What is a MaKey MaKey?

It's a low cost simple circuitry kit that can be used to create computer switches from everyday items such as bananas, apples, water, toys, paper and even pencil led.  This kit was created by a group of creative, geniuses who have been making invention kits based on research for years.  This invention kit has many uses, such as teaching kids about electricity, turning objects into touchscreens, and other uses limited only by your own imagination.  Recently, special educators have used MaKey MaKey to create simple switches for computer access for children and youth with disabilities.  

Check out this video, to learn more:

How do I use it?

Find a software program (online game, music, powerpoint book, etc.) that you can control with the arrow keys, space key, or mouse click, and that your students will enjoy using. Investigate and identify simple everyday items (that conduct electricity and relate to the theme of the software in some way) and that will provide easy access for your students (i.e., touching a banana or potato, swiping a finger across graphite on a page, hitting a penny).  Connect these items to the Makey Makey using alligator clips.  When the item is touched, the software program will be activated.  Be creative and have fun!!!

How are others using MaKey Makey with students?

Ynez Peterson, Occupational Therapist, teaches us how to use a MaKey MaKey with students with intellectual disabilities

http://www.assistivetechnology.vcu.edu/2013/08/15/makey-makey-amazing/

Sample Projects, Resources and More

Where do I begin??

Visit the Makey Makey website for complete instructions for connecting the makey makey:  www.makeymakey.com

Visit the gallery section to find amazing videos of complete projects.

Soundplant is a program which can be downloaded from the internet.  With soundplant you can add sound files to any key on the keyboard.  Think outside the box:  not only can you give your students options for controling their music, you can create a simple communication board, record directions to an activity, etc.  Learn more about soundplant and downoad it here:  http://soundplant.org/

Do your students enjoy youtube videos?  Allow your student to access youtube or any other website containing videos or music with this program.  Just cut and paste the url into the box.  Directions  for this are here:  (substitute the rubber ducky link for one of your choosing):   http://www.instructables.com/id/Alert-When-Your-Bath-is-Drawn/

Here is the link for the whack a potato activity and download:  http://bluntbody.com/whack-a-potato/

Looking for switch enabled websites?? Check out this great blog post:  http://teachinglearnerswithmultipleneeds.blogspot.com/2011/09/free-online-switch-activities.html

Make you tube videos switch accessible with this website:  http://specialbites.com/switch-access-to-youtube/make_youtube_videos_switch_accessible.php

Remember Power Point, Boardmaker, Clicker, and Classroom Suite activities can also be programmed to be switch activated.  Need a refresher on Power point?  Check out this tutorial:  http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_powerpoint.htm

Be inspired.  Follow the MakeyMakey forum on projects for individuals with disabilities:  http://www.makeymakey.com/forums/index.php?board=7.0

Explore Things that Conduct Electricity:

Some materials that conduct electricity include metals such as aluminum, gold, silver, and copper. Other materials that work great are plants, coins, people, silverware, anything that is wet, most foods, cats and dogs, aluminum foil, rain, and hundreds more...(www.makeymakey.com)

Explore Things that Don't Conduct Electricity:  

Some materials that stop or insulate electricity are glass, ceramics, most plastics, rubber and wood.