MaKey MaKey allows everyday objects to communicate with your computer. Learn about circuitry and the Internet of Things. With basic coding, invent solutions to everyday problems.
Use the USB cable to connect the MaKey MaKey to your computer. Once the MaKey MaKey is connected, it works like an external keyboard. Using alligator clips, connect conductive objects to the MaKey MaKey which will become your computer keys
Create a Banana Piano to Get Started!
1. Connect the MaKey MaKey to your computer using the USB cable. Plug the small side of the USB cable into the MaKey MaKey and the big side into your computer. (If the computer asks you to install drivers, just cancel or close the window).
2. Open this link in your browser: http://makeymakey.com/piano to access a piano keyboard designed specifically for MaKey MaKey. Click on it and play using your computer's arrow keys, space and click.
3. Connect one end of an alligator clip to the bottom of the MaKey MaKey which is marked Earth. Hold the other end of the alligator clip (the metal part) between your fingers. This will ground the circuit.
4. If you want bananas to become your piano keys, connect them to the MaKey MaKey using the alligator clips.
5. Find the four arrows, space and click sections of the MaKey MaKey and connect one end of each alligator clip to each section.
6. Connect the other end of each section to a banana.
7. While holding the alligator clip connected to ground, touch each banana to play the piano on your computer screen!
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Watch a student from Story Arts Centre play the Dr. Who theme song on the banana piano using one hand and only 6 keys! Her other hand is used to hold the alligator clip that grounds the circuit. This video was taken during the library's Science Literacy Week events. |
MaKey MaKey has tons of other apps you can use to create cool things, including bongos, a synthesizer, Tetris, and more. Connect your MaKey MaKey to Scratch to really release its full potential.
MaKey MaKey works with more than just bananas! Anything that's conductive will work. Test out these objects:
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Complete our Makerspace Equipment Booking form to reserve the MaKey MaKey kit for a specific day.
Interested in using MaKey MaKey in your classroom, but not sure where to start? Contact your Librarian, Muyi Ogunleye (mogunleye@centennialcollege.ca) for support and resources.
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Use MaKey MaKey to introduce students to:
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Students can:
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Jay Silver: Hack a Banana, Make a Keyboard Watch Jay Silver, co-founder of MaKey MaKey explain how this resource be used to hack everyday objects and quickly prototype new designs. |
Not sure how MaKey MaKey applies to your classroom? MaKey MaKey could be used in ANY classroom -- not just STEM classrooms.
Beyond helping users understand basic electricity & circuitry, MaKey MaKey can be used to teach innovative thinking, problem-solving, design & teamwork. Here's how:
