The Firemouse III

Introduction -

Engineers and engineering technicians work together using mathematics and science principles to solve problems. Many times the solutions to a problem may involve many different steps, and can seem quite complicated. Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist who made light of modern technical advances by designing ridiculous machines to do simple tasks. You or your teams job is to follow in Mr. Goldberg's footsteps and design and activate a device that completes a simple task.

Students should research Rube Goldberg using the internet. An example of device like this is the game designed and played today with small children is the Mousetrap Game.

Objective -

To learn the difference between potential and kinetic energy. To learn to use different forces of prime movers.

To work independently or cooperatively. To learn to brainstorm (lens smashing) and develop problem solving skills. Make decisions using trial and error. Work within a given amount of time. Work with only materials given.

Problem -

Given the approved materials, extinguish a birthday candle place on a given support. Extinguish the candle, pop a small air filled water balloon (no water), and raise a small flag with the potential and kinetic energy of a mousetrap. The mousetrap will be activated by a standard glass marble. The distance between the mousetrap and the candle will be a minimum and maximum of one (1) meter. Within a time of 20 seconds to 2 minute.

Pre-production -

The student or team must construct some type of timing device. The timing device will delay the firemouse's energy release for 20 second to 2 minutes. An example would be the design brief "Roller Ball, Marble Maze or Slow coaster"

Limits -

One class period of research and planning.

One class period of construction to complete their Firemouse.

The use of no power tools.

If teams are used they will be pick at random.

Each team will have up to eight (8) attempts to extinguish the candle. Or until the candle allows.

The operation of the timing device and the Firemouse must work independently on its own once the timing device is activated,

Note: The candle will be lit and allowed to burn for 15 seconds before the timing device and Firemouse is activated.

The Firemouse must be able to be reset immediately and quickly if an attempt fails to extinguish the candle. The candle will remain burning.

The Firemouse must be no larger than the approved area (approximately 4 square feet).

The candle must remain standing.

Given -

A baseplate material (20.32cm x 111.76cm board).

One mousetrap.

Hot glue only to secure the mousetrap to the board.

One birthday candle with indicator marks 1/4, 1/2, 3/4

One small flag.

One water balloon.

One T pin.

One meter of string.

Ten centimeters of clear tape.

One yellow straw.

One red straw.

Three 3 x 5 standard index cards.

Two sheets of standard 8.5 x 11 inch sheets of paper.

Miscellaneous items brought by the team. These items cannot have a value of over $2.00.

The contents of the Firemouse material brought by the team must be safe (instructors discretion)

All of the Firemice will be videotaped

Evaluation of the Firemouse will be determined by the following, in five categories.

Evaluation 1 -

Participation, work effort, and conduct graded by instructor. 1 - 10 points

Points scored ________________________

Evaluation 2 -

The operator gets three chances to put out the flame, raise the flag, and pop the balloon Then each attempt is penalized minus eight (8) points. If the candle flame is put out and the candle remains standing on the first try, 25 points are awarded.

Points scored ________________________

Evaluation 3 -

The flame is extinguished, flag is raised, balloon popped before 1/4 of the candle is burned = 20 points

The flame is extinguished, flag is raised, balloon popped before 1/2 of the candle is burned = 18 points

The flame is extinguished, flag is raised, balloon popped before 3/4 of the candle is burned = 17 points

Two of the three goals were achieved. = 16 points

Only on goal achieved =15 points

Firemouse did not achieve any of its goals. = 13 points

No Firemouse submitted = 0 points

Points scored ________________________

Evaluation 4 -

The flame is extinguished, flag is raised, balloon popped between

the time of 20 seconds and 2 minutes = 20 points

The flame is extinguished, flag is raised, balloon popped

under the time of 20 seconds but over 15 seconds = 18 points

The flame is extinguished, flag is raised, balloon popped

over the time of 2 minutes but under 2 minutes 30 seconds = 18 points

The flame is extinguished, flag is raised, balloon popped

but missed the above parameters = 17 points