Mousetrap Cars: Getting Started!
We will be using the A,B,D,C,E's of engineering to solve our mousetrap car problem. Please read through the process below then read the directions below for what is next.
Click Here for the A,B,D,C,E's of engineering.
Click Here to watch a GIANT mousetrap car! (ours will be MUCH smaller...)
Start brainstorming ideas on how to create a vehicle that will go the furthest distance powered ONLY by the movement of the mousetrap. Remember how they made the GIANT mousetrap move. As a group discuss:
1. How many wheels does it need? Does it really need four?
2. How will we make it move?
3. What are we going to make it out of? Wood, sticks, legos, etc...?
Next, research ideas online. We will be constructing the vehicles in the shop, but your group doesn't need to use the machines, material, or supplies I have available -you could bring things from home. You will have one more class period to plan before we go into the shop, so don't bring anything to construct with before getting Mr. Schadler's OK first.
Finally, if you have time, begin sketching out ideas on graph paper (about 3-4 different ideas.) Graph paper is in the basket on top of the bookcase. Please turn the drawings in at the end of class to your teacher. MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR NAMES ON ALL PAPERS YOU TURN IN!
1. How many wheels does it need? Does it really need four?
2. How will we make it move?
3. What are we going to make it out of? Wood, sticks, legos, etc...?
Next, research ideas online. We will be constructing the vehicles in the shop, but your group doesn't need to use the machines, material, or supplies I have available -you could bring things from home. You will have one more class period to plan before we go into the shop, so don't bring anything to construct with before getting Mr. Schadler's OK first.
Finally, if you have time, begin sketching out ideas on graph paper (about 3-4 different ideas.) Graph paper is in the basket on top of the bookcase. Please turn the drawings in at the end of class to your teacher. MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR NAMES ON ALL PAPERS YOU TURN IN!