E-2 Makey Makey + Scratch

E-2 Makey Makey + Scratch

In this lesson, students will connect a Makey Makey physical computing device with an existing Scratch project, using the Makey Makey to externally control the events that are part of the Scratch project.

Do Now (5 minutes)

TEACHER GUIDANCE:

• • Physical computing is about sensing and controlling the real world with computers, moving beyond using a mouse, screen, and keyboard.

  • Some of the physical computing tools from this video include Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and 3D printers.

  • Smartphone fitness apps using location data, computer games using motion sensors, and home security using microphones.

Mini-Lesson (5-10 minutes)

1. Teacher distributes Makey Makey kits, conductive materials, and how-to guides (handout / online) to student groups.

2. Groups will set up their Makey Makey, then choose a Scratch project they previously created (one that uses arrow key controls will work best) to be controlled by the Makey Makey.

3. Review the Scratch event blocks that can be used to control the arrow keys, as needed.

TEACHER GUIDANCE: Any Scratch game controlled by arrow keys, such as a maze or pong game, should be able to connect to the Makey Makey. You may wish to encourage students to take one of their favorite projects and remix it so that the event blocks that control the program are replaced with "when space key pressed" or "when 'arrow' key pressed" blocks, which will allow students to control the program externally through the Makey Makey.

Close-Out (5 minutes)

• 1. Discuss the following questions:

• • What category of blocks did you need to use in Scratch to connect with the Makey Makey?

    • What were you able to use the Makey Makey to do today?

    • What do you hope to use the Makey Makey to create in the future?

TEACHER GUIDANCE: Scratch event blocks that control key presses and mouse clicks are needed to connect to the Makey Makey.

Standards CSTA

• • CSTA 2-CS-02 :Design projects that combine hardware and software components to collect and exchange data.

  • CSTA 2-CS-03 Systematically identify and fix problems with computing devices and their components.