An extensive collection of junk is required, as well as a basic set of (non-powered) hand tools. Collecting the junk is usually spread out over a few days, so that the materials collected one day can be assessed and what's missing then sought out the next. Smaller items are bundled together into packets; overall, you want about 15 items or packets per participants. Lists are provided.

Gathering the Materials:

We need lots of stuff: we want about 15 items per participant! Gathering the raw materials is like a scavenger hunt for staff. But more open-ended than a typical scavenger hunt--everyone should use their creativity. No one should have to go out and buy anything (unless they feel inspired) except for the eggs and sugar (see below). Tell people: don't bring in any items that you'll want back.

Examples of items to bring it:
again-we don't need these specific items, but these kinds of items

• strips/boards of wood (thin boards are the most adaptable
• (many) sticks, dowels, poles, etc.
• (many) metal or cardboard cans, milk cartons, plastic bottles (various sizes)
• balloons of various sizes
• an old bicycle tire
• a bowling ball
• a brick or two
• an old fishing pole
• toys and small gadgets (toy phone, doll, wind-up toy, baby rattle, rubber duck, Mickey Mouse ears, radio, opera glasses)
• miscellaneous hardware (nails, screws, bolts, wing-nuts, brackets, hasps)
• pulleys, fasteners, strips of Velcro, pins)
• various lengths of rope, string, wire, paper clips, hose, tubing, hangers
• a few cassette tapes
• an old wind-up clock?
• some odds and ends of cloth
• odd stuff--e.g., a ping pong ball, and old poster, an undefined automobile or refrigerator part... a wind up toy...roller skate...keys...rollers skate keys...
• more odd stuff--e.g., a campaign button, a picture frame, an old magazine, a hat, etc.
• You get the idea. This is wide open for creativity and absurdity.

Office supplies-
these aren't needed every time; check with the facilitation team. If participants are to "market" their inventions, we need a good supply of the following. Otherwise, just add some of these to the overall collection.

• tape, different kinds
• construction paper
• colored markers
• foam core
• rubber bands
• string

Tools-
We'll need tools. Nothing elaborate.

• stapler
• scissors
• hole punch
• screwdrivers
• hammer
• saw
• ruler or yard stick
• pliers
• glue

Special supplies-

• 2 dozen eggs
• 2 pounds of sugar
• baggies, to sort loose hardware, etc., into packets
• a large tub or box to put it all in.

Step-by-Step

Gathering the junk is a fun assignment for staff. Have at least 4 people work if (typically the whole staff participates). Tell them not to broadcast what they're doing--we don't want participants to be aware of it or thinking about it in advance.

Start a few days before the event, so you can assess what you've got and figure out what supplements may be needed.

Have someone to organize the junk--it's best is small pieces are bundled together is some way. Use baggies, jars, rubber bands, etc. to make packets. For example, bundled together, five swatches of different cloth, bag together a dozen nails ( or a mix of nails, screws and fasteners), tie together four boards or pieces of dowel... If a scarce item is likely to be valuable, distribute it among several packets.

Do a rough count on what you've got. Bring the total up to about 15 items per participants. ( A bundle of stuff counts as one item)

Assemble it all into a large tub (or tubs) or box (or boxes).