Intermediate Makey Makey | Grades Grade 4–Grade 12 | Classbox | Classbox

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Lesson Steps

Maker Class Lesson One: Crafting and Designing Switches

45 min

<h3>Let's explore switches. Switches are a simple type of sensor. Sensors and microcontrollers power our world. But what is a sensor? And what is a microcontroller? And how do they work together? Let's get started!</h3>

<h3> </h3>

 

<h3>Supplies:</h3>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://joylabz.myshopify.com/products/makey-makey-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Makey Makey Classic">Makey Makey Classic</a></li>
<li>6B Pencil</li>
<li>Paper </li>
<li>Cardboard</li>
<li>Foil</li>
<li>Rubber Bands</li>
</ul>

 

 

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<h1>1. Sensors, Switches, and Makey Makey, oh my!</h1>
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Welcome to the Maker Class! This is a class for students who've finished the <a href="https://makeymakey.com/pages/how-to" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Beginner Level Makey Makey class </a>or makers who already have basic knowledge about Makey Makey. 

<a href="https://makeymakey.com/pages/how-to" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">In the beginner classes</a>, you learned how circuits work, explored Makey Makey, and made drawings as the signal to play piano apps. But did you know that you can create complex sensors with Makey Makey?

<h3>Let's start by making a few simple switches.</h3>

A switch is a simple type of sensor.

Vocabulary: A sensor is an input device that senses something (water, light, motion, sound) and then signals that information to an output device. 

Example: Your drawing <a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-four-draw-a-playable-instrument" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">from this lesson</a> was an input device, when Makey Makey sensed you touching each drawing, it sent a signal to your computer where Scratch or the piano app received the signal and played a piano note!

When you start designing your own sensors, it is good to think of the process as a conditional statement “If This> Then That.” A light sensor might sense, “if there is light, then turn off the night lamp.” It could also sense, “If there is darkness, then turn on the night lamp.”

<h3>Sensors combined with Makey Makey</h3>

When you connect a sensor to a Makey Makey, you can detect specific types of information and adjust what you want the output to be with the code that you create.

<h4>The Makey Makey board has 6 “inputs” on the front that function as your computer keys. When an EARTH input detects a key press input, you complete a circuit.</h4>

This information travels through the red USB cable to tell your computer, “Hey! The space key was pressed!” Since Makey Makey allows you to tell your computer that everyday stuff is now your computer keyboard, you can “make” any conductive thing (like a banana) one of your computer “keys.” That’s why it’s called a MaKey MaKey!

 

<h4><img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/IS1_try_space_e7f1cfab-7b61-436b-a77e-e3c8bb4c0e05_large.png?v=1585340081" /></h4>

<h4> </h4>

People use sensors with Makey Makey and other microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and <a href="https://www.microbit.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">micro:bit</a>, but you can actually create your own sensors out of simple materials to use with any of these boards. 

<h3>Switches</h3>

When you play the drawing piano you are the EARTH connection that closes the circuit as you press on each drawing to make each piano key sound.

Now let's learn how to create your own switch that doesn't require bare skin to complete the circuit.

Vocabulary: A switch is a component that requires a physical action to close a circuit. Just like the keys on your keyboard! A Switch can be momentary or maintained.

Let’s make a momentary switch first. This means the switch will only be “on” as long as the switch is actuated. Normally a switch is an open circuit until it is actuated. Meaning the circuit is open until you push the switch to activate it. Just like a keyboard button, or a calculator button. Did you know that you can draw a momentary switch?

You can also easily make a maintained switch with office supplies. A maintained switch remains on once you turn it on or off once you turn it off. This is similar to a light switch in your house.

The best way to learn about switches to make a few different types. 

This craft along video will show you four different ways to craft your switches! 

 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DxFPA0QiPro" width="560"></iframe>

 
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<h1>2. Create a Momentary Switch with a Pencil Drawing!</h1>
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 You can draw a switch very easily! You just need two separate drawings that will only touch when you close your paper together. Attach one drawing to EARTH and the other drawing to SPACE. When the two drawing touch, the SPACE light on your Makey Makey should light up! 

