Unit 2: Computing Systems with Makey Makey
IN THIS LESSON
I can describe how the components of a computer work together to form a system.
Today, we will learn to use Makey Makeys. We will learn how they work and what the class expectations are for using them.
Makey Makey’s are external hardware components that close circuits to send electrical signals to the computer. This is similar to how other input devices, like keyboards, send electrical signals for the keyboard to interpret. Here is a gif that shows how switches close when you press down on a key on a keyboard.
When is the circuit open and when is it closed? When is a signal sent to the computer.
You will then get a chance to experiment with the Makey Makey. As you experiment with the Makey Makey, consider the following questions:
How do signals move from the Makey Makey to the Computer?
What effect does the software have on what the Makey Makey does?
How do external components, like Makey Makeys, work with the computer's internal components to form a system?
Key Vocabulary
Makey Makey Computer USB Cable Motherboard Circuit Electrical Signal Electricity CPU GPU Screen Closed Circuit Open Circuit Interpret Hardware Software Internal External
Finally, to show your understanding, you will fill in the blanks in a scratch animation or draw and label a diagram to show how the Makey Makey works.
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AKS-1 identify the features of current technologies and use that knowledge to understand emerging technologies
AKS-9 understand the relationship between technology, lifelong learning, and the appropriate use of information
2. obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate electricity (GSE S5P2)
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E - I completed the Makey Makey Animation and created hardware and software useable by diverse users.
S - I completed the Makey Makey Animation or created hardware and software useable by diverse users.
N - I did not complete either lesson.
U - I did not try my best to complete the lesson.