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Session 16: Makey Makey 🎹

Overview

Grades: 3-4 | Duration: 40 minutes | Session: 16 of 17

Students create interactive inventions using Makey Makey, turning everyday objects into touchpads.

Session 16: Makey Makey

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand how Makey Makey turns objects into input devices

  • Create working interactive projects

  • Apply creativity to invention

  • Connect conductivity to circuit concepts

Session 16: Makey Makey

Materials Needed

  • 🎹 Makey Makey kits (from CSCOE library)

  • 💻 Computers with internet

  • 📦 Conductive materials (fruit, foil, play-doh)

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 📸 Project inspiration images

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Blessed Carlo Acutis — Used technology creatively! Makey Makey represents creative tech use for good.

Scripture

"See, I am doing a new thing!" — Isaiah 43:19

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you are endlessly creative. Thank you for the gift of invention and imagination. Help us create things that bring joy and help others. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. What is Makey Makey?
  2. "Turns ANYTHING into a keyboard or controller!"
  3. If it conducts electricity even a little, it works
  4. Fruit, foil, play-doh, water, people!
  5. How It Works:
  6. Conductivity = electricity can flow through
  7. You complete the circuit by touching
  8. Computer thinks you pressed a key!
  9. Endless Possibilities:
  10. Piano made from bananas
  11. Video game controller from play-doh
  12. Interactive poster
  13. Creative Gift — "God made us creative like Him!"

Main Activity: Makey Makey Invention (27 minutes)

Part 1: Basic Setup (5 minutes)

  • Connect Makey Makey to computer

  • Open Scratch or online piano

  • Test with simple touch:

  • Clip to conductive object
  • Hold ground wire

  • Touch object—it works!

  • "YOU complete the circuit!"

Part 2: Guided Inventions (10 minutes)

Banana Piano:

  • Connect each clip to different banana

  • Hold ground

  • Each banana = different note!

  • Play a song!

Play-Doh Controller:

  • Make shapes from play-doh

  • Connect clips to different shapes

  • Use in Scratch game

  • Control character with play-doh!

Part 3: Creative Invention Challenge (10 minutes)

Challenge: Create YOUR OWN Makey Makey invention!

Ideas:

  • Interactive story (touch to advance)

  • Musical instrument from objects

  • Quiz game with physical answers

  • Art installation

  • Controller for Scratch game

Process: 1. Plan invention (2 min) 2. Set up materials and clips (4 min) 3. Connect to computer program (2 min) 4. Test and refine (2 min)

Part 4: Invention Showcase (2 minutes)

  • Share inventions

  • Try each other's creations!

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Draw your Makey Makey invention
  2. Write: "Makey Makey works because..."
  3. Write: "My invention does..."
  4. Write: "I could use this to help others by..."

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Creativity Celebration — "What amazing invention did you see?"
  2. Infinite Possibilities — "What else could you create?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "God, thank you for the joy of inventing! Help us use creativity to bring joy and serve others. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Understood conductivity concept

  • Successfully connected Makey Makey

  • Created original invention

  • Explained how it works

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Banana piano success first

  • Partner work

  • Teacher assistance with clips

For Advanced Students

  • Complex multi-clip invention

  • Connect to original Scratch project

  • Create for specific purpose/audience

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Research Makey Makey videos online—amazing inventions! Discuss: What everyday objects conduct electricity? What would YOU invent with Makey Makey? Think about how technology can serve others!

Teacher Notes

  • Reserve Makey Makey from CSCOE library

  • Test all kits before class

  • Have backup conductive materials

  • Scratch works great with Makey Makey

  • Document inventions for portfolio

Previous: Session 15 — Compound Machines
Next: Session 17 — Year Celebration