ACTION
For each ACTION step, Jack will perform one of 3 RANDOM actions:
• Move forward and back
• Loud "SQUEAAKK"
• CHIRP-CHIRP-CHIRP (and light-up eyes!)
GO
Press to execute or perform your programmed sequence, up to 40 steps!
CLEAR
To clear all programmed steps, press and hold until you hear a confi rmation
tone
tone
FORWARD
ACTION
ROTATE
LEFT
GO
REVERSE
Important notes: if the mouse begins to move off the programmed course, or if it fails to turn
a full 90 degrees, this could be a sign of low battery power. When the batteries are very low,
the mouse will begin to beep and fl ash its eyes, and the GO button will be disabled. Replace
the old batteries as soon as possible to restore complete functionality.
Please do not push the robot mouse forward or back with force. This can damage the wheels
and break the axles inside.
CLEAR
ROTATE
RIGHT
POWER/SPEED
Coding cards
Colorful coding cards are included to help keep track of each step in a sequence. Each card
features a direction or "step" to program into the mouse. Cards are color-coordinated to
match the buttons on the mouse (see Basic Operation for details about each command).
They are also double-sided. The front side shows the directional arrow command, and the
reverse shows the position of the mouse. Please note the red "Lightning Bolt" card is used to
represent the "ACTION" command (red button).
For ease of use, we recommend lining up each card, in sequence, to mirror each step in a
program. For example, if a programmed sequence includes the steps FORWARD, FORWARD,
TURN RIGHT, FORWARD, ACTION, place those cards in order to help follow and remember
the sequence.
Activities:
Your Robot Mouse can be a great tool for teaching about logic, sequencing, and problem
solving—the very basics of computer coding and programming. Try setting up a maze with
blocks or other toys on a tabletop or fl oor, and program Jack to make it to the end. Also,
try creating tunnels or other obstacles for Jack to navigate through or around using nearby
items, such as pillows or books. Since Jack moves 5" (12.5 cm) for every forward or backward
movement, plan out your maze carefully!
After you've sent Jack through your maze, experiment with diff erent paths and routes, varying
the mazes' lengths and numbers of obstacles each time. Predict how many programming steps
it will take to reach the end of the maze. Did you predict correctly? How many inches in total
did Jack move (remember: each move is equal to 5 inches)? Use a ruler or measuring tape to
measure the total length of the maze. Keep building, estimating, measuring, and learning!
For even more fun...
The Robot Mouse is a great way to bring early coding lessons to life! For a more complete
introduction to coding basics, look for our Robot Mouse Coding Activity Set (LER 2831).
This deluxe set includes a programmable robot mouse (Colby), a fully customizable maze
board with walls and tunnels, and activity cards with 20 preset mazes! Jack is the perfect
complement to this comprehensive set: pit Jack against Colby in a race to the cheese, or
work together with a friend to navigate the challenging mazes. It's everything you need for a
crash course in coding!