Goal

Create a working piano using conductive materials that trigger different sounds or piano keys when touched.

Steps

• Connect the Makey Makey to your computer using the USB cable.

• Attach alligator clips from the Makey Makey arrow/key inputs to conductive objects.

• Connect the ground wire and hold or wear it to complete the circuit.

• Open a piano website or sound program and test each key.

• Redesign or decorate your piano to improve usability or creativity.

Materials Ideas

• Bananas or fruit

• Aluminum foil

• Play-Doh

• Pencils/graphite drawings

• Cups of water

• Cardboard

• Tape

• Makey Makey kit

Resources

• https://www.instructables.com/Fruit-and-Vegetable-Piano/

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfQqh7iCcOU

Goal

Design and build a custom game controller that allows users to play a computer game using conductive controls.

Steps

• Connect the Makey Makey to your computer with the USB cable.

• Create directional buttons and action buttons using conductive materials.

• Connect each button to the correct Makey Makey input using alligator clips.

• Connect the ground wire so the controller completes the circuit when touched.

• Test and improve your controller while playing an online game.

Materials Ideas

• Cardboard

• Aluminum foil

• Play-Doh

• Conductive tape

• Markers

• Popsicle sticks

• Makey Makey kit

Resources

• How to video: https://youtu.be/tLwbiuCdMto?si=SNfoNFBhtaY0XOdk

• Pacman game: https://freepacman.org/

Goal

Create a working tilt controller that uses movement or tilting to control a game or digital interaction.

Steps

• Connect the Makey Makey to your computer using the USB cable.

• Build a tilt mechanism using conductive materials that touch when tilted.

• Connect the conductive sections to the Makey Makey inputs using alligator clips.

• Connect the ground wire so the circuit completes when the controller tilts.

• Test and improve your tilt controller while using a game or interactive program.

Materials Ideas

• Cardboard

• Aluminum foil

• Cups or containers

• Pipe cleaners

• Conductive tape

• Marbles or metal balls

• Tape

• String

• Makey Makey kit

Resources

• Tilt Tube: 

  • https://youtu.be/HYY-HUHly5Y?si=sYiTAI5xUFHmQnFx

  • https://youtu.be/9OQankTCTTY?si=nB43-4VmngSovNVT

• 
  

Goal

Create an interactive poster where 2 touch points of the poster triggers sounds to explain or collect information.

Examples - introduction of team members, this vs that, voting system, etc.

Steps

• Design a poster with labeled touch points or interactive areas.

• Add conductive materials to the interactive sections of the poster.

• Connect each section to a Makey Makey input using alligator clips.

• Program or connect sounds or videos to the matching keys on the computer. (scratch is easy to use)

• Test your poster and improve the interaction experience.

Materials Ideas

• Poster board, cardboard, or paper

• Aluminum foil

• Conductive tape

• Drawings + Pictures

• Markers

• Glue or tape

Resources

Goal

Build a Dance Dance Revolution-style pad controller that triggers movement controls or sounds when stepped on. 

This can be connected to a pre-made dance game via Scratch or other. 

Steps

• Create large floor buttons using cardboard and conductive materials.

• Connect each dance pad section to a Makey Makey input using alligator clips.

• Connect the ground wire so stepping on the pads completes the circuit.

• Open a dance or movement-based game on the computer.

• Test and redesign your dance pad for better movement and responsiveness.

Materials Ideas

• Cardboard

• Aluminum foil

• Foam sheets

• Tape

• Floor mats

• Markers

• Makey Makey kit

Resources

• Find a Dance Dance Revolution game here

• https://youtu.be/Qe2loeaGGyk?si=39_QuAwl5iQCynph (with hands)

• https://youtu.be/alU8y4YDNbk?si=MRTVnaMeCiDOy4jc (with feet)

Goal

Create a working tilt controller that uses movement or tilting to control a game or digital interaction.

Steps

• Connect the Makey Makey to your computer using the USB cable.

• Build a tilt mechanism using conductive materials that touch when tilted.

• Connect the conductive sections to the Makey Makey inputs using alligator clips.

• Connect the ground wire so the circuit completes when the controller tilts.

• Test and improve your tilt controller while using a game or interactive program.

Materials Ideas

• Cardboard

• Aluminum foil

• Cups or containers

• Pipe cleaners

• Conductive tape

• Marbles or metal balls

• Tape

• String

• Makey Makey kit

Resources

• How to video: https://youtu.be/pMkhmpxhHIo?si=jEoUgRxqNtWOuJUF

• Pacman game: https://freepacman.org/

Goal

Create an operation-style game where players must remove objects carefully without triggering a buzzer or sound.

Must have at least 3 objects and areas to pull from.

Steps

• Draw or build a game board with openings for removable objects.

• Add conductive materials around the edges of the openings.

• Connect the conductive edges and the "tweezers" to the Makey Makey.

• Program a sound or buzzer to activate when the circuit is completed.

• Test and improve your game to make it more challenging or creative.

Materials Ideas

• Cardboard

• Aluminum foil

• Pipe cleaners, skewers, or metal tweezers

• Conductive tape

• Markers

• Small objects/toys

Resources

• How to presentation: https://canva.link/xq8d848mfd5ujvj

• How to video: https://youtu.be/hb2vCCRCmSI?si=SrqUCgCS5u9-VWwo

• 
  

• Check out the various projects by using the links or googling

  • MakeyMakey Instructable ideas

  • STEAM projects

Goal

Create a scrolling name badge that displays your name or a custom message on the micro LED screen.

Steps

• Open the Microsoft MakeCode editor for micro on your computer.

• Drag a “show string” block into the “on start” section of your code.

• Type your name or message into the text block.

• Connect the micro and download your code to the device.

• Test and customize your badge by changing the message or adding icons and effects.

Resources

• https://makecode.microbit.org/projects/name-badge

Goal

Create a digital pet that reacts to button presses, movement, or time by displaying emotions, animations, or messages.

Steps

• Open the https://makecode.microbit.org/ for micro on your computer.

• Create animations or images that represent your pet’s emotions or actions.

• Add a button or shake inputs that allow users to interact with the pet.

• Use variables or timers to change the pet’s behavior over time.

• Connect the micro, download your code, and test your digital pet interactions.

Materials Ideas

• micro

• USB cable

• Computer or laptop

• Battery pack

• Paper for pet designs or accessories

• Markers or stickers

Resources

• https://microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/microbit-pet/

• https://youtu.be/8I-V4et_-4Y?si=L7IEbKkA1-UjUUk4