Mousetrap Mobile Mania

Competition:

• Round 1 - Greatest Distance

  • 12 pts - 1 min video describing how your car is optimized for distance, using the physics principles described below.

  • 12 pts - Distance competition 

    • 1st = 12 pts

    • 2nd = 10 pts

    • 3rd = 8 pts

    • 4th-6th = 6 pts

Total Points WINS!!!

Objective 1: Understanding and Applying Newton's Laws of Motion

• Objective: Students will understand and apply Newton's Laws of Motion to design and optimize their mousetrap cars. They will analyze the forces involved in starting, maintaining, and stopping the motion of the car.

Objective 2: Exploring Energy Transformation and Conservation

• Objective: Students will explore the concepts of energy transformation and conservation by analyzing the potential energy stored in the mousetrap and its conversion to kinetic energy to move the car.

Objective 3: Analyzing Rotational Motion and Wheel Mechanics

• Objective: Students will analyze the principles of rotational motion and the mechanics of the wheels to understand how they impact the car's movement and stability.

Objective 1: Design and Construct a Functional Mousetrap Car

• Objective: Students will design and construct a functional mousetrap car using the given materials. They will apply principles of engineering design, including brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and iterating their designs to achieve optimal performance.

Objective 2: Optimize the Mousetrap Car for Distance and Speed

• Objective: Students will optimize their mousetrap car for two different competitions: 1) to transport a 200g load over the greatest distance, and 2) to transport a 200g load 10meters in the shortest time.  They will focus on improving the car's efficiency and performance through iterative testing and modifications.