A MaKey MaKey allows you to replace different computer keys with other unique objects. Instead of pushing a certain key on the keyboard you can touch an object like a penny, and it will perform the same action on your computer screen as that particular keyboard key. However, the specific objects must be able to conduct an electrical current. If you create a closed circuit (meaning the circuit has no breaks) the MaKey MaKey sends your computer a keyboard message, and the computer just thinks the MaKey MaKey is a regular keyboard or mouse.

Brainstorm different objects that you think would be good to use in your MaKey MaKey project. We recommend trying to see if you can get a piece of fruit to work! You will probably discover that some materials are better conductors than others, however MaKey MaKey has a low threshold for electrical conductivity which is why some things that would not be traditionally thought of as good conductors work with MaKey MaKey.

Make + Key = MaKey MaKey, according to www.makeymakey.com!

You can purchase your own MaKey MaKey kit to start designing today at www.makeymakey.com.

If you need a project suggestion to get started, here is a past DeSTEMber activity that highlights how our summer campers used MaKey MaKeys to control their mythical creatures: http://www.girlstart.org/news-and-events/item/coding.