Makey Makey
The Makey Makey is described by its creator as ‘An Invention Kit for Everyone’. It is an electronic invention tool that allows users to connect everyday objects to computer programs. Using a circuit board, alligator clips, and a USB cable, the Makey Makey uses closed electrical loops to send the computer either a keyboard stroke or mouse click signal. This function allows it to work with any computer program or webpage since all computer programs and webpages take keyboard and mouse click inputs.
In this project, pupils work in parallel to learn both how to create and manipulate sounds with the Makey Makey device, as well as learning new percussion instruments and ensemble playing. They perform together as a band in a final assembly ‘remix’ show. Makey Makeys have an endless range of applications, and they all combine science, computing and creativity - an obvious choice for a YMI project that can combine electronic and live music-making in a fun and accessible way.
Key features are:
The Makey Makey project is taught over 6 weekly sessions for 2 classes-a-day, usually P3-7 age: one whole class after morning break until lunch, and the second class for the whole afternoon. The project includes 2 tutors, instrument and equipment provision, travel and administration.
Links
Introduction to Makey Makeys: https://vimeo.com/60307041
Makey Makey music examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkPt9MYqDW0
Soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/mat-clements-1 Look for PPAP remixes at Earlston and Gordon primary schools!
Praise for the Makey Makey Project in the Scottish Borders
“A collaboration between musicians Mat Clements and Cameron Hall, this project incorporates music, storytelling and ICT. Although musical development is at the heart of this project, it also aligns with many of the indicators relating to creativity and digital literacy featured in How Good is Our School 4. Following the project, schools have increased confidence in using technologies in a creative way. Schools have gone on to purchase class sets of Makey Makey’s, using them in tandem with coding programmes. I have seen whole schools, parents and friends dancing at final performances and participants thoroughly engaged and proud of their learning. “
- Kelsey Jubin, Creative Learning Assistant, Scottish Borders Council, Jan 2017
“We all enjoyed the whole experience. The children worked well as teams and it encouraged creativity. Mat was very good with the children, so calm and positive at all times. Children enjoyed the end performance as it’s not something they experience regularly.“
- Class Teachers, Kingsland Primary School 2015
“Just to let you know that I thought the recent work done by Youth Music Initiative at my sons school with his P5 class was excellent and amazing. I know my son had great fun and learnt a lot. I also know it was the best and most entertaining school assembly I have ever attended. I was most impressed and urge you to fund more workshops with these artists : Mat Clements and Cameron Hall.”
- Parent, Earlston Primary School 2016
“Benjamin has loved Tuesdays and will be sad not to have this time with Mat and Cam now the block is at the end. He came home this evening and was looking at the web sites that they had recommended and trying to find out more about how he can make music at home.”
- Parent, Gordon Primary School 2016
For any further information, or to discuss a Makey Makey programme in your schools, please contact Mat Clements. Many thanks!
The Makey Makey is described by its creator as ‘An Invention Kit for Everyone’. It is an electronic invention tool that allows users to connect everyday objects to computer programs. Using a circuit board, alligator clips, and a USB cable, the Makey Makey uses closed electrical loops to send the computer either a keyboard stroke or mouse click signal. This function allows it to work with any computer program or webpage since all computer programs and webpages take keyboard and mouse click inputs.
In this project, pupils work in parallel to learn both how to create and manipulate sounds with the Makey Makey device, as well as learning new percussion instruments and ensemble playing. They perform together as a band in a final assembly ‘remix’ show. Makey Makeys have an endless range of applications, and they all combine science, computing and creativity - an obvious choice for a YMI project that can combine electronic and live music-making in a fun and accessible way.
Key features are:
- 9 hours tuition over 6 weeks (approx. 1.5hours/week per class). All liaison with schools included.
- All the equipment and instruments are provided
- Designed for P3-7, but applicable to younger, older classes and composites
- Tutors Mat Clements and Cam Hall each bring 20 years of professional experience to the programme
- Covers many 2nd Stage CfE codes for music, creativity and digital literacy – it’s a STEAM project that integrates STEM subjects with the arts.
- Pupils learn a variety of percussion instruments and techniques, and how to play together as a band
- Use of warm-ups and musical activities that encourage personal and musical development along with teamwork and leadership.
- Pupils become familiar with how electrical circuits work, and the use of Soundplant and Audacity music software
- In-school assembly performance, presented by the pupils.
- Upload of a band recording to Soundcloud so pupils can share their achievements outside school with families and friends – see links section
- Huge potential for extension into school blogs, coding activities, Scratch, gaming, home music making and diverse creative projects
The Makey Makey project is taught over 6 weekly sessions for 2 classes-a-day, usually P3-7 age: one whole class after morning break until lunch, and the second class for the whole afternoon. The project includes 2 tutors, instrument and equipment provision, travel and administration.
Links
Introduction to Makey Makeys: https://vimeo.com/60307041
Makey Makey music examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkPt9MYqDW0
Soundcloud page: https://soundcloud.com/mat-clements-1 Look for PPAP remixes at Earlston and Gordon primary schools!
Praise for the Makey Makey Project in the Scottish Borders
“A collaboration between musicians Mat Clements and Cameron Hall, this project incorporates music, storytelling and ICT. Although musical development is at the heart of this project, it also aligns with many of the indicators relating to creativity and digital literacy featured in How Good is Our School 4. Following the project, schools have increased confidence in using technologies in a creative way. Schools have gone on to purchase class sets of Makey Makey’s, using them in tandem with coding programmes. I have seen whole schools, parents and friends dancing at final performances and participants thoroughly engaged and proud of their learning. “
- Kelsey Jubin, Creative Learning Assistant, Scottish Borders Council, Jan 2017
“We all enjoyed the whole experience. The children worked well as teams and it encouraged creativity. Mat was very good with the children, so calm and positive at all times. Children enjoyed the end performance as it’s not something they experience regularly.“
- Class Teachers, Kingsland Primary School 2015
“Just to let you know that I thought the recent work done by Youth Music Initiative at my sons school with his P5 class was excellent and amazing. I know my son had great fun and learnt a lot. I also know it was the best and most entertaining school assembly I have ever attended. I was most impressed and urge you to fund more workshops with these artists : Mat Clements and Cameron Hall.”
- Parent, Earlston Primary School 2016
“Benjamin has loved Tuesdays and will be sad not to have this time with Mat and Cam now the block is at the end. He came home this evening and was looking at the web sites that they had recommended and trying to find out more about how he can make music at home.”
- Parent, Gordon Primary School 2016
For any further information, or to discuss a Makey Makey programme in your schools, please contact Mat Clements. Many thanks!