In the digital age, coding has become a digital literacy. It’s also aiding as a way to bring more creativity into the digital realm. Coding can be an extension to almost anything you do in the art room. Sometimes students want to tell more than just a visual story. Using coding devices like a Makey Makey can bring a traditional artwork to life. Using the device, students can code to create an interactive experience for viewers.
During this activity, we use Makey Makey set to enhance an art piece with technology. We also interact with the artwork more in this way. We bring a work of art to life through Scratch and sound. We set up the Makey Makey and present the process. To do this, a conductor to complete the circuit will need to be used. Once t-pins are in place, the clamps can be attached to them. When the USB is plugged into the computer and the Scratch program with the sound recordings is open, the magic begins!
Makey makey setup (instruction)
SCRATCH PROJECT LINK:
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/448756789
Screenshot of the Scratch project:
During this activity, we use Makey Makey set to enhance an art piece with technology. We also interact with the artwork more in this way. We bring a work of art to life through Scratch and sound. We set up the Makey Makey and present the process. To do this, a conductor to complete the circuit will need to be used. Once t-pins are in place, the clamps can be attached to them. When the USB is plugged into the computer and the Scratch program with the sound recordings is open, the magic begins!
Makey makey setup (instruction)
- To make Makey Makey work with Scratch, plug in the USB to a computer and create a Scratch program normally. For example, when the right arrow key is pressed, play the sound "Beethoven....."
- Then, connect one of the alligator clips to Earth at the bottom of the Makey Makey board and touch the metal at the other end of the alligator clip with a finger.
- Next, connect another alligator clip to the brush and the right arrow on the Makey Makey board.
- When the metal clip and the brush are touched at the same time, the circuit is completed and the Makey Makey sends a signal to the computer saying a key is pressed. Every time the brush is touched, the music plays.
SCRATCH PROJECT LINK:
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/448756789
Screenshot of the Scratch project:
The same experience with the Tortoise Trainer, as well.