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Teaching Science with Lynda R. Williams

Elementary Science Ideas, Lessons, and Resources

Introducing Teachers to Makey Makey in a Coding for Teachers Class

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Recently I had the opportunity to guest teach in a Coding for Teachers Class.  I was asked to introduce them to Makey Makey.  


I started by reviewing with them what they already understand about an electrical circuit. Drawing a simple circuit on the board I asked them to tell me what was going on.  They quickly identified the closed circuit.  I explained that if we were working with actual k-12 students we would have several lessons on electrical circuits perhaps using LED Lights LED Lights or Squishy Circuits Fun with Squishy Circuits . 

Then I introduced Makey Makey by showing them the Makey Makey promo video.  

Next, I handed out the Makey Makeys and said let’s get started!  We plugged them in and go them started using the How To tab on the Makey Makey home page to get them set up. Makey Makey Set Up
 
And then the real thinking, problem solving and troubleshooting began!  This I believe is the center of why Makey Makey is a great tool.  Everyone ends up trouble shooting something!  
 
My partner is grounded and the Makey Makey is not working for me? Why?  Is there something I can do to make it respond to me?
Makey Makey not responding to a particular person:  Are my hands too dry?
 
Which items will best conduct electricity?  Fruits and vegetables, play-doh, foil?
 
Lastly we brainstormed classroom uses for Makey Makey. What if you only had one? How could you use it in your own specific subject area? What are the benefits to students? 
 
Here is a finished Makey Makey project from one of my previous classes. Notice the integration of music into their project.
 

 
I had fun with this coding class.  Thank you Dr. Cox for letting me come play with your students! 
 
If you want more information on PBL with Makey Makey see my blog post here. Makey Makey for PBL
Are you interested in learning about using Makey Makey with a fourth-grade class? My frient Ginny over at Mrs. Proton Priest has a great post on Makey Makey with Fourth Grade Students
Other cool teaching ideas available in my store Lynda’s Store
If you enjoyed this blog post please repost on social media.

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I am so impressed with this unit which manages to be distance learning and hands-on at the same time.  Really well thought out and engaging activities that allow students to practice each of the eight Science and Engineering Practices.  Really no prep for me!

 
Science and Engineering Practices Distance Education Unit

Tina S

Teaching Science with Lynda R. Williams
5
2016-05-03T18:05:39-06:00

Tina S

I am so impressed with this unit which manages to be distance learning and hands-on at the same time.  Really well thought out and engaging activities that allow students to practice each of the eight Science and Engineering Practices.  Really no prep for me!   Science and Engineering Practices Distance Education Unit
The elephant article was excellent but I also thought the lab on dissecting a flower was broken down so easily, even telling me where to get inexpensive flowers!  This resource helped me teach this challenging standard in an engaging way.  Worth every penny!

 
Structure and Function NGSS 4-LS1-1 and 4-LS1-2

Richard S

Teaching Science with Lynda R. Williams
5
2016-05-03T18:07:52-06:00

Richard S

The elephant article was excellent but I also thought the lab on dissecting a flower was broken down so easily, even telling me where to get inexpensive flowers!  This resource helped me teach this challenging standard in an engaging way.  Worth every penny!   Structure and Function NGSS 4-LS1-1 and 4-LS1-2
As always, Lynda provides perfect alignment with the standards.

 
Age of the Earth and Geologic Time Scale NGSS MS ESS1-4

Sharon M

Teaching Science with Lynda R. Williams
5
2016-05-03T18:24:44-06:00

Sharon M

As always, Lynda provides perfect alignment with the standards.   Age of the Earth and Geologic Time Scale NGSS MS ESS1-4
Thank you so much for creating this resource! It is such a fun and engaging activity for my students, especially during distance learning.

 
Honey Bee Digital Escape Distance Learning

Expedition Fourth

Teaching Science with Lynda R. Williams
2020-11-03T20:44:55-07:00

Expedition Fourth

Thank you so much for creating this resource! It is such a fun and engaging activity for my students, especially during distance learning.   Honey Bee Digital Escape Distance Learning
My students loved this unit. I was able to present different elements of it throughout the month. It is hard to find interesting non-fictional, age-appropriate text for my students that they will enjoy. This was a great unit that aligned well for my students who have very different goals within the same group.

 
Compare and Contrast Two Texts on Reindeer

Heidi J

Teaching Science with Lynda R. Williams
2020-11-03T20:45:49-07:00

Heidi J

My students loved this unit. I was able to present different elements of it throughout the month. It is hard to find interesting non-fictional, age-appropriate text for my students that they will enjoy. This was a great unit that aligned well for my students who have very different goals within the same group.   Compare and Contrast Two Texts on Reindeer
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Teaching Science with Lynda R. Williams

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