Make sure your drawings uses a lot of graphite (that's the pencil lead). Fill in your drawings completely with graphite as the drawing is actually the circuit. The graphite is the conductor that allows electrons to flow in your Makey Makey powered circuit.

When the two drawings touch, you create a closed, conducting loop that allows the electrons to flow! This make your circuit a closed or complete circuit. When the drawings are apart, your circuit is open and no longer allowing electrons to flow through the loop. 
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/open_and_closed_paper_switch_4ce12122-70b4-4879-9418-06e8eabf73cd_grande.gif?v=1591991763" />

 
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<h1>3. Create a Maintained Switch with Binder Clips!</h1>
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You can make a simple maintained switch by clipping EARTH to one binder clip and SPACE to another. When the two binder clips touch, the circuit is closed and complete! When you separate the binder clips, the circuit is open once again.

Get more cool ideas like this from <a href="https://www.scrappycircuits.com/core-bricks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scrappy Circuits</a>! You can use these same switches to light up LEDS. Plus, the folks at <a href="https://www.scrappycircuits.com/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scrappy Circuits</a> have even more cool ideas for building switches out of scrappy everyday stuff.
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<img alt="" height="301" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/binder_switch_grande.gif?v=1591992083" width="528" />

 
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<h1>4. Create a Push Button Switch with a Paperclip!</h1>
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A paper clip switch is similar to the drawn switch you made above, but acts more like a keyboard key. Put two brass fasteners through a small piece of cardboard. Place a paper clip on one fastener, and bend it so it doesn't touch the other fastener. Clip SPACE to one paper clip fastener and EARTH to the other. When you press the paper clip to the second fastener, you close the loop and complete the circuit. This switch most resembles a keyboard key or a morse code machine!
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 <img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/paper_clip_grande.gif?v=1591992125" />

 
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<h1>4. Create a Stomping Switch with Foil and Cardboard!</h1>
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You can even make a pressure sensitive switch with cardboard and foil. You can use multiple rubber bands as the insulator between the two conductive pads and this will allow you to adjust the pressure needed to close the circuit. If you want an even sturdier stomping switch, <a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/ultimate-stomping-pad">see this guide</a>.

 

<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/cardboard_grande.gif?v=1591992507" />

 

What kind of games and projects will you design to accompany these switch inventions?

Check out this project example from Sam Yancey!

 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pWAzo3Ql7kQ" width="560"></iframe>
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Maker Class Lesson Two: Hack a Toy

45 min

<h3>Big Ideas for this lesson: Create a momentary fabric switch, Code your toy with Scratch, Create kid- friendly alligator clips with clothespins for smaller hands! Be challenged to create a body systems toy!  </h3>

 

<h3>Supplies:</h3>

<ul>
<li>An old toy</li>
<li>Conductive fabric tape</li>
<li>Conductive thread</li>
<li>Two alligator clips</li>
<li><a href="https://joylabz.myshopify.com/products/makey-makey-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Makey Makey</a></li>
<li>Sewable Conductive Notions (Optional)</li>
</ul>

<h3> </h3>

 

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<h1> </h1>

<h1>1. Introduction to the Challenge</h1>
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<img alt="" height="346" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/maintained_closed_1024x1024.jpg?v=1592916903" width="519" />

 

<a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-eight-crafting-and-designing-switches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">In the last class</a>, you learned how to make switches out of everyday stuff. What if you used this simple switch ideas and simple sewing materials to hack a toy? Today, you will use conductive fabric material for your invention instead of office supplies. To create an interactive toy, you will make two conductive spots on your toy that will complete a circuit when the two spots are pressed together.

Big Ideas for this lesson:

<ul>
<li>Create a momentary fabric switch </li>
<li>Code your toy with Scratch</li>
<li>Create kid- friendly alligator clips with clothespins for smaller hands</li>
<li>Create different spots on your toy for your little sister/brother to test with their clothespin clips </li>
</ul>

 

<img alt="" height="479" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/ready_for_testing2_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592590129" width="519" />

 

In this Maker course, we are experimenting with different materials for different inventions to help you start experimenting with your own ideas for creating switches. 

