The RULES !!
Mouse Trap Car Distance Contest
OBJECTIVE:
Build a vehicle powered solely by the energy of one standard-sized mouse trap, (1 3/4"
X 3 7/8"), that will travel the greatest linear distance.
REGULATIONS:
1. The device must be powered by a single Victor brand mouse trap (1 3/4" X 3 7/8")
other brands may be used if permitted.
2. The mousetrap can not be physically altered except for the following: 4 holes can be
drilled only to mount the mousetrap to the frame and a mousetrap's spring can be
removed only to adjust the length of the its lever arm.
3. The minimum number of wheels on the vehicle is 3; any more is acceptable.
4. The device cannot have any additional potential or kinetic energy at the start other
than what can be stored in the mousetrap's spring itself. (This also means that you
cannot push start your vehicle.)
5. The spring from the mousetrap cannot be altered or heat treated.
6. The spring cannot be wound more than its normal travel distance or 180 degrees.
7. Vehicles must be self-starting. Vehicles may not receive a push in the forward
direction or side direction.
8. The vehicle must steer itself. Measurements of distance will not measure the total
distance traveled only the displacement distance.
9. Distance will be measured from the front of the tape at the starting line to the point of
the vehicle that was closest to the start line at the time of release.
10. The instructor has the final decision as to the appropriateness of any additional
items that might be used in the construction of the racer.
11.Each contestant will be given TWO attempts. The winner will be that racer which has
obtained the greatest distance on any one of the two attempts. Any ties will be decided
by a single run off between the racers that tied.
The GRADE !!
The following assessment criteria will be used to evaluate your project.
I. MOUSETRAP CAR CONSTRUCTION: 20%
10 points: Neat construction and assembly. Excellent attention to detail.
8 points: Good construction and assembly and good attention to detail.
6 points: Car holds together, but looks like a last-minute project.
0 points: Poor construction and assembly. No attention to detail.
II. MOUSETRAP CAR DESIGN: 15%
10 points: Unique theme and original design. Excellent level of creativity.
8 points: Interesting theme. Good level of creativity.
6 points: Basic theme. Basic level of creativity.
0 points: No detectable theme. No apparent creativity.
III. MOUSETRAP CAR PERFORMANCE: 20%
10 points: Travels 5 meters in a straight line. Final displacement is greater than 10
meters.
8 points: Travels 3-5 m in a straight line. Final displacement is between 5-10 m.
6 points: Travels 2-3 m in a straight line. Final displacement is 5 m.
0 points: Final displacement is less than 5 m.
IV. MOUSETRAP CAR PHYSICS ANALYSIS: 40%
10 points: Demonstrates excellent conceptual understanding of the physics principles
behind a mousetrap car. Applies this understanding in conducting an excellent,
meaningful investigation.
8 points: Demonstrates good conceptual understanding of the physics principles behind
a mousetrap car. Applies this understanding in conducting a good investigation.
6 points: Demonstrates minimal understanding of physics principles behind a mousetrap
car. Conducts a basic investigation.
0 points: Demonstrates poor conceptual understanding of the physics principles behind
a mousetrap car. Does not fully apply this understanding in conducting a meaningful
investigation.
V. MOUSETRAP CAR PROJECT Journal: 5%
10 points: Completes the schematic of car
8 points: Completes the schematic of car vaguely.
6 points: Partially completes the schematic of car
0 points: Does not complete the schematic of car.