Overview
Makey Makey Classic
Products
Grades 4–12
Grade Level
45 min – 1 hour
Time Required
Everyday Inventing
Category
Difficulty
CSTA Standards
CCSS Standards
Create an interactive poster that plays sounds, narrates information, or triggers animations when touched! Combine art, research, and Makey Makey circuits.
Learning Goals
- Research and organize information on a topic of choice
- Design an interactive poster with conductive touch points
- Record audio narrations using the Makey Makey Sampler or Poster app
- Connect physical artwork to digital content via Makey Makey
Materials & Preparation
Materials Needed
- Makey Makey kit
- Alligator clips
- Poster board or large cardboard
- Aluminum foil or conductive tape
- Markers and art supplies
- Computer with Makey Makey Poster or Sampler app
Preparation
Open the Makey Makey Poster app or Sampler app on each computer. Have poster-making supplies ready. Students should have a topic pre-selected for their poster.
Build Activity — Step by Step
Choose Your Topic
Pick a topic you want to teach others about — an animal, a country, a historical event, a science concept, or anything you're passionate about!
Design the Poster Layout
Sketch your poster layout with designated touch zones. Each zone will trigger a different sound or narration when touched.
Create Conductive Touch Points
Attach aluminum foil patches or conductive tape to each touch zone on your poster. Run foil strips to the edge of the poster for alligator clip connections.
Record Your Audio
Use the Sampler or Poster app to record narrations for each section. Keep recordings under 5 seconds each for best results.
Connect to Makey Makey
Clip alligator clips from each foil touch point to a Makey Makey input. Connect EARTH. Test each touch zone!
Present Your Poster
Share your interactive poster with classmates. Let them touch the poster to hear your narrations and learn about your topic.
Assessment
Students present their interactive posters to the class. Evaluate research quality, poster design, circuit reliability, and presentation skills.

