High School Grade
Project
10 weeks
Mousetrap Racers: The Speedy Challenge!
1-pager
Purpose
Students will engage in a hands-on project to design, build, and refine a mousetrap-powered vehicle, applying physics concepts and engineering principles. The project will be strategically paced, incorporating dedicated weeks for design, redesign, and final adjustments to ensure iterative learning and refinement of ideas. Each week will focus on specific content concepts, such as motion graphs, 1D kinematics, Newton's Laws, friction, torque, work and potential energy, and conservation of energy, with modeling, practice, and quizzes to assess understanding. The project culminates in a competitive showcase where students present their designs, defend their mathematical models, and demonstrate their vehicles' performance. This experience fosters collaboration, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the scientific process in a practical, engaging context.
Learning goals
Students will develop a deep understanding of physics principles, including motion graphs, 1D kinematics, Newton's Laws, friction, torque, work, potential energy, and conservation of energy, by designing and optimizing a mousetrap-powered vehicle. The project will include dedicated weeks for initial design, redesign based on data analysis, and final adjustments and predictions, interspersed with content-focused weeks. Students will conduct labs examining the motion of the car, measuring torque, determining friction, analyzing energy transfer, and conducting a student-generated lab. They will enhance their quantitative reasoning skills by analyzing data, creating mathematical models, and iterating on their designs. Through presentations and competitions, students will refine their ability to communicate their findings and defend their design choices effectively.
Standards
- HS-ETS1-2 - Break a complex real-world problem into smaller, more manageable problems that each can be solved using scientific and engineering principles.
- HS-ETS1-3 - Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, aesthetics, and maintenance, as well as social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
- HS-ETS1-4 - Use a computer simulation to model the impact of a proposed solution to a complex real-world problem that has numerous criteria and constraints on the interactions within and between systems relevant to the problem.
- HS-ETS1-5(MA) - Plan a prototype or design solution using orthographic projections and isometric drawings, using proper scales and proportions.
- HS-ETS1-6(MA) - Document and present solutions that include specifications, performance results, successes and remaining issues, and limitations.
- HS-ETS2-1(MA) - Determine the best application of manufacturing processes to create parts of desired shape, size, and finish based on available resources and safety.
- HS-PS2-1 - Analyze data to support the claim that Newton's second law of motion is a mathematical model describing change in motion (the acceleration) of objects when acted on by a net force.
- HS-PS2-10(MA) - Use free-body force diagrams, algebraic expressions, and Newton's laws of motion to predict changes to velocity and acceleration for an object moving in one dimension in various situations.
- HS-PS3-2 - Develop and use a model to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as either motions of particles and objects or energy stored in fields.
- HS-PS3-3 - Design and evaluate a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
Competencies
- Design Solutions - Identify an issue or design challenge (DS.1)
- Design Solutions - Build models, prototypes, or action plans (DS.2)
- Design Solutions - Test, act, iterate (DS.3)
- Engage In Inquiry - Frame a question (EI.1)
- Engage In Inquiry - Develop an inquiry plan (EI.2)
- Engage In Inquiry - Gather and organize original data (EI.4)
- Engage In Inquiry - Synthesize sources or findings (EI.5)
- Reason Quantitatively - Analyze and interpret data (RQ.2)
- Reason Quantitatively - Represent and communicate information mathematically (RQ.3)
Products
Students will create and refine mousetrap-powered vehicles, beginning with cardboard prototypes and advancing to designs using Onshape for 3D printing or laser cutting. Design phases will be interspersed throughout the project, allowing for iterative improvements based on data analysis and physics principles. Weekly labs will focus on applying concepts such as 1D kinematics and Newton's Laws to enhance vehicle performance. The final product will be showcased in a competition, where students present their optimized designs and defend their mathematical models.
