Makey Makey is an invention kit that turns everyday objects into touchpads that can control a computer. By connecting alligator clips to conductive materials (like fruit, foil, or playdough), students can create interactive projects such as games, musical instruments, and controllers. Makey Makey introduces basic circuitry, coding, and creativity in a fun and hands-on way.
Grades: 2-5
Subjects:
Technology
Math
Reading
STEM/STEAM
Teach basic circuitry and electrical concepts
Introduce coding and computer interaction
Encourage creativity and invention
Support problem-solving and critical thinking
Create interactive projects across subject areas
Engage students in hands-on STEM learning
Build understanding of cause-and-effect
Plug the Makey Makey board into a computer using USB
Connect alligator clips to the board (earth + input keys)
Attach clips to conductive materials (fruit, foil, etc.)
Open a website, game, or Scratch project
Touch the connected object to trigger a response
Have students test and adjust their setup
Extend learning by creating custom projects in Scratch
Build a banana piano or musical instrument
Create a game controller using foil or cardboard
Design an interactive poster
Build a quiz board with correct/incorrect answers
Create a simple arcade-style game controller
STEM challenge stations
Makerspace invention projects
Create an interactive story board
Build a “press to hear vocabulary word” project (with Scratch)
Design comprehension quizzes with touch responses
Retell a story using interactive elements
Create character-based soundboards
Build interactive math fact games
Create a touch-based quiz board for problem-solving
Practice patterns and sequencing through interactive inputs
Design a game for addition, subtraction, or multiplication
Use Makey Makey with Scratch for math-based games
Explore conductivity and circuits
Test which materials conduct electricity
Build inventions using everyday objects
Design and test prototypes
Combine with Scratch for coding + engineering projects
Create interactive systems using inputs and outputs
Makey Makey kit (board, USB cable, alligator clips)
Computer or laptop
Conductive materials (fruit, foil, playdough, etc.)
Cardboard or craft materials
Tape or clips
Scratch (optional for advanced projects)
Always connect the “earth” clip first
Make sure students are touching the ground (earth) when testing
Use simple setups before building complex projects
Test materials to see what conducts best
Encourage creativity—there is no single “right” way
Use Scratch to extend learning into coding
Keep materials organized to avoid tangling clips