In the same way you can make two pieces of foil touch, you can invent all kinds of actions that will close a switch to send a signal with Makey Makey. 

 

<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/45gi1x_large.gif?v=1592418498" />

 

Here are some common materials when creating sewable electronics. Did you know that you can get thread that is conductive? Conductive thread is made with stainless steel fibers and can be used in place of alligator clips for sewing wearable electronic projects.

The other notions (that's a sewing term to describe small sewing objects or accessories) you can use are quite common. Some folks had success with metal clasps and sewable metal snaps for their Makey Makey invention hacks. 

 

<img alt="" height="251" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/IMG_2714_large.JPG?v=1592420961" width="335" />

 

Let's grab an old toy and give it a new purpose.

In this maker series, you want the projects to be a little more open ended. You can create your toy hack like ours, or you can make different design choices. 

<h3>Design Considerations</h3>

You have three big decisions to make. First decide how you want to make your toy interactive and next decide what you want your toy to do. How will you actuate the switch? (Actuate means the physical movement that controls your switch.) Do you want a momentary switch or a maintained switch? (Remember these are the <a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-eight-crafting-and-designing-switches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">switch ideas from our last maker class</a>.) 

<ul>
<li>Do you want to shake your toy’s hand to make a light come on?</li>
<li>Do you want to hold your toy’s hands to make it talk?</li>
<li>Do you want your guitar toy to become a drum?</li>
<li>Do you want a snap to make the switch maintained?</li>
</ul>

You will use conductive fabric material in place of foil to make a switch. To create an interactive toy, you will make two conductive spots on your toy that will complete a circuit when pressed together (or actuated).

If you don't have conductive fabric or thread, you can still use foil, sewable metal snaps, or even clamp binder clips on your toy. If you don't want to use conductive thread, skip down to the alternative "no sew" step.

Using a different material to make this switch helps you get started with experimenting with everyday materials to create your own switches and components. You can follow our toy hack, or hack a toy in your own way!

You’ll need:

<ul>
<li>An old toy</li>
<li>Conductive fabric tape</li>
<li>Conductive thread</li>
<li>Two alligator clips</li>
<li>Makey Makey</li>
</ul>
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 <img alt="" height="349" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/hack_a_toy_supplies_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592578310" width="523" />

 
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<h1>2. Sewing a Momentary Switch with Conductive Thread</h1>
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Place a small piece of conductive fabric tape on each hand of your stuffed toy. 

 

<img alt="" height="783" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/momentary_1_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592589097" width="522" />

 

Then, thread a needle with about 24” conductive thread. Tie a knot at the end of the thread. 

Use the needle to poke from the back of the stuffed toy’s hand, up to the conductive fabric patch. Make sure the thread comes up and over so that is makes a connection on the top of the fabric tape. 

 

<img alt="" height="349" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/momentary_and_thread_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592589186" width="524" />

 

Bring the needle back to the backside of the stuffie’s hand, make one more stitch on the back of the toy, and tie a knot. (You may want to come back through the thread and pull the needle through this loop to make a knot.)

 

<img alt="" height="349" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/momentary_and_thread_2_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592590055" width="524" /> 

 

You should have a spot now to clip your alligator clip to on the back of your toy’s hand.  Clip one alligator clip to each hand.

 

<img alt="" height="347" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/alligator_clip_to_thread_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592590086" width="521" /> 

 

On your Makey Makey, plug one alligator clip to SPACE and the other to an EARTH connection on the bottom row. 

 

<img alt="" height="486" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/ready_for_testing2_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592590129" width="526" />

Now when your toy’s hands touch, it will make a connection just like your simple foil switch. Cool momentary switch, eh?

