Italy High School

Introduction

Stuart Little needs your help!  He has just been cast as the hero in the new James Bond action adventure movie and must have a car that exceeds all others in speed and distance.  Can you help?

Task

You will create a car that runs solely off of the energy of a mousetrap.  You will also type a one-page report of your research with an outline and submit a car design sketch.

Process

1.    Use the Big 6 research method to help in this project.

2.    Brainstorm (write down) a list of sources where you might find information on action/reaction, momentum, rotational inertia, potential    energy and kinetic energy.

3.    Test your knowledge of Action and Reaction here.

4.    Get tips on Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy here.

5.    Go here to learn about Rotational Inertia and here to Calculate Wheel Rotational Inertia with the sidebar online calculator.

6.    Check this site to learn from Doc Fizzix about Mousetrap Racer Propulsion.

7.    And check this site to learn about the Physics of Mousetrap Powered Racers.  Click on each of the words in the diagram to learn about that topic.

8.    Submit a sketch of your mousetrap car design.

9.    Then, with the knowledge you’ve gathered, construct a mousetrap car with the following guidelines:

-The car runs solely off the energy of the mousetrap.

-No other power sources may be used.

-The wheels on your car must not have originally been wheels.

-The mousetrap must be part of your car.

-You can only use one mousetrap in your design.

-No kits are allowed.  Cars must be original.

10.    You will type a one-page report of your research and include an outline.

11.    Your car will compete in a contest with other mousetrap cars to see which one travels the farthest.

12.    You will also submit an analysis/self evaluation on how well you think you did on this project.  Include:

--What did I do right?

--What did I do wrong?

--What would I change if I could?

--How could I make the project better?

Evaluation

Points will be given for the distance the mousetrap car travels as follows:

--0-1 meter—25 points

--1 meter—50 points

--2 meters—70 points

--4 meters—80 points

--6 meters—90 points

--9 or more meters—100 points

--10 points for the farthest travel

Separate grades will also be given for the sketch, the typed presentation with outline, and the self-evaluation.

Design sketch due:  January 25

Typed presentation with outline due: February 8

Contest date:  February 15  NO late projects will be accepted!

Conclusion

At the end of this project you will become more acquainted with action/reaction, rotational inertia, and potential and kinetic energy.  Let the race begin!!

Credits

Clip art courtesy of UCI Summer Science Institute.