Mouse Trap Car 

Objective:  

v     Design and engineer a vehicle, powered solely by the energy of one standard-sized mousetrap that will travel the greatest linear distance.  Note:  By definition, a vehicle is a device with wheels or runners used to carry something (e.g., car, bus, bicycle, or sled).  Therefore, launching a ball (e.g., marble) from the mousetrap will be ruled illegal.  

Construction:  

v     The device must be powered by a single Victor brand mousetrap (1-3/4 inches x 3-7/8 inches).

v     The mousetrap cannot be physically altered except for the following:  4 holes can be drilled only to mount the mousetrap to the frame, and a mousetrap’s spring can be removed only to adjust the length of its lever arm.

v     The device cannot have any additional potential or kinetic energy at the start other than what can be stored in the mousetraps spring itself.  This also means that the student cannot push start the vehicle.

v     All parts of the vehicle must remain with the vehicle as it travels down the track and stops.

v     The spring from the mousetrap cannot be altered or heat treated.  Do Not double wind the spring!

v     The spring cannot be wound more than its normal travel distance, or 180 degrees.

v     The vehicle must steer itself; no outside forces may be used to guide it.

v     The vehicle must be self-starting and may not receive a push in the forward direction or side direction.

v     The judge has the final decision as to the appropriateness of any additional items that might be used in the construction of the vehicle.  

Competition:  

v     The race track will be a high grade linoleum floor.

v     Distance will be measured from the edge of the starting line to the front of the vehicle after it stops.  (Even if the vehicle turns, the front of the vehicle is considered the starting point.)

v     Each contestant will be given two attempts.

v     Winner will be based upon the longest single run by a contestant.

v     Each team will be awarded points based upon performance by the team’s members in the event.