 

 <img alt="" height="348" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/acutating_momentary_switch_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592590185" width="522" />

 

<img alt="" height="545" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/closing_switch_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592590228" width="363" />

 

 
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<h1>3. Alternative: No- Sew Method with Hook Up Wire</h1>
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Maybe you don't have access to conductive thread? This step will show you how to use everyday office supplies and the materials in your Makey Makey kit to hack a toy. 

The small white wires in your kit are called hook-up wire. These tiny wires are commonly used in electronics and cut to length, then soldered to hold projects in place and ensure conductivity. These wires fit in the back of the board, but you can use them in any project.

If you don't have conductive thread, you can use a hook up wire and poke it through your toy, just like you would use a thread and needle.

 

 <img alt="" height="313" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/hook_up_wire_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592851871" width="521" />

 

Using needle nose pliers, wrap the exposed end of the wire onto the end of a safety pin. The exposed end needs to be attached well to the safety pin so you can extend the conductive area from the wire to the safety pin. (You could also use a binder clip instead of a safety pin.) 

 

<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/needle_nose_large.gif?v=1592851654" />

 

Cover the wire on the back of your toy with some low adhesive masking tape to keep it in place. 

 

<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/wiring_safety_pin_large.jpeg?v=1592852174" />

 

Now, clip an alligator clip to the exposed end of the hook up wire.

 

<img alt="" height="324" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/clip_to_wire_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592852622" width="517" />

 

Cover the alligator clip as well so it doesn't come loose. 

 

<img alt="" height="382" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/cover_with_tape_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592852685" width="529" />

 

Repeat in another spot on your toy, and now when those two conductive spots come together, you will complete the circuit. 
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 <img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/45zilu_large.gif?v=1592852113" />

 
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<h1>4. Code in Scratch</h1>
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You can use your coding skills from the class "<a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-five-code-your-key-presses-in-scratch" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Code Your Key Presses in Scratch</a>" to record and code sound effects, code your toy to be a musical instrument, or code your toy to be a game controller! This step is up to you to design and decide!

<a href="https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/408456341" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">See a game example here</a> - Further instructions are in the next step!

 

 <img alt="" height="376" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/sound_palette-01_514cb149-73b5-4e8c-b5ad-975f85801ee2_1024x1024.png?v=1586531036" width="515" />

 

<img alt="" height="503" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/creating_sounds-01_1024x1024.png?v=1586529335" width="519" />

 

<img alt="" height="470" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/record_sound-01_1024x1024.png?v=1586530237" width="518" />

 

 
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<h1>5. Going Further: Create a Human Anatomy Learning Toy and Kid- Friendly Alligator Clips with a Clothespin</h1>
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<img alt="" height="393" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/DSC_0184_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592853242" width="590" />

 

Sometimes those alligator clips are really difficult to pinch open and closed. Let's make a kid friendly version with a clothespin, so your little brother or sister can easily clip to different conductive spots on your toy. (This clips will function as EARTH so you can have multiple key presses on your toy. )

 

<img alt="" height="343" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/step1_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592827914" width="515" />

 

You need:

<ul>
<li>A clothespin</li>
<li>Foil</li>
<li>Glue-stick</li>
<li>Alligator clip</li>
</ul>

First take the clothespin apart. Just wiggle off the metal spring.

 

<img alt="" height="345" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/step_2_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592827876" width="518" />

 

Next cut two strips of foil to fit on the clothespin. Then use a glue-stick to adhere to the surface of each clothespin piece. You need one foil to wrap the entire length of the clothespin and the other side can just cover the front of the clip.

 

<img alt="" height="344" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/step_4_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592828107" width="516" />

<img alt="" height="345" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/step_6_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592828224" width="518" />

 

Put your clothespin back together  and attach an alligator clip to the end where the foil wraps around the end. 

 

<img alt="" height="351" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/step_7_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592828349" width="526" />

 

Now you are ready to test on your toy. You can create multiple conductive spots, then in Scratch, you can code the descriptions of your toy's anatomy or body system. Your toy may have multiple hearts, or three stomachs (like a cow!) Or, maybe your toy is an animal and you can actually code the real descriptions of the animal's body system.

