A new emergent technology has been introduced at New Roberto Clemente School in Paterson, where students in science, technology and art classes are highly engaged. This technology, called "Makey Makey" is also a great linkage to the Arts, since it helps with the generation of music and drawing via Scratch coding.
Image above: Makey Makey. Image right: Students at NRC in Ms. Janette Selino's technology class experiment with Makey Makey during STEAM enrichment time.
Above image: Makey Makey
As a first lesson, Mrs. Selino, technology teacher at NRC, introduced the Makey Makey technology classes especially her to her STEAM enrichment classes. She has observed students' immediate enthusiasm for this inventive technology. Makey Makey is "a simple invention kit for Beginners and for Experts doing art, engineering, and everything in between". LINK
Above: NRC student in Ms. Janette Selino's technology class reads the instruction manual for Makey Makey.
Above: NRC students in Ms. Janette Selino's technology class use the computer to envision a Makey Makey music/technology project.
NRC students became enthusiastic immediately when encountering the Makey Makey. In the video and image below they are using technology skills previously acquired in Ms. Selino's class to collaborate and develop solutions as they encounter the artistic/musical possibilities of the Makey Makey. They decide their first goal will be to create a "piano".
Above: NRC students in Ms. Janette Selino's technology class experiment with the Makey Makey.
Above: NRC students in Ms. Janette Selino's technology class use Scratch to create their 'piano' with the Makey Makey.
The students watched a Youtube video as to what they can do with their new creative package. We all collaboratively decided that each group will try to create an instrument that they will be able to play at NRC's upcoming talent show. They are researching, creating, and blogging about their accomplishments.
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