How to use Mouse Robot (for teachers)

Main Ideas / Concepts Taught

• The video explains how teachers can use a “Mouse Robot” in a classroom.
• It introduces the robot’s components and purpose, emphasizing that optional setup pieces still allow the robot to function.
• It demonstrates a basic coding workflow using physical cards (code cards, map cards) and the robot’s control buttons.
• It highlights classroom management, including proper storage and clean-up, and notes the importance of turning the robot off and recharging when needed.

Robot Parts / What Each Item Is Used For

Robot Control Buttons

• Yellow button: delete/clear the previous code.
• Red button: “action” (referenced as described in the manual book).
• Arrow buttons: move the robot in the indicated direction.
• Green center button: play/start the code.

Hardware Components (Mentioned in the Setup)

• Grid (“grade”): optional layout surface that shows where the robot should move.
• Charger cable: recharges the robot when the battery runs out.
• Wall: optional; helps define paths/obstacles so students understand where they are going.
• Cheese: the robot’s objective/target location.
• Coding card(s): physical cards used to guide building code sequences.
• Tunnels / maze pieces: additional layout elements used to create paths (tunnel/maze functionality).
• Map card: inspiration/reference for creating layouts.

Methodology / Step-by-Step Instructions (Teacher Workflow)

Initial Preparation

• Have the manual book available.
• Identify the robot and its buttons/components.
• Arrange the grid first (the video notes the grid is optional; the robot can run without it).

Optional Environment Setup

• Build/insert the wall (optional):
  • Purpose: help students visualize/understand the intended path and future movement.
• Set up cheese in the maze/holder area (the robot’s goal).
• Add other elements such as tunnels/maze pieces to create the route.

Power On

• Turn on the robot before running code.

Run a Coding Sequence

• Take a code/coding card (used as a guide for creating the code).
• Clear previous code using the yellow delete button.
• Use the arrow buttons to set movement steps.
• Press the green center button to play the program.

Create and Test Another Layout

• Use a map card as layout inspiration.
• Example activity: try a tunnel configuration.
• Clear the code first before building a new algorithm.
• Decide which side the robot will start from (the video notes you first choose the starting side).
• Re-arrange the code using the coding card and/or button sequence.

Debugging / Fixing the Algorithm

• After playing, if the result is wrong:
  • Clear the code again.
  • Fix the algorithm.
  • Re-enter corrected steps using the arrow buttons.
  • Play again.

End-of-Class Cleanup / Storage

Because the kit has many components:

• Remove the grid and place it back in its box.
• Put the map card back into its plastic sleeve/container.
• Collect coding cards and store them in the provided plastic compartment.
• Insert/return the maze wall and collect panels/other pieces.
• Put the cheese back into its maze card holder (the video corrects phrasing slightly to “maze wall,” but the intent is to store the maze components and cheese).
• Turn off the robot.
• Store the robot back in its case, then return it to the box.
• If the battery runs out, recharge using the provided cable, then store neatly again.

Speakers / Sources Featured

• Speaker: One implied speaker addressing viewers as “fellow teachers” / “friends.”
• Sources mentioned:
  • The robot’s manual book (referenced for button/action details).