Summary of Makey Makey Game Show Buzzer
This Instructable shows how to build four simple cardboard buzzer switches for classroom review games using tin foil tape, foam, rubber bands, a Makey Makey, and Scratch to create playable buzzer inputs and sounds.
Parts used in the Makey Makey Game Show Buzzer:
- 4 Pieces of Cardboard (3 x 3 inches)
- 4 Pieces of Tin Foil Tape (3 x 3 inches)
- 4 Pieces of Foam
- 2 Rubber Bands
- Colored Paper or Tape
- 1 Makey Makey
- Alligator clip wires (to connect switches to Makey Makey)
- 1 Computer (with USB to connect Makey Makey)
This instructable is designed to help you build a simple game buzzer system for classroom review games. In this Instructable, you will create simple cardboard switches that will work with a Makey Makey and will be coded using Scratch.
Supplies:
4 Pieces of Cardboard (3 x 3 inches)
4 pieces of Tin Foil Tape cut to 3 x 3 inches
4 Pieces of Foam
2 Rubber Bands
Colored Paper or Tape
1 Makey Makey
1 Computer
Step 1: Prepping Your Supplies
- Take your tin foil tap and put it on 1 side of each of the pieces of cardboard.
- On the opposite side from the tin foil, attach your colored paper or tape.
Step 2: Make Your Switch Sandwich
- Add two pieces of foam and place them on the tin foil tape side of 1 piece of cardboard.
- Make sure the foam is spaced out on the ends of the cardboard to leave space in the middle.
- Take the piece of cardboard that has the colored paper on it and place the tin foil tape side down onto of the pieces of foam.
- Repeat Steps 1-3 for the other two pieces of cardboard.
- Take your rubber bands and wrap it around the cardboard sandwich.
* Make sure that rubber band it not too tight around the cardboard sandwich and that the space is still preserved in the center.
Step 3: Connect Your Makey Makey
- Take two alligator clips and attach one to each piece of cardboard of the cardboard sandwich. One on the top and one on the bottom. Make sure that the alligator clip is touching the tin foil tape.
- Repeat for the other cardboard sandwich.
- Take one cardboard sandwich. Take the open end of the alligator clip and put one into the Up Arrow spot on the Makey Makey and take the other alligator clip and attach it to the earth.
- Now, take the other cardboard sandwich. Take the open end of the alligator clip and put one into the Space spot on the Makey Makey and take the other alligator clip and attach it to the earth.
- Connect the USB Port on your Makey Makey to your computer.
Step 4: Write Your Code
- Go to Scratch.mit.edu
- Create an original code with unique sounds from their sound library or get inspired and remix the Game Show Buzzer with Makey Makey that I wrote.
Use this with your students during any review games that you host in your class. There will be no more arguments about whose hand was up first!
Source: Makey Makey Game Show Buzzer
- What materials do I need to make the buzzer switches?
Four 3x3 cardboard pieces, four 3x3 tin foil tape pieces, four foam pieces, two rubber bands, colored paper or tape, a Makey Makey, alligator clips, and a computer. - How do I prepare the cardboard pieces?
Stick tin foil tape on one side of each cardboard piece and attach colored paper or tape on the opposite side. - How do I assemble a switch sandwich?
Place two foam pieces on the tin foil side of one cardboard, leaving a center gap, then place the cardboard with tin foil down on top and secure with a rubber band. - Where do I attach the alligator clips?
Attach one clip to the top and one to the bottom tin foil parts of each cardboard sandwich so the clips touch the tin foil tape. - How do I connect the switches to the Makey Makey?
Connect one alligator clip from a sandwich to an input key (example Up Arrow), the other clip from the same sandwich to Earth, and repeat for the second sandwich using another input (example Space). - How many buzzer switches are built in this project?
The Instructable describes building two cardboard sandwich switches (useful for two players); supplies list supports making up to four switches. - How do I get the buzzer sounds to play?
Connect the Makey Makey to your computer via USB and use Scratch to create or remix a program that plays sounds when the Makey Makey inputs are triggered. - Where can I find code examples for this project?
Go to Scratch.mit.edu and create original code or remix the Game Show Buzzer with Makey Makey project mentioned in the Instructable. - Can I use these switches for classroom review games?
Yes, the guide is intended for using the switches with students during review games to determine who buzzed first.
