Mousetrap Car
Project Snapshot
The mousetrap car project is a classic physics challenge: Build a vehicle that can travel as far as possible by using only the energy from a single mousetrap.
Seems simple enough, but the reason it's so popular is because it's rich in science concepts, applied math, and design possibilities.
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Tools and Materials
The Engineering Creation Kit has everything you need for this project and many more from STEM Inventions (except the mousetrap), or get the supplies in bulk:
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In progress
Tips and Troubleshooting
If the car isn't moving at all, then...
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The wheels may be pressed too tightly against the straw. Make sure the wheels can spin freely.
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Check for excessive friction, such as hot glue inside the straws, the wheels rubbing against something, etc.
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The mousetrap car might be too big.
If the car isn't rolling in a straight line, then...
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The wheels aren’t aligned. Remove and reattach the wheels to make the axels parallel with each other.
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Make sure to wind up and release the car so the drive wheels are in front.
If the car isn't coasting very far, then...
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Again, look for excessive friction.
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The car is too heavy. Try making it smaller or removing excessive material.