Save the Penguin With Makey Makey!

I created a brief storyline that is dedicated to showcase the use of conductive materials and the Makey Makey. In the story, there is a penguin that is standing on a floating sheet of ice, and is given the choice of a fish and an onion. If the penguin opts to consume the fish, the shark will get the penguin, and the game is over. However, if the penguin opts for the onion, it can eventually give the onion to the shark which sends the shark in the opposite direction. Small games like such help engage younger audiences to be inspired, and hopefully take on some projects that involve basic programming and crafting. With the younger generations becoming more and more predominantly digital, this is a wonderful way to introduce the field of code on a digital platform along with a physical component that is feasible for use.

Supplies

Makey-Makey

Empty tissue box

Colored paper

Aluminum (Tin foil)

Conductive tape

Regular tape

Alligator clips

Cardboard

Printer paper

Marker

Personal computer (Chromebook in this case)

Building the Project

a. Using primarily cardboard, compile all information and instructions for the player, and write them clearly on the board.

b. Create six holes in a tissue box, and the holes will be used for the Makey Makey alligator clips to attach to the input buttons.

c. Add conductive material around six pieces of cardboard. Label two of them fish, and label two of them shark. Label one of them ‘RESET’ and label one of them with a penguin image. These commands are crucial for gameplay. Wrap the fish and shark with aluminum foil. Make sure that the conductive tap strips extend, so that it can be put into the slots of the tissue box holes.

d. Attach the command pieces to the alligator clips in the tissue box, and connect the other end of the clips to the correct attachment site on the Makey Makey circuit board. Add aluminum foil to the inner side of the fish and shark and reset button, so that the clips can attach to the foil tabs. (Shown in photo) (Slot the excess tab of tape into the pre-punctured holes, and wrap the bottom end with foil; these make the tabs for attachment)

e. Attach the cardboard instructions onto the side of the tissue box.

f. Connect the Makey Makey to the device using the USB port. Attach the penguin’s alligator clip to the ‘Earth’ location.

*Note : Cut a larger opening on the side with a scissor to make an accessible slot for the Makey Makey.

Programming Scratch

This section carefully lists the procedures for the code that accompanies the project.

a. In order for the code to run properly, the buttons must be pushed in a specific order to work. To prevent accidental presses, the sequence only works in one direction (left to right or up to down) and not the other way around.

b. The code contains conditional blocks for the proper sequence of story events. The conditional block requires a satisfied input or condition for it to run subsequent events. For example, a conditional is that if the shark sprite is touching the onion sprite, it turns away, and the player wins.

c. There is a usage of two possible story outcomes, which was influenced from previous digital storyline projects.

d. The program utilizes a sequence of events to run through the possible scenarios. Positions are also specified in the code, instructing sprites to go to their respective locations when each command is pressed or interacted with.

Attaching Makey Makey to the Project

In order for this project to properly run, the Makey Makey controls the events of the game.

a. Attach the USB cable to the Makey Makey and to the Chromebook (or comparable digital device).

b. The alligator clips are properly attached to the correct respective location, and are fastened securely.

c. The project has been inspected to contain no visible physical defects.

Downloads

Save the Penguin With Makey Makey! - Step #3

Testing and Troubleshooting

In code, trialing and debugging is crucial for the process of learning, and also for the purpose of having a functional project.

a. There are a few minor bugs that can exist. Two sequences can be ran and the same time, which may ultimately disrupt the function of the game. This occurs by overriding the Makey Makey, and instead pressing all the command buttons.

b. As a result, the RESET button is implemented to end all code and restart from the beginning to prevent further collisions.

c. The project is extremely delicate, so the connecting of the alligator clips and aluminum foil may be fragile. Picking up the project with the Makey Makey may also be a challenge, and therefore, putting all cables and the hardware inside the opening of the tissue box will be beneficial.