Mouse Trap Car Design Packet
NOTE: Each student
needs to turn this in…
Name(s) _________________________
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Objective: Your objective is to design a vehicle power by a single victor brand mouse
trap and with the materials provided (listed on back of page) that will travel as far as
possible.
Resources: We will be going into the computer lab to research what different options
exist in relation to different mousetrap car designs.
Links: http://www.mrpeppercorn.org/Project_Mousetrap%20Cars.htm
Google search “Mousetrap Cars”
Research Questions: (15 points)
Briefly explain how a basic mousetrap car moves…
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How many wheels do I (we) want to incorporate into my (our) mousetrap car? What is
the benefit to using that number of wheels?
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What materials my I want to bring from home to use on the mousetrap car?
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What materials do I want to make my wheels and chaise of my car out of?
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What is the most important factor in the mousetrap car performing well? Why? (i.e. good
wheels, quality construction, lightweight etc…)
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Materials Provided
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1 “victor” brand mouse trap (no rat traps allowed)
11.5” by 11.5” piece of wood
5 glue sticks
4 CD’s
24” of string
Any others may be brought from home
3/8”x 3’ Dowel
¼”x3’ Dowel
¾” x ¾” x 2’
Rules
1. The vehicle must be powered by a single “victor” mousetrap.
2. You have complete design freedom considering vehicle design, size
weight and materials used.
3. Car-Kits purchased at a hobby shop or online are prohibited as well as
any parts from those kits.
4. Only final distance will be measured, total distance traveled will not
count (i.e. the straighter your car goes the better).
5. Final measurement will be from the starting line to the front of your
car at its final resting point.
Solution 1 (8 points)
Name of Drawing: _____________________________________
Advantages
Disadvantages
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Solution 2 (8 points)
Name of Drawing: _____________________________________
Advantages
Disadvantages
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Solution 3 (8 points)
Name of Drawing: _____________________________________
Advantages
Disadvantages
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Final Drawing (20 points)
Name of Drawing: _____________________________________
Advantages
Disadvantages
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Reflection Questions (20 Points)
1. What was the best part of your mouse trap car? Why?
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2. What was the worst part of your mouse trap car? Why?
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3. Did you enjoy working with a partner?
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4. What was the best thing about working with a partner?
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5. What was the worst part of working with a partner?
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6. Would I choose the same partner if you had to do another project?
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7. What did you learn while building the mouse trap car?
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