Mouse Trap Cars
What is a Mouse trap car?
A vehicle powered by the spring device of a mousetrap
-A mousetrap is a simple machine because it uses mechanical advantage to multiply force
The mousetrap acts as a third-class lever, with the spring as the fulcrum and the hammer as the load
A vehicle powered by the spring device of a mousetrap
-A mousetrap is a simple machine because it uses mechanical advantage to multiply force
The mousetrap acts as a third-class lever, with the spring as the fulcrum and the hammer as the load
How does the power source work?
-The spring propels the hammer, which causes an enormous release of energy
-The hammer is connected to a string that is wound around the drive axle
-The string unwinds as the hammer snaps making the car roll
-The spring propels the hammer, which causes an enormous release of energy
-The hammer is connected to a string that is wound around the drive axle
-The string unwinds as the hammer snaps making the car roll
Our goal is to create a Long Distance Mouse Trap car:
You will want to create a LONG arm for your mouse trap car. There will be less force but more distance compared to a short arm which provides more force and power but less distance
Things to consider when designing:
-Length of string
-Width of car
-Weight of car
-Size of Wheels
-How will the string release from the axle so it may keep rolling instead of a sudden stop
-How far from the axle should the trap be placed to maximize distance?
-Does wheel alignment and driving straight matter to you?
-Wheel-to-Axe Ratio
-What materials will you use for this project?
Materials provided by the teacher:
-Mouse trap
-1/4” or 3/8” wood dowel
-welding rod
-hot glue
-up to 2 DVD discs
Material provided by you:
-Anything else you think you may need!
Rules:
You will want to create a LONG arm for your mouse trap car. There will be less force but more distance compared to a short arm which provides more force and power but less distance
Things to consider when designing:
-Length of string
-Width of car
-Weight of car
-Size of Wheels
-How will the string release from the axle so it may keep rolling instead of a sudden stop
-How far from the axle should the trap be placed to maximize distance?
-Does wheel alignment and driving straight matter to you?
-Wheel-to-Axe Ratio
-What materials will you use for this project?
Materials provided by the teacher:
-Mouse trap
-1/4” or 3/8” wood dowel
-welding rod
-hot glue
-up to 2 DVD discs
Material provided by you:
-Anything else you think you may need!
Rules:
- Students will design and build their own vehicle which must be soley powered by a standard mousetrap and travel the greatest distance along a specific track
- Kits are not allowed!
- The standard mousetrap must be mountd to the chassis and must not be painted or decorated
- The springs on the mousetrap may not be cut, bent, over wound, heat-treated or altered in any other manner
- Cars must be clearly labeled with students names
- The judges will measure distance traveled from the front axle to the point where the front axle stops or leaves the designated track area.
Scientific Concepts: Define Each concept
-Potential Energy:
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-Kinetic Engery
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-Force
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-Friction
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-Torque
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-Power
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-Potential Energy:
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-Kinetic Engery
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-Force
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-Friction
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-Torque
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-Power
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Thanks to Kristin McCoy for the fantastic PDF of general information!
Seriously read this for everything you will need to know!!! |
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Power Point Presentation used in class. Last updated 2019
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