1. MPV project

2. WHY BUILD AN MPV?

3. Goals of the MPV project 1.To follow directions successfully and build a mousetrap-powered vehicle that moves at least 5 meters under its own power 2.To record data that yields information on the motion of the MPV

4. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO BUILD A CAR

5. Construction/Operation Phase Requirements: Each student must build a car powered by a rubber-band and a mousetrap that achieves a displacement of 5 meters on 2 separate runs. Although advice and materials may be sought from anywhere, this car should be built only by the student.

6. Grade Rubric for Construction Phase 50 points will be awarded for creation of an MPV that travels a displacement of 5 meters twice, under supervision 42 points will be awarded to the creators of an MPV that can only travel 5 meters once 38 points will be awarded to the creators of the car that can travel at least 3 inches under its own power. 0 points awarded if no car was never completed or run in front of the teacher, within the given time

7. Extra Credit 1 more points if the car moves past 20m 2 more points if the car moves past 30m 4 more points if the car moves past 50 m 8 more points if it moves past 100 m For the run to count, it must be observed by Mr. Baker or an assigned watcher

8. Operation Phase Each Student has to run their car at least 10 times AND record the displacement AND time for each run. Only one or two practice runs before students start recording data for their car. The 2 runs over 5 meters and any run that is worth bonus points must be included on the data sheet

9. Materials Needed A working MPV A timing mechanism that shows 1/10ths of a second The ability to count tiles Data Sheet A willingness to work well with others

10. Classes will be divided in groups of 2-3 One person will operate their car One will work the timer One will count the actual number of tiles traveled

11. Mousetrap Used as body of basic car Major power-source?

12. String or Rubber-bands … Connects body to axles The attachment of string/rubber-band around axle determines how the car moves

13. Eye-screws Eye-screws are the best and easiest way to connect the axles to the body of the car

14. Pencils and dowel rods These are used to make the axles of the car Connects the wheels together

15. CDs Serve as wheels for the car 2 wheels stuck together make better wheels Coffee lids, plastic plates, records, and pizza pans have all been used

16. Connectors Cardboard, washers, spools Used to make a stable connection the wheel to the axle Spools work the best, the others are good

17. Steps to assemble an MPV

18. Prepare the mousetrap to be the body of the car

19. Glue, tape eye-screws to body

20. Check fit and alignment of eyescrews

21. What was done wrong?

22. Make 2 fatter (power) wheels wheels

23. Connect wheel to spool

24. Connect one spooled wheel to axle

25. Use washers as connections

26. Use cardboard as connection

27. Slide axle through 2 eye-screws

28. Connect second wheel to axle

29. How to make a MPV car move Wrap string/rubber-band over it self on back axle The axle will unwind in the opposite direction it is wound Wind the rubber-band tight before you lift your mousetrap arm

30. Do NOT give the car an added push!