MaKey MaKey Controllers at School

MaKey MaKey compatible controller designs made by the Pro-LAB Shop students at Propel Braddock Hills High School.

These controllers were made mostly from scrap wood, scrap wire, and a random assortment of screws, staples, nuts, bolts, and rubber bands. Tools used included the bandsaw, jigsaw, copping saw, drill press, cordless power drills, and a few others.

Innovative designs included hollow controllers with hidden wiring, joysticks, and reused Xbox controller components. 

While we were busy creating these controllers, our school's Pro-LAB Shop Video Game Design class was learning to use Gamestar Mechanic and Scratch to make their own games and animations. At the conclusion of the projects, we were were able to play student-made games using student-made controllers, which is a pretty cool thing to do.

This is a great project that combines design, shop skills, basic electronics and circuitry. Give it a try and let us know what kind of controllers you come up with!