>Using Makey Makey

I love the creativity of expanding the ideas learnt in a Scratch lesson into something physical. Makey Makey is a microcontroller that allows the user to utilize limited range of keys on a keyboard to control what happens on a computer device such as a Chromebook. Therefore, it is a great way to develop a digital outcome. This example project allows students to learn the basics of coding and using a Makey Makey through making a 'Cardboard Piano'. 

To create a cardboard piano using the following:

• Cardboard
• Aluminum foil
• Keyboard template
• Makey Makey kit
• Extra crocodile clips
• Input pins

The Makey Makey takes the place of several keys on a keyboard. It works by conducting electricity through a circuit and this represents the pressing of the Up, Down, Left, Right and Space keys as well as the letters W, A, S, D, F and G. 

The code is assigned to each note by using blocks in Scratch.

The code is then put together for each note

To play the piano, a cardboard keyboard is made and attached using crocodile clips. 

Other examples of the use of a Makey Makey could be to create a controller for the Scratch Maze Game