What You'll Learn:
- Explain how a Makey Makey works.
- Turn everyday objects into computer keys.
Key Ideas to Know:
- Makey Makey: An "invention kit" that tricks your computer into thinking that almost anything is a keyboard or mouse.
- Circuit: The Makey Makey works by creating a closed electrical circuit. When you hold the "Earth" (ground) clip and touch an object connected to another clip, you complete the circuit, and it sends a keyboard signal (like a spacebar press) to the computer.
Activity: Banana Keyboard
- Plug the Makey Makey into your computer's USB port.
- Connect one alligator clip to the "Space" pad on the Makey Makey and the other end to a banana.
- Connect another alligator clip to the "Earth" bar at the bottom.
- Open a text document on your computer. Hold the metal end of the Earth clip and touch the banana. A space should appear in your document! You've made a banana key.