12 Days of Techmas: Day 2 is the MaKey MaKey

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to use alphabet soup as a keyboard? Or make a Nintendo controller out of Play-Doh? For our second day of #Techmas, we’re talking about an innovative product that does just that! The makers of MaKey MaKey have created an invention kit that turns anything into a key with just alligator clips, a USB cable, and the MaKey MaKey board.

Why we love it:

• The simple design can be used by anyone age 8+.
• The fun and interactive nature of the product makes it great for getting children excited about science, technology, engineering, and design.
• It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and most Linux systems.
• You have the option to order the Original Box or the Collector’s Edition, which comes with a carrying case.

The website lists a number of materials to try, as well as various games that work well with the kit, such as a piano and Tetris.

“This is in a presentation I give to teachers and students when they tour Sealevel Engineering, and I have also presented the hardware to students in the classroom,” says Greg Harrison, senior hardware engineer at Sealevel. “The MaKey MaKey is a huge hit with kids and adults alike—nothing like being able to literally play with your food, or use a cat as a key.”

How would you use MaKey MaKey? Follow us on Twitter and let us know!