Music is Bananas with Makey Makey

• Javel Perriel
• Posted 10/27/23
• 0 comments

Music Technology with Literature

Did you know bananas can create music when connected to a Makey Makey circuit and a computer? Help students discover how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics connect with Music Education. 

Makey Makey is an invention kit that can turn everyday objects into touchpads and combine them with the internet.  Simply attach alligator clips to bananas and hook it up to the Makey Makey Keyboard. Students can “play” bananas the same as they would play a keyboard. 

Combine this technology with the book Music is Bananas and students will be hooked.

Lesson Plan Inspiration

1. Read along with the student “Music is Bananas” Book. 
2. Teach the Music is Bananas Stick Routine. 
   • Section One – A follows the hook (chorus) of the rap. 
   • Section Two – B verse 
   • Coda  
3. Ask students STEAM-related questions.  
   • What is a circuit board? 
   • Did you know that a fruit can be an instrument? 
   • How are Music, Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics related to each other? 
4. Utilize Makey Makey to make a banana piano. 

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Take Aways

Incorporating music into the STEAM model increases the depth of student learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Empower your students with this interactive and engaging lesson.

Contributor

Javel Perriel

I’m a graduate of Florida International University with a bachelor’s in Music Business and a minor in Marketing. I love music and I try my best to master it in as many areas as possible. Whether I’m teaching, performing,…

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