<p>VIDEO CASSETTE DESTRUCTION SKIT ver: 19-sep-05</p><p>Bring: cassette, circular saw, extension cord, clamp, wood block, safety glasses, broom, dust pan</p><p>Prof is lecturing. TA suddenly bursts in, carrying the cassette. TA is very excited and clearly anxious</p><p>TA: Professor Durfee, Professor Durfee !!</p><p>Prof: Yes ______. What is it? Can't you see that I am in the middle of an important lecture? </p><p>TA: Yes. I know! But this is important! I really need to know something!</p><p>Prof: Well, what is it that you need to know? </p><p>TA waves the cassette.</p><p>TA: I really need to know how this thing works! My boss told me we need to reverse engineer this thing because we want to use some of the ideas in our product! So I really need to know how this works!</p><p>Prof: Well, OK. I think I can help you. </p><p>With great ceremony and lots of revving of engines, Prof cuts the cassette in two with the circular saw. After carnage is complete, there is a brief silence. Then, TA picks up one of the pieces, and starts to cry.</p><p>TA: But I can't tell how it works!</p><p>Prof: Hmm. Well I guess that method didn't work. Maybe we should go over some of the basics of reverse engineering techniques. </p><p>Into lecture on mechanical dissection. Function, assembly, materials. Parts count.</p>