Coding with Makey Makey

This week we explored our new Makey Makey and connected a variety of materials to the controller with the wires and aligator clips. Clementines and apples worked great. We also used foil, spoons, jewelry, paperclips, scissors, coins, pencils and other objects.


Makey Makeys are invention kits that turn almost any object into a touch pad and allows us to control computer keys by touching the objects.

The quick start guide was very helpful as we figured out how to connect the MakeyMakey. We had lots of fun exploring and working with our group.

Our next step is to create a game using SCRATCH and use the Makey Makey as controller.

Click here to access the Google CS First Hour of Code tutorial.

Here are some ideas for MakeyMakey Projects:

• on Instructables: http://www.instructables.com/howto/makey+makey/
• Makey Makey gallery: http://makeymakey.com/gallery/
• Makey Makey forums: http://www.makeymakey.com/forums/index.php

"Hour of Code"

Students in grades K-6 are particpating in the "Hour of Code" initiative, giving students at least 1 hour of experience with basic computer programming. For our youngest students we are using "Daisy the Dinosaur" on the idpads.  For some classes students continue to explore the "Hour of Code" activities during enrichment times, center times, or during indoor recess time.

I believe that every student should have the opportunity to learn a little about computer science. During our Coding Elective students  use a mix of online experiences and "unplugged" lessons. The online experiences are self-guided and self-paced tutorials and provide programming instructions and practice.

In the process students will develop skills such as critical thinking, logic, persistence, creativity as well as problem-solving skills. We will be using lessons from Code.org and the Coding Studio.