Makey Makey is a revolutionary invention kit that turns everyday objects into touchpads and connects them to the digital world.
This device, created by two MIT students, transforms mundane items into interactive tools that can control your computer. Whether you're an educator, a student, or just someone who loves tinkering,
Makey Makey opens up endless possibilities for creativity and learning. In this blog, we’ll explore various projects and ideas that showcase what you can make with a Makey Makey.
How Does Makey Makey Work?
Makey Makey works on a simple principle: it detects a small electrical signal and sends it to your computer as a keyboard or mouse input.
The Makey Makey board connects to your computer via USB and has input terminals where you can attach alligator clips. These clips can connect to conductive materials like fruits, vegetables, coins, or even your body.
When you touch the connected object, you complete a circuit, and Makey Makey sends a signal to your computer, performing an action like pressing a key or moving the cursor.
Basic Setup
- Connect the Board: Plug the Makey Makey board into your computer using the USB cable.
- Attach Alligator Clips: Connect one end of the alligator clip to the Makey Makey board and the other end to a conductive object.
- Complete the Circuit: Hold a grounding clip in one hand and touch the connected object with the other hand to complete the circuit.
- Interactivity: The Makey Makey sends a signal to your computer, allowing you to control applications or games.
This simple yet powerful setup is the foundation for countless projects and experiments.
Most Exciting Makey Makey Projects
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Playful Music with Everyday Objects
Imagine playing a piano with bananas or creating drum sounds with pots and pans. With Makey Makey, you can turn almost anything into a musical instrument. Here’s how:
- Fruit Piano: Connect bananas to the Makey Makey board as piano keys. Each banana will correspond to a different note when touched.
- Kitchen Drum Set: Use various kitchen utensils like spoons and pans to create a drum set. Each utensil can be connected to produce different drum sounds.
These musical projects are not only fun but also an excellent way to introduce concepts of sound and rhythm to children.
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Interactive Storybooks
Source: https://makeymakey.com/
Turn storytelling into an interactive experience with Makey Makey. By using conductive materials and creative coding, you can create storybooks that react to touch.
- Scratch-Based Stories: Use the Scratch programming language to code stories where characters and scenes change when certain objects are touched. For example, touching a conductive page in the book could trigger a character's dialogue or change the background.
- Sound Effects and Narration: Incorporate sound effects or narrations that play when a conductive element in the storybook is touched, enhancing the immersive experience.
Interactive storybooks are a fantastic project for educators and parents who want to make reading more engaging for kids.
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DIY Game Controllers
Transform everyday items into custom game controllers. This project is perfect for gamers and hobbyists who want a unique way to play their favorite games.
- Gummy Worm Gamepad: Use gummy worms as buttons to control a game. Each worm can be mapped to different actions like jumping or moving.
- Playdough Joystick: Mold playdough into a joystick shape and connect it to Makey Makey. You can use it to control characters or navigate through games.
Creating DIY game controllers not only adds a personal touch to gaming but also introduces basic concepts of electronics and programming.
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Fun with Food: The Screaming Carrot
Combine food and technology with projects like the Screaming Carrot. This quirky idea uses a Makey Makey to make a carrot scream when cut.
- Set Up: Connect a knife and a carrot to the Makey Makey board.
- Action: When you cut the carrot, the circuit completes, triggering a sound effect (like the Wilhelm Scream) on your computer.
This project is a fun way to explore the concept of circuits and conductivity while adding a touch of humor.
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Educational Tools and Learning Aids
Makey Makey is a fantastic tool for creating educational aids that make learning interactive and engaging.
- Alphabet Learning Mat: Create a large mat with conductive letters. When children step on or touch a letter, it triggers audio of the letter’s sound or a word that starts with that letter.
- Math Quiz Board: Design a quiz board with conductive answers. When students touch the correct answer, Makey Makey registers it and provides instant feedback on the computer.
These projects are ideal for classrooms and homeschooling, making abstract concepts more tangible and enjoyable.
