Overview - Each student will enter a Mouse Trap Powered Vehicle to compete in Physics Olympics.  Each student is to complete his or her project according the design requirements and due dates. Students may bring their projects to class prior to competition day for approval and inspection by his or her teacher.

Purpose - To construct a vehicle that travels the greatest distance along a track of fixed width using a standard mouse trap as its only means of propulsion. (minimum distance requirement of 3 meters)

ATTENTION PARENTS AND STUDENTS

The mouse trap car project requires the fabrication of a vehicle which may require the use of hand or power tools. Common tools used are scissors, knife, electric drill and handsaw or power saw. Follow all manufacture safety guidelines and directions including the use of safety goggles. Tools should be used under adult supervision. The mouse trap car project requires the fabrication of a vehicle which may require the use of adhesives. Follow all manufacture safety guidelines and directions including the use of gloves and a well ventilated work area. Adhesives should be used under adult supervision.

Requirements

1. The car MUST be constructed using a standard mouse trap. (See example mouse trap in class.)
2. The ONLY means of propulsion is the potential energy stored in the mouse trap’s spring.
3. The ONLY materials allowed in the construction of the vehicle are listed below.
- standard mouse trap
- cardboard (no plastic cardboard)
- poster board
- white xerox paper and newspaper
- plastic beverage bottles
- styrofoam
- straws
- coat hangs
- washers and grommets
- fasteners
- threaded rod
- unthreaded rod
- string
- tape
- glue
- rubber bands (see requirement #8)
- any additional materials must get teacher approval prior to competiton day.

4. No Legos or K'nex.
5. No pre-fabricated wheel bearings or wheels with bearings are allowed.
6. No wood of any type may be used.
7. The propulsion of the vehicle must be a direct result of Newton’s Third Law of Motion between the floor and the wheel(s) of the car. Another words, no part of the vehicle may push (or pull) off any surface other than the floor beneath the car.
8. No other means of locomotive power are legal. Rubber bands, elastic, CO2 boosters, etc. are not legal.
9. Any extension of the mousetrap's arm must be inflexible. No more than 1-cm of flex per 30-cm of length.
10. No secondary propulsionary system may be engaged as a result of the vehicle's operation and in turn aid in the propulsion of the vehicle
11. The vehicle may not be pre-fabricated, purchased or a kit.
12. The spring on the mouse trap may not be altered.
13. The vehicle can be made as long and as wide as desired.
14. The mouse trap must be part of the vehicle and move with the vehicle
15. The vehicle may have as few as one wheel or as many as four wheels. A wheel is defined as any object that can rotate about an axis.
16. No electronic devices may be used to control the vehicle.
17. The vehicle must be fully autonomous after if leaves the start line.
18. Write your name and teacher's name in a space that is clearly visible on the vehicle.
19. Failure to meet these specifications will result in disqualification.
20. The width of the track is 2 meters.
21. The vehicle must travel a minimum distance of 3 meters before exiting the track or coming to a stop.

Helpful Hints
— Doc Fizzix

Rolling Chassis
1. A rolling chassis is due at the assigned date.
2. Minimum rolling chassis requirements.
....- The rolling chassis is a frame along with attached wheel(s).
....- The rolling chassis travels in a straight line a minimum distance of 3 meters.
....- No propulsionary system is required (mousetrap).
....- The rolling chassis is constucted according to the requirements explained above.

Competition
1. The vehicle will be tested on a smooth flat surface 1.83 meters (6 feet) in width.
2. The distance traveled will be measured along the center-line of the track.
3. Any vehicle that exits the track before coming to a complete stop will have its exit point marked and the distance traveled measured from the starting line along the center-line to the adjacent exit point.
4. Each vehicle will complete two runs. The better of the two runs will be recorded.
5. The final grade will be determined by the greatest distance traveled. Refer to the vehicle rubric for details.

Grading

This activity may be reproduced in any form for use in a classroom, but under no
circumstances may any portion be reproduced for publication without written consent.