Mousetrap Powered Vehicles (MPV)
Phase 1:
Define the Problem - Create a vehicle, powered by the energy of a standard sized mousetrap. The vehicle will be entered into a competition held on the final day of the project.
Please download and review the RULES of the project.
Research - The following are resources that lead to information to help you solve this design challenge.
Doc Fizz - Your ultimate source for mousetrap powered cars and vehicles
Building tips - Great building tips from the Doc Fizz site.
Instructables -Some really good ideas.
Ideas-Inspire- The science of mousetrap cars
. . . and many more!
Feel free to search on your own!
Design - Download the Design Process Handout and save it to your server. Print the handout as needed.
Use this handout to brainstorm ideas of your design. Remember the rules of the competition and the important design considerations you make.
Phase 2:
Finish Design - Complete the design process as defined in the DESIGN PROCESS HANDOUT. Turn in the handout upon completion.
Build - Review the lab safety procedures, gather supplies and begin building your design.
Phase 3:
Build day - Work as a team to build your design.
Testing - If time permits, begin testing.
Download the testing feedback sheet (pdf doc)
Download the testing feedback sheet (word doc)
And, follow the testing directions.
(Note: All tests must be documented on the sheets. Print out as many testing sheets as necessary; 15 tests = 5 sheets)
Phase 4:
Finish Building - Work as a team to complete the construction phase. All vehicles must be completed at the end of this day. If MPV is not completed by the end of day 4, arrange to take it home for homework.
Testing - Using the Test/Feedback process to perfect your MPV system. Remember, make one change at a time then retest. Use your testing feedback (if you need one you can print from here:
testing feedback sheet (pdf doc)
Download the testing feedback sheet (word doc)
and this site to solve problems your MPV is experiencing.
(Note: All tests must be documented on the sheets. Print out as many testing sheets as necessary; 15 tests = 5 sheets)
Phase 5:
Race Day -
Distance Challenge: Each team has three attempts to achieve the greatest distance (measured in feet). See rules handout for specific details.
Must be witnessed (by instructor) and entered into the computer to be an official run.
____ Cover page – Computer generated, include names, hour, title and date submitted.
____ Design Process Sheets – although already graded, include to be recorded in the computer.
____ Testing feedback sheets – the documentation of your testing results.
____ Daily logs – the documentation of the time spent working on the project.
_____ The grading rubric (link on main Intro to Technology page) – self graded and stapled to the back of the packet.
These
items are to be neatly stapled together and turned in with your MPV on
day 5 of the project.
Project Downloads:
Testing Feedback Sheets (pdf doc)
Testing Feedback Sheets (word doc)
Turn-in Checklist and Grading Rubric