Mouse Trap Car

Mouse Trap Car Name______Period______The challenge is to build a car that is powered by the spring of a single mousetrap. Rattraps are not allowed. The car cannot be powered by CO2 cartridges, rubber bands, or anything other than the mousetrap sold to you (at cost) in class. It is suggested that you do not glue the trap on your car. If it breaks, you will have to begin the project all over again. Fasten the trap on with screws or bolts instead. The trap base is hard wood, so you will have to drill a hole first. Take notes in class on the day we brainstorm car design!

We have full confidence in your ability to ace this assignment. You will have the opportunity to view example cars in class, brainstorm car designs in class, watch last years competition, consult with your teacher, and bring your car in early to try it in the science hallway. The photos, video clips, and links provided below are intended to encourage your own creativity and success. They will also benefit students who were absent.

You will be graded as follows. We have been studying energy and translational motion. Therefore, the potential energy of a mousetrap car is contained in the spring. The energy must be changed from potential to kinetic energy (or motion) in order for you to receive any points. It is not enough simply to have built a car. Your car must move! Your grade is determined by having followed the directions given you in class and in this rubric. Your car must be original to you. You must have built it. You may not use a kit purchased on-line or at a local hobby store to fulfill this assignment. This will earn you an F. (Beware: I have photographs of former cars from other classes and other teachers. Trying to pass off a car from a prior year will earn you an F. I also have pictures of all available kits. Part of the assignment is having met the due date given by your teacher. Building the car early will help you to avoid unforeseen circumstances. This assignment is an application of what was learned when studying energy. It's one of the really fun parts of this course! So please enjoy it!

1. Distance the mousetrap car moved in meters: ______Less than 1 meter = 0 points Mouse Trap Car Name______Period______1 to 2 meters = 25 points 2 to 3 meters = 50 points 3 to 4 meters = 75 points 4 to 5 meters = 90 points over 5 meters = 100 points Total Points_____ Longest distance in class 10 bonus points Longest distance in all classes 20 points

Bonus Points______

2. Speed over four meters

Trial one time______sec. Speed______m/s Trial two time______sec. Speed______m/s Trial three time_____sec. Speed______m/s

Fastest in class 10 point bonus. Fastest in all classes 20 point bonus. Bonus Points______3. Most creative car as voted by each class. (15 points) Bonus Points______4. Thirty point (30) limit for bonus points earned by any one individual. Subtract bonus points if necessary. Deduct Points______

Total Points ______

If you build a car from a commercialized kit you will be assigned an "F". You are expected to be creative and build a car from scratch for this project. Do NOT purchase a kit with pre-cut pieces from a hobby store. Use all the links and information listed below. A little research goes a long way. Do not use constructs, erector sets, or legos to build your entire car. You may use one or two pieces from the above-mentioned sets, but you will need the approval of your teacher first. Do not use cars from 8th grade or ones that were previously graded in woodshop. Previous Boy Scout "Pinewood Derby" cars would also be unacceptable.

If you begin early, the project will not be difficult. Do not wait until the last minute. Start early! Test your car. You may want to bring it to school and take advantage of the long hallways for your test run. If you do not have a functioning car on the day they are due, you will earn a zero. You will not be given time in class to fix a car that is not working on the day that they are due.