Makey Makey Interactive Piano
Source: Stemoto Original
Turn anything into a keyboard! Using a Makey Makey board, kids can program their computer to play piano notes whenever they touch conductive objects like graphite drawings, Play-Doh, or even bananas.
Categorisation
Props & Materials Required
- •A Makey Makey invention kit
- •A computer or laptop
- •Graphite pencils, Play-Doh, or fruit
- •Paper and cardboard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Draw the Keys
Use a dark graphite pencil to draw four thick, heavy squares on a piece of paper. These are your piano keys. Alternatively, mold four pads out of Play-Doh!
Wire the Board
Clip one end of an alligator clip to the 'Space' bar hole on the Makey Makey, and the other end to your first drawn key. Do the same for the Up, Down, and Left arrow holes.
Connect to PC
Plug the Makey Makey into your computer's USB port. Open a browser and load a free 'Makey Makey Piano' web app or a simple Scratch piano project.
Ground Yourself
Clip one alligator wire to the 'Earth' bar on the bottom of the board. Hold the metal tip of the other end of that wire in your hand.
Play a Tune!
While holding the Ground wire, use your other hand to tap your pencil drawings or Play-Doh pads. Your body completes the circuit, triggering the computer to play music!
Why It Works & Notes
The Makey Makey tricks the computer into thinking it's a regular keyboard. By holding the 'Earth' (ground) wire and touching a conductive object connected to the board, your body completes a closed electrical circuit, sending a keystroke to the computer!
Very safe. The Makey Makey uses such low voltage you can't feel it at all. Remind kids that they MUST be holding the metal end of the 'Ground' wire for the circuit to work!