The new Code-a-Key Backpack! Bringing the Makey Makey and the BBC micro:bit together for more invention fun!

MakeCode Arcade Controllers: Kayak Simulator

Wanna make something fun and wacky? Check out this kayak simulator with a pool noodle! Plug and Play with MakeCode Arcade!  The easiest way to use Makey Makey with MakeCode Arcade is to add the "use makey makey default keys" block to the "on start" event block. Then you can build (or mod a preexisting game) and play this game with your own alt controller built with Makey Makey!

Kayak Controller

You can make really fun simulators now with Makey Makey and MakeCode Arcade thanks to our new MakeCode Arcade extension! To make this really fun kayak simulator you just need a few supplies! Kayak is optional! All you need is foil, a pool noodle, long wires, cardboard, and a Makey Makey kit. You can use a kayak, but you can also sit on a table, on the ground, or make your own cardboard boat!Supplies for kayak simulator: pool noodle, cardboard, foil, Makey Makey

To make your pool noodle into a controller, wrap aluminum foil on both ends and secure foil with tape.

Grab wire from the Get Up + Go booster kit and cut two long pieces. Alternatively, you can use the long wires in the STEM pack. Strip the insulation off both ends of the wire. 

Secure wire to the foil and make sure the exposed end of the wire makes a good connection with the foil. Use conductive tape  across the wire to doubly ensure a connection!

Don't leaves those wires hanging! Tape loose wire to the center of the pool noodle. Repeat this process for both sides of the pool noodle. 
One side of the pool noodle will be connected to the LEFT ARROW input and the other side will be connected to the RIGHT ARROW.
To finish your controller, put foil on two cardboard pieces for EARTH. You will have one EARTH for the left side of your kayak and one EARTH for the right side. But both will connect to the EARTH rail on Makey Makey.

Connect Pool Noodle wires to the left and right inputs on Makey Makey. You can use the exposed end or you can add an alligator clip to the end of your wire.

Almost ready to play! You can find an existing game, or code your own in MakeCode Arcade!

 

  

Use with Existing MakeyCode Arcade Games

 

To with Existing MakeCode Arcade games, you just need to add the Makey Makey extension and control your sprite "with buttons."

How do I use the Makey Makey extension?

Head to MakeCode Arcade, in the drawers of coding blocks, you will find the Extensions drawer at the bottom of the list. Click the + Extensions to open the drawer and add the Makey Makey extension.

You can search for "Makey Makey" or scroll for the extension. Just look for our logo!

Once you've added it, you'll have a Makey Makey drawer that has two distinct blocks of code.

What do the Blocks do?

The easiest way to use Makey Makey with MakeCode Arcade is to add the "use makey makey default keys" block to the "on start" event block. Then you can build (or mod a preexisting game) and play this game with your own alt controller built with Makey Makey!

Paddle Skeddaddle from Code Ninjas 

We love this extension so much! Our friends at Code Ninjas made this rad game in Make Code Arcade called Paddle Skedaddle. Put the Extension to the Test with Code Ninjas. Fill out this form to "Explore A World Where Kids Write the Code!" You'll get to Paddle Skedaddle and you can learn to code your own project based on the Code Ninja game!

Paddle Skedaddle from Code Ninja

 

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