Launch
Students will kick off the project by constructing a basic mousetrap car using materials like cardboard, craft sticks, and CDs, immersing them in the mechanics and energy principles firsthand. This hands-on task will be complemented by content quizzes covering graphing motion, 1D kinematics, Newton's Laws, friction, work and potential energy, torque, and conservation of energy. Each week will focus on a specific concept, incorporating modeling, practice, and quizzes to deepen understanding. Students will engage in five specific labs, each linked to different topics covered in quizzes: motion analysis, torque measurement, friction evaluation, energy transfer, and a student-generated lab. The combination of hands-on activities and content quizzes will prepare students to optimize their vehicle's performance through inquiry and iterative design. Throughout the project, students will have dedicated weeks for initial design, redesign, and final adjustments/predictions, ensuring ample time for refinement and application of learned concepts.
Exhibition
In the exhibition, students will participate in a dynamic competition where they present and defend their mousetrap car designs and mathematical models to peers, teachers, and invited community members. Each team will showcase their engineering notebooks, detailing their design process, data analysis, and iterative improvements, including their initial cardboard and craft stick prototypes from week one. The event will culminate in a race where cars are tested over a set distance, with students predicting travel times based on their models. This exhibition not only highlights students' technical skills and creativity but also encourages them to articulate their learning journey and engage with constructive feedback.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Launch - Introduce the mousetrap car project and essential question: How can I predict & minimize the time it takes for a vehicle powered by a single mousetrap to travel a set distance? (20 min)
Materials and Mechanics Exploration - Students will explore and gather materials like cardboard, craft sticks, and CDs, and discuss the mechanics of mousetrap cars. (30 min)
Initial Design Brainstorm - Students will brainstorm and sketch initial designs for their mousetrap cars, focusing on the basic structure and function. (30 min)
|
1D Kinematics Introduction - Introduce basic concepts of 1D kinematics through an interactive demonstration. (30 min)
Build Prototype - Students will start constructing their basic mousetrap car prototypes using gathered materials. (50 min)
|
Newton's Laws Lesson - Teach Newton's Laws and their application to mousetrap cars through a hands-on activity. (40 min)
Prototype Testing - Conduct initial tests on the mousetrap car prototypes, observing motion and identifying areas for improvement. (40 min)
|
Reflection and Documentation - Students will document their design process and initial test results in an engineering notebook. (30 min)
Critique and Revision Session - Facilitate a class discussion where students present their prototypes and receive feedback for refinement. (50 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed basic mousetrap car prototype
2. Engineering notebook entries detailing initial design ideas, construction process, and lab observations |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for mousetrap car construction: cardboard, craft sticks, CDs, mousetraps, adhesives, and cutting tools
2. Set up motion sensors and stopwatches for the lab activity 3. Prepare introductory resources on kinematics and Newton's Laws, including visual aids and real-world examples 4. Develop engineering notebook templates to guide student documentation 5. Arrange classroom space for hands-on building and testing activities |
|||
| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Newton's Laws Introduction - Engage in a hands-on demonstration to observe Newton's Laws in action, particularly focusing on how they apply to the mousetrap car's motion (30 min)
Force Diagrams - Collaborate to create free-body diagrams for the mousetrap car, identifying forces acting on the car and predicting their effects on motion (50 min)
|
Kinematics Exploration - Conduct a lab activity to measure and graph the 1D motion of a mousetrap car, focusing on velocity and acceleration over time (40 min)
Data Analysis - Analyze the collected motion data to identify patterns and relate them to Newton's second law of motion (40 min)
|
Friction Investigation - Design and execute an experiment to measure the effects of friction on the car's performance, considering different surface types and wheel materials (50 min)
Discussion and Reflection - Share findings in small groups and discuss how friction influences the design and performance of the mousetrap car (30 min)
|
Energy Transfer Modeling - Develop a conceptual model to illustrate energy conversion processes in the mousetrap car, emphasizing the transition from potential to kinetic energy (40 min)
Documentation Session - Record insights and experiment results in the engineering notebook, synthesizing how energy transfer impacts car motion (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed free-body diagrams and algebraic expressions for the forces acting on the mousetrap car.