 

<img alt="" height="455" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/testing_a5004234-522b-4e91-b15f-dae2864f31de_1024x1024.jpeg?v=1592853077" width="682" />

 

Try the Scratch game here, by pressing the up arrow, left arrow, or spacebar to learn about our monster's weird and wacky body system!

 

<iframe allowfullscreen="" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="402" scrolling="no" src="https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/408456341/embed" width="485"></iframe>
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Maker Class Lesson Three: Designing and Crafting Alarm Systems

45 min

<h3>In the previous classes, you focused on creating simple buttons and interactive switches with different materials. In this class, you'll learn to code alarms with these inventions, and be challenged to design your own alarm system.</h3>

<h3> </h3>

<h3>Supplies:</h3>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://joylabz.myshopify.com/products/makey-makey-kit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Makey Makey Classic">Makey Makey Classic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-eight-crafting-and-designing-switches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Switches from previous class</a></li>
<li>Foil</li>
<li>Cardboard</li>
</ul>

 

 

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<h1>1. Coding an Alarm System- Momentary Switch</h1>
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Grab your paper clip push button switch from <a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-eight-crafting-and-designing-switches">the first maker class</a>, and let's learn how to code it in <a href="https://scratch.mit.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Scratch</a>!

 

<img alt="" height="171" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/paper_clip_large.gif?v=1591992125" width="205" />

 

You need to code an alarm that will sound when you press the paperclip to the brass fastener. It isn't too difficult, but you will need a quick trick to make sure the alarm only sounds when you complete the circuit! 

 

<img alt="" height="266" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/door_alarm_758bbac3-0584-43ef-a46c-1eada4cf8369_grande.gif?v=1595442869" width="316" />

 

<a href="https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/410329377/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GIF from this Scratch Project</a>

To trigger your alarm sound, it's really pretty easy to code. You need an if/else statement nestled into a forever loop that will sound the alarm when the up arrow is pressed. Otherwise, you want the alarm sound to stop. 

 

<img alt="" height="372" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/if_else_alarm_code_1-01_1024x1024.png?v=1595352708" width="592" />

 

Since this code is in s forever-loop that reads from the top down, this is how Scratch is running the code:

<ul>
<li>
Check to see if up arrow is pressed
</li>
<li>
If yes: play sound until it’s done
</li>
<li>
Go through the loop again
</li>
<li>
If no: (Or if up arrow isn’t pressed anymore) trigger code for else: to stop all sounds
</li>
</ul>

This if/else statement works great for changing costumes, broadcasting messages, etc. However, it is trickier with sound as the code. It will never get to the else statement while the sound is playing, so if you want to stop the sound as soon as key is not pressed, you'll have to add another script.

You need the reporting block "Not" from the Operator Palette. This code will be under a separate "When Flag Clicked" so that it will always be running and checking to see "if the up arrow is not pressed.

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Check to see if up arrow is not pressed
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If it is not pressed, stop all sounds in the project.
</li>
</ul>

Now your code will only be triggered when the circuit is closed. If the two conductive touch points do not touch then the alarm will be silenced!

 

<img alt="" height="368" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/stop_all_sounds_final-01_1024x1024.png?v=1595360295" width="598" />

 

And that's really all you need to code for your alarm! You might want to add more effects, so check out this coding video walkthrough of using your momentary push button alarm from <a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-eight-crafting-and-designing-switches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the first class in this series</a>. Follow along to code your own Scratch project. Then design your own push button alarm! 

 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fwQoyz_BF38" width="560"></iframe>

<h2> </h2>

<h2>Brainstorming and Testing Alarm Systems</h2>

Design considerations:

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<li>
Your first design consideration is to think about where you want to place your momentary alarm.
</li>
<li>
How will you place two conductive items so that some movement triggers your alarm? 
</li>
<li>
What items will you use in crafting your alarm system? What items work well?
</li>
<li>
How can you ensure the alarm is triggered without bringing the system crashing down? 
</li>
</ul>

In the video below, you can see how you could wire up your momentary push button as a doorbell outside your door.

