So, I've had this (out-of-warranty) broken camera for a while now. It retails for just under $200.

Sending it off to Canon to get repaired was going to cost me a minimum of $100. I just couldn't see doing it when it just might break again. So, I tweeted out this question: 

I have a $200 Canon SX120is that has a "lens error"/jam. $100 to repair by Canon. Other options other than throwing away?

Twitter was unusually quiet, so I came up with my own solution: Summer Science Project!!!

I called my son over and said, "Here. Find the problem and see how this thing is put together.". Well, that's like giving a kid candy. I took some photos, but my one regret was not keeping the camera rolling when he discovered, by cutting the capacitor wires (this capacitor held the charge for the flash)  with scissors, that those things have an uncanny way of holding their stored charge until released.

There was a spark, a yell, and a jump... all followed by that crazy smile that can only come from this sort of messing around and living to tell the tale.

Below are a few images. The third one where he is proud of his accomplishments is BEFORE he discovered what capacitors do ;-)

Don't throw away things that you kids could learn from and find pleasure in taking apart.