Melody Maker Kit

Classes 7-8, typical ages 12–14. Age ranges vary by learner. Guided low-voltage electronics.

Activity engagement

60–90 minutes. Explore 10–15 min · Build 20–30 min · Test and discuss 30–45 min. Estimated time for building, testing and discussion.

What you need

A computer with a USB port and Arduino IDE is required and is not included.

Included components

• Small Breadboard / Mini Solderless Board - 400 points — 1 breadboard
• Jumper Wire Combo - Male to Male, Male to Female and Female to Female Breadboard Connecting Wires (10 Qty Each) — 1 set
• Illustrated Activity Guide and Observation Sheets — 1 set
• Fitted Headers and Labelled Connection Leads — 1 set
• Arduino Uno R3 CH340G version compatible Arduino Development Board — 1 controller board
• USB A to B Programming Cable for Arduino Uno/ Arduino Mega — 1 data cable
• Small Piezoelectric Buzzer - 5V Passive Buzzer — 1 piezo sounder
• Tactile Push Button Switch 12x12x8mm 4-Pin — 3 button (individual units)

What you learn

• Pitch is related to sound frequency.
• A passive piezo requires an alternating signal.
• Button priority can be expressed as program logic.

Connection guide

• Three buttons: D2, D3 and D4 respectively → GND when pressed.
• Passive piezo + → D9; − → GND.

Steps to make it

1. Disconnect all power and identify the supplied part labels and pinouts before wiring.
2. Wire the three pull-up inputs and passive piezo.
3. Upload and press each button individually to hear its assigned note.
4. Press two buttons and identify the program priority.
5. Change one frequency by a factor of two and compare pitch.
6. Change only the named parameter for the extension, repeat the controlled trials, save observations and disconnect power afterward.

Programming resources

Arduino IDE: select Arduino Uno and the USB port. Use the supplied USB data cable. Serial Monitor/Plotter: 115200 baud.

Uses the selected board core libraries.

Download starter sketch

Test challenge

Compare 262 Hz and 524 Hz using the same button assignment.

Observation task

Button, programmed frequency and perceived pitch order.

Expected result

Each button plays a different tone; releasing all buttons stops the sound.

If it does not work

Use the supplied passive piezo, not an active fixed-tone buzzer; check button contact pairs.

Try next

Create a five-note melody by sequencing tone calls and pauses.

Use and supervision

Use only the supplied low-voltage DC parts. Disconnect power before rewiring; check polarity and labelled pinouts. No soldering or exposed mains connections. Adult guidance is recommended.

How this experiment works

Download class activity guide

Cover illustrations show component types. Functional animations explain principles and are not recorded prototype tests. Follow the supplied connection labels and pinouts.