different group to put it back together. (Most appropriate for grades 4-10. This lesson can be adjusted in complexity for younger grade levels.)
In addition to meeting science and technology standards, this activity helps foster teamwork and communication skills.
Science Standards:
4.PS.2: Energy can be transferred from one location to another or can be transformed from one form to another.
7.PS.4: Energy can be transferred through a variety of ways.
High School Standards:
PS.EW.5: Electricity: Movement of electrons, Current, Electric potential (voltage), Resistors, and transfer of energy
P.EM.4: DC circuits: Ohm's law, Series circuits, Parallel circuits, Mixed circuits, Applying conservation of charge and energy (junction and loop rules)