Mousetrap Car
|
Key Terms
Potential Energy Kinetic Energy Momentum Motion Friction |
Task - build a mousetrap car, using the provided mousetrap as your energy source. You will need to decide on your design which will include wheels, string and a lever that will pull the string. You will need to achieve enough velocity to make it up a ramp to knock off the stationary object from a minimum of 5 meters away. You will need to use an investigation sheet to record your information, observations, modifications and conclusions. |
Duration: 2-3 weeks
Materials: Notebook or Investigation Sheet, mousetrap, popsicle sticks, 4 wheels, glue gun, string, 2 long dowels/wooden rods for axles and lever. Final Product: Prepare a report and Video or Slide presentation showing any conjectures, investigation data, modifications, conclusions or final thoughts. |
Momentum
You will need to build enough momentum so that your car reaches its target.
Kinetic and Potential Energy
Identify the parts of your car that provide potential and kinetic energy to the wheels.
Levers
What are levers? What do they do? What part of your car has a type of lever?
Friction
What is friction? What part of your car experiences friction?