Mousetrap Vehicle
Introduction:
All transportation vehicles have some type of propulsion system. Propulsion systems consist of a source of energy, a means of converting that energy into useful power, and a means of transmitting the power to move the vehicle. In this activity, you will design, build, test, and race a transportation vehicle that uses a standard mousetrap as the only energy source. You will use the engineering design process in the design of your vehicle.
Engineering Design Challenge:
Design and produce a vehicle to transport itself across the ground the farthest distance (measured in a straight line). The ONLY source of energy to be used is a standard mousetrap.
Materials:
Standard Mousetrap (provided by teacher)
Scrap Wood/Metal/Plastic/Cardboard
String/Wire/Fishing Line
Coat Hangers
Dowel Rods
Hot Melt Glue/Elmer’s Glue
Concepts:
(1) The engineering design process involves five steps:
A. Ask
B. Imagine
C. Plan
D. Create
E. Improve
(2) Transportation takes place in four environments (land, air, water, space).
(3) This activity should cover basic scientific/technological principles such as: potential/kinetic energy, friction, gear/pulley ratios, power-to-weight ratios, and alignment.
Specifications:
(1) The result must be a vehicle (a means of carrying freight, passengers, etc.).
(2) The mousetrap MUST be transported as part of the vehicle as it moves. It cannot be used to “launch” a vehicle.
(3) The mousetrap provided is to remain the ONLY energy source. The use of additional springs, elastic cords, or other stretchable materials to provide additional power will not be accepted.
(4) The wheels MUST be made from materials the student has designed or has put together. Commercially made wheels will not be accepted. The student may engineer wheels from various materials or everyday products.
(5) The mousetrap cannot be altered in any way. The only acceptable change to the trap itself is an extension to the trap bar.
(6) The vehicle should be designed to run on a concrete (tech lab) or rubberized floor (gym). All vehicles need to be ready to compete on either surface.
(7) Individuals or teams of two members will work together to design, produce, test, and race the vehicle.
(8) On race day, each vehicle will be run three times and the distance traveled will be measured in a straight line to the front of the vehicle. The longest distance and an average distance will be recorded.
Evaluation:
(1) The following are required:
- mousetrap powered vehicle performance (distance) 10 pts
Less than 5’0” = 6 pts
More than 5’0” but less than 10’0” = 7 pts
More than 10’0” but less than 15’0”= 8 pts
More than 15’0” but less than 20’0” = 9 pts
More than 20’0”= 10 pts
- mousetrap powered vehicle creativity/originality10 pts
- mousetrap powered vehicle workmanship10 pts
- race day data sheet5 pts
- engineering design process log sheet30 pts
Total =65 pts
(2) In addition, winners of each of the following will receive additional points.
- Longest Distance in the class5 pts
- Longest Average Distance in the class5 pts
- Most Creative/Original Vehicle5 pts
- Best Workmanship (Best Built) Vehicle5 pts