In Part 1, I showed how to make a 3D perspective sprint game in Scratch.
In this second part, I’ll show how to make a really simple MaKey MaKey running mat to use as input for the game.
To make the running mat you’ll need:
- A MaKey MaKey
- 2 pieces of cardboard
- Some sponges or foam
- Aluminium foil
- Glue
- Scissors
First, cut your sponges to create 3 strips down the left. right and middle of one of your pieces of cardboard.
Cut and glue some aluminium foil in the 2 gaps between the sponge strips. These will be the connections for the left and right foot pedals. Make sure that the foil isn’t touching the sponge – or you’ll crete a short circuit.
Cover the second piece of cardboard with aluminium foil. This will make a connection with the foot pedals when stood on.
Attach the left and right pedals to the left and right arrow keys on the MakeyMakey. Connect the large foil-covered piece of cardboard to the Earth connection on the MaKey MaKey.
You can now turn over the top foil-covered cardboard and glue it onto the cardboard with the 2 foot pedals.
The running mat works by having left and right foot pedals that are separated from the Earth connection by rows of sponge. Standing on the sponge quashes it, and connects the pedal to the earth connection, completing the circuit!
Connect your MaKey MaKey to your computer and open the Scratch Olympic Gold project. You can now control the game with your new running mat, standing on the left and right foot pedals as fast as you can to sprint!
Here’s the running mat in action (sorry about the portrait view):
