Mousetrap Powered Vehicle Project

Introduction

Our world is in an energy crisis.  All of the power plants have failed and batteries no longer work.  The world has turned to you to find a solution to the transportation problems we now face.  Your job is to create a vehicle that runs solely on the power of a mousetrap.  Can you help?

Task

You will create a car that runs solely off of the energy of a mousetrap.  You will also submit a car design sketch.  Project is in groups of 2-4 people.

Process

1.    Brainstorm (write down) a list of sources where you might find information on friction, momentum, potential energy and kinetic energy.

2.    Check out Doc Fizzix for helpful information

3.    Submit a sketch of your mousetrap car design.

4.    Then, with the knowledge you’ve gathered, construct a mousetrap car with the following guidelines:

-The car runs solely off the energy of the mousetrap.

-No other power sources may be used.

-The wheels on your car must not have originally been wheels.

-The mousetrap must be part of your car.

-You can only use one mousetrap in your design.

-No kits are allowed.  Cars must be original.

-No lubrication may be added to the axels.

5.    You will conduct testing of your mousetrap car using a provided procedure.

6.    Your car will compete in a contest with other mousetrap cars to see which one travels the farthest.

7.    You will also submit an analysis/self evaluation on how well you think you did on this project.  Include:

–What did I do right?

–What did I do wrong?

–What would I change if I could?

–How could I make the project better?

Evaluation

Points will be given for the distance the mousetrap car travels as follows:

–0-1 meter—5 points                                         10 points – creativity

–1 meter—10 points                                          10 points – proper materials

–2 meters—20 points                                        30 points – teamwork

–4 meters—30 points                                        50 points – 20 testing procedure pages

–6 meters—40 points                                        50 points – participation

–9 or more meters—50 points                            50 points – documentation log w/ graphs

–5 points for the farthest travel

Separate grades will also be given for the sketch, the typed presentation with outline, and the self-evaluation.

Design sketch due:  February 2, 2010

Contest date:  March 5, 2010  No late projects will be accepted!

Conclusion

At the end of this project you will become more acquainted with action/reaction, rotational inertia, and potential and kinetic energy.  Let the race begin!!

Examples of successful vehicles found at:  http://senior.billings.k12.mt.us/mouset/fall98/index.htm

Recommended research – www.docfizzix.com