what is makey makey?
makey makey is an invention kit that allows you to turn everday objects into keys for your computer. the main purpose of makey makey is to explore circuitry. it allows you to create a circuit board with anything that can conduct a small amount of electricity.
watch this great video on how to get started with makey makey. there are many makey makey activities available freely online.
to get started:
1) plug in the red usb cord into the computer and then into the side of the makey makey circuit board- this supplies your makey with power and a connection to the computer.
2) you now want to take one of your coloured clamp cords (can be any of them) and attach it to the circles at the bottom of the makey makey. this is your ‘ground’ or ‘earth’ cord. in order to play any game you must have one hand holding the metal part of the ground cord at all times. this is what gives you ability to touch either the remote or the items you're using and have the game receive the motion.
continue with any of the activities listed below ....
at the education library you have access to a class set of 6 makey makey kits as well as two single kits. to borrow, please ask at the circulation desk.
there are many ways you can play with makey makey. a google search will retrieve many results. here are a few suggestions for ways to play with makey makey:
1. use the makey makey circuit board: this is typically the easiest way to play as it doesn't involve connecting an object to a direction. you also only need the power cord and one clamp cord as the group to play this way. you can touch the arrows, click or space button directly on the board to move in the games. typically the easiest way to play games like tetris, flash flash or super mario etc.
2. play with bananas: to play with bananas as your controller you have to use the other clamp cables. to use them, you connect one of each clamp cable to a direction or action on the board, then connect the the end of the cables into a banana.
3. play with water cups: fill small styrofoam cups about halfway with water (cold or room temperature will work). then place one end of the clamp cord in the makey makey board and place the other end in a corresponding water cup. to play, in one hand hold the ground cable and then dip your hand into the cup to activate that action.