The example used a phone with an adapter so the Makey Makey could be left behind the door. To transform the doorbell into an alarm, the example used a wire coat hanger, (make sure you sand off coating to expose the metal) hung it above a door, and connected the coat hanger to the "Up arrow" on Makey Makey. On the door,  there is a strip of HVAC tape connected to "EARTH" on the Makey Makey. This alarm is triggered when someone opens the door as the coat hanger closes the circuit when it touches the aluminum foil strip. Also, the coat hanger is held with a binder clip to allow for movement! (Make sure to ask your parents before using any thumbtacks or applying tape to walls or doors in your room! )

 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ujPlbYYmh4" width="560"></iframe>

 

An<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So3WNkC65zw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> ambassador</a> shared how to make this alarm in his native language, Italian! Godere!

 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/So3WNkC65zw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
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<h1>2. Coding an Always-on Alarm System- Non-momentary /Toggle Switch</h1>
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<td>
Now that you've coded a push button alarm, how about coding an alarm that is always set and will blast when someone opens the box that holds your precious goods?

 

<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/toy_box_gif_6d64ddb2-6bdc-4a91-bceb-4244f6c88301_grande.gif?v=1594407235" />

 

<a href="https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/410389935/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GIF from this Scratch Project</a>

Grab your binder clip switch from <a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-eight-crafting-and-designing-switches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the first class in this series</a> and let's learn how to code it really quick! This switch is more like a light switch (which is a toggle switch) It comes on when you flip it, and off when you turn the switch to "off." A light switch works by closing a circuit to turn on the light when you flip the switch one way, and turns it off (opens the circuit) when you flip the switch the other way.

 

<img alt="" height="181" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/binder_switch_grande.gif?v=1591992083" width="318" />

 

The coding for this project might look similar to the other alarm, but we need to switch things up a bit! (Get it? Switch???)

 

 <img alt="" height="383" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/always_on_alarm_code-01_1024x1024.png?v=1595442011" width="579" />

 

That's all you need to start a sound by releasing a key press, and stop the sound by pressing the key!  
 

You can use if/else statements to add interesting visuals to go with your alarm. This code will change the background based on a key press (or not.)

 

<img alt="" height="365" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0162/8612/files/changing_backdrop_1024x1024.png?v=1595442238" width="289" />

 

You might want to add more effects, so watch this coding video walkthrough of using your non-momentary binder clip switch from <a href="https://makeymakey.com/blogs/how-to-instructions/lesson-eight-crafting-and-designing-switches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the first class in this series</a>. Follow along to code your own Scratch project and view the bonus feature with a real toy box alarm. Then design your own "Always - on alarm." 

 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TUAzbr9nlxQ" width="560"></iframe>

 

Design considerations:

<ul>
<li>
Your first design consideration is to think about what you want to protect and what container you will use to create your "toy box alarm!"
</li>
<li>
How will you place two conductive items so that they are always touching unless someone is trying to access what your alarm is protecting?
</li>
<li>
What items will you use in crafting your alarm system? What items will work well and can be secured to a box, lid, etc.?
</li>
<li>
How can you ensure the alarm is set and no one can see the wires or Makey Makey?
</li>
</ul>
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Maker Class Lesson Four: Recyclable Tilt Sensors

45 min

Maker Class Lesson Five: Using Secret Codes to a Create a Makey Makey Life Cycle Project

45 min

Maker Class Lesson Six: Advanced Sequencing, Music, and Secret Codes

Related Supply Kit

Makey Makey STEM Pack

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Intermediate Makey Makey

Standards Alignment

13 Standards Aligned

Lesson Steps

Maker Class Lesson One: Crafting and Designing Switches

Maker Class Lesson Two: Hack a Toy

Maker Class Lesson Three: Designing and Crafting Alarm Systems

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Maker Class Lesson Four: Recyclable Tilt Sensors

Maker Class Lesson Five: Using Secret Codes to a Create a Makey Makey Life Cycle Project

Maker Class Lesson Six: Advanced Sequencing, Music, and Secret Codes

Makey Makey STEM Pack

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