TSA - Mousetrap Car Challenge

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. Deal with competition with your peers.The objective is to build a vehicle that is powered solely by a standard-sized mouse trap that will travel and stop closest to a finish line located 16 - 21 feet (Instructors discretion) from the start line in the shortest amount of time.

PROCEDURES:

1. Using the general specifications within the TSA challenge manual.

2. Students will create a Mousetrap Car/Vehicle.

3. The vehicle MUST be powered by a single VICTOR brand mouse trap measuring: 1-3 inches x 3-7/8 inches. The mouse trap spring CANNOT BE ALTERED to add power in any way.

4. The vehicle may not start with additional potential and/or kinetic energy other than what is stored in the mouse trap spring. Vehicles MUST be self-starting. Rubber bands or any other elastic materials may not be used in the launch mechanism.

5. The vehicle must steer itself and may not receive a push in any direction in order to avoid a collision.

6.The vehicle must have 3 or 4 wheels that make contact with the race surface.

7. The timing of the vehicle will begin when any part of the vehicle passes over the start line and will end when the vehicle comes to rest.

8. The distance from the target will be measured from the point of the vehicle that first passed the start line to the finish line or target.

9. The overall dimensions of the Mousetrap Car cannot exceed 20” L x 10” W x 12” H. The measurement will be taken while car is in resting position.

TESTING:

The course will be smooth level floor and non-carpeted. The winner will be that vehicle that has obtained the lowest score any of the two attempts. Any ties will be decided by a single run off between the tied vehicles.

EVALUATION:

The scoring will be the total of the time in seconds added to the distance from the finish line in centimeters.

Score = time(s) + distance from finish line (cm). The lowest number is the best car.

20 points = Mousetrap powdered car that achieved the lowest score.

19 points = 90% of the lowest score.

18 points = 85% of the lowest score.

17 points = 80% of the lowest score.

16 points = 70% of the lowest score.

15 points = the rest of the field.

Name _____________________________________________________

Distance and time the mousetrap powered car traveled. __________________.