Makey Makey Simple Circuit Challenge

There is a box on the shelf for this. Each Makey Makey kit was purchased by the school and costs $50. Be prepared to have a hold on your report card for any damages or missing pieces to this kit from your group!

To complete a simple circuit, you must create a loop for the electrons to flow. So you need to get power from your power source to the LED and back to the power source. If you build a successful current, your light will shine! In this lab, you will create your own simple circuits with Makey Makey and once you've mastered that, you'll move on to parallel circuits. Lastly, you'll create your own DIY switch with Makey Makey!

Lesson Objectives

• Introduce the TMI Design process from Invent to Learn - Think Make Improve
• Complete Circuit Challenges
• Create simple circuits with LEDs and Makey Makey
• Create switches with playdoh, paper clips, pennies, and other conductive resources
• Engage students in simple electronics
• Entice students to create with technology rather than just consume it

Lesson Materials

• Makey Makey for each student or partner groups
• Alligator Clips
• Prepared Telephone wires (tutorial below)
• Tinfoil
• Playdoh
• Popsicle Sticks
• Strawberries or other conductive fruits
• Small conductive items for switches: Copper brads, Paperclips, pennies, etc

Use the challenge cards below and complete them in order. You'll answer a reflection on each challenge as you complete them.