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Home Automation and Pranks
Use Makey Makey for practical applications like home automation or just for fun pranks.
- Talking Drink Fountain: Create a drink fountain that talks or plays a sound when someone takes a drink. Connect the fountain’s tap to Makey Makey and program it to trigger audio clips when touched.
- Door Alarm: Set up a door alarm using Makey Makey. Attach conductive materials to the door, and when the circuit is broken (door opens), Makey Makey can play a sound or send a signal to your computer.
These projects show how Makey Makey can be used creatively in everyday scenarios.
Makey Makey and Scratch: A Perfect Match
Scratch, a popular visual programming language, complements Makey Makey perfectly. With Scratch, you can create interactive stories, games, and animations that respond to inputs from Makey Makey.
Coding with Scratch
- Simple Animations: Start with basic animations where touching a connected object changes a character's movement or appearance.
- Complex Games: Develop more complex games where Makey Makey acts as the main control interface, making the gameplay more immersive.
Scratch's drag-and-drop coding interface makes it accessible for beginners, allowing anyone to start coding with Makey Makey.
Makey Makey and BBC micro:bit
The Code-a-Key Backpack revolutionizes Makey Makey projects by seamlessly integrating the power of Makey Makey and the BBC micro:bit.
This innovative combination allows you to trigger key presses using motion, temperature, light, and sound, unlocking endless creative possibilities. Designed by Makey Makey, the Code-a-Key Backpack simplifies the integration process, eliminating the need for complex circuits or messy wiring.
With the micro:bit enabling up to 6 keypresses and full mouse control on your Makey Makey, you can enhance your projects with interactive features like image displays, sound effects, and even servo motor control.
Coding with Micro:Bit
- Seamlessly integrate Makey Makey and micro:bit for interactive projects
- Trigger key presses using motion, temperature, light, and sound
- Enhance projects with up to 6 keypresses, full mouse control, and interactive responses
Extensions to boost your Makey Makey Projects
1. Makey Makey Backpack Bundle
Enhance your Makey Makey projects with the Makey Makey Backpack Bundle! Attach one of the three included backpack boards to the black pin headers on your Makey Makey (v.1.4+). Explore new capabilities like adding a second player or creatively controlling your computer mouse. Endless inventive possibilities await!
2. Makey Makey Get Up + Go! Booster Kit
Transform your Makey Makey projects into dynamic adventures with the Makey Makey Get Up + Go! Booster Kit. Packed with materials and inspiring guides, this kit encourages oversized inventions and physical activities. Combine movement, science, and technology in exciting new ways and get ready to explore the limitless potential of your creations!
3. Makey Makey Craft + Code Booster Kit
Boom your Makey Makey projects with the Craft + Code Booster Kit! This kit blends everyday items like binder clips and aluminum foil with rare finds like conductive thread, fabric, and Makey Makey pencils. It’s a treasure trove designed to seamlessly merge art and technology, so you can focus on creating without the hassle of sourcing supplies.
Advanced Makey Makey Projects
For those looking to dive deeper into electronics and programming, Makey Makey offers advanced project possibilities.
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Home Automation with Makey Makey and Arduino
Integrate Makey Makey with Arduino to create sophisticated home automation systems.
- Light Control: Use Makey Makey to turn lights on and off by touching different objects around the house.
- Temperature Monitoring: Set up a system where touching different objects triggers temperature readings displayed on your computer.
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Interactive Art Installations
Combine Makey Makey with art to create interactive installations that respond to viewer interaction.
- Touch-Sensitive Paintings: Create paintings that play music or sounds when touched at different points.
- Responsive Sculptures: Design sculptures that light up or move in response to touch.
These projects are excellent for artists and designers looking to incorporate technology into their work.
Conclusion
Makey Makey is a versatile tool that opens up a world of creativity and learning. From simple musical instruments made from bananas to complex home automation systems, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Whether you’re a student, educator, artist, or just someone who loves to tinker, Makey Makey can transform the way you interact with the world.
Start exploring today and discover what you can make with a Makey Makey!