2. Initial design sketches and subsequent revisions based on data analysis. 3. A preliminary mathematical model predicting the car's motion considering Newton's Laws. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for constructing free-body diagrams (e.g., paper, markers, rulers).
2. Ensure availability of motion sensors and data logging software for acceleration experiments. 3. Prepare instructional resources on Newton's Laws and their application to the project. 4. Organize group discussion prompts and worksheets for data interpretation sessions. |
|||
| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Advanced Design Session - Refine initial designs using orthographic projections and isometric drawings to ensure proper scales and proportions (40 min)
Onshape Introduction - Learn how to use Onshape for 3D design, focusing on creating components for the mousetrap car (40 min)
|
Component Design Workshop - Design individual parts of the mousetrap car using Onshape, considering constraints like size and material availability (50 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Present designs to peers for critique and receive constructive feedback to improve designs (30 min)
|
Manufacturing Process Selection - Determine the best manufacturing processes to create designed parts, considering resources and safety (40 min)
Prototype Construction - Begin constructing new prototypes using advanced designs and selected manufacturing processes (40 min)
|
Prototype Testing - Conduct tests on advanced prototypes to evaluate performance based on criteria like speed, reliability, and energy conversion (40 min)
Results Analysis and Documentation - Analyze test results and document findings in the engineering notebook, highlighting successes and areas for improvement (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed free-body diagrams for their current mousetrap car designs.
2. Torque calculations and analysis report based on the hands-on lab. 3. Initial Onshape design of the enhanced mousetrap car with annotations on torque considerations. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to computers with Onshape software for design activities.
2. Prepare materials for the torque lab, including various lever arms, weights, and measurement tools. 3. Create a guide for students on how to calculate torque and interpret its effects on their vehicle designs. 4. Develop a rubric for peer-review feedback focusing on torque application and design improvements. 5. Set up a space for students to safely test and measure the torque of their mousetrap cars. |
|||
| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Data Collection Plan - Develop a detailed plan for collecting data on mousetrap car performance, including variables to measure and methods of measurement (30 min)
Execution of Initial Tests - Conduct initial tests using advanced prototypes, focusing on capturing data related to speed, distance, and energy conversion (50 min)
|
Data Analysis Workshop - Analyze collected data to identify performance trends and correlations, utilizing graphing tools to represent findings mathematically (40 min)
Group Synthesis Session - Collaborate in groups to synthesize individual data analyses and draw conclusions about design efficacy (40 min)
|
Iterative Design Session - Use insights from data analysis to refine and iterate on car designs, employing engineering principles to address identified issues (50 min)
Peer Feedback Exchange - Present refined designs to peers for constructive critique and incorporate feedback to enhance design improvements (30 min)
|
Performance Evaluation - Conduct comprehensive evaluations of updated car prototypes, testing against criteria such as speed, efficiency, and reliability (40 min)
Documentation and Reflection - Document testing procedures, results, and design iterations in engineering notebooks, reflecting on learning and remaining challenges (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Students will complete an initial redesign of their mousetrap car based on the analysis of data from Week 3.
2. Submit engineering notebook entries documenting the redesign process, including the data collected, analysis, sketches, and rationale for changes made. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for potential redesigns, such as additional cardboard, craft sticks, CDs, axles, rubber bands, and adhesives.
2. Ensure the availability of computers with Onshape or other CAD software for design modifications. 3. Organize access to 3D printers or laser cutters for students to create new parts as needed. 4. Prepare a checklist for students to self-assess the redesign process, focusing on criteria like efficiency, speed, and stability. 5. Set up stations for testing redesigned cars to gather new data on performance metrics. |
|||
| Week 5 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Torque and Rotational Motion Exploration - Conduct hands-on experiments to understand the link between rotational and translational motion using the mousetrap car (40 min)
Data Collection - Measure torque and rotational kinematics of the mousetrap car, recording observations for further analysis (40 min)
|
Data Analysis Session - Analyze collected data to determine the relationship between torque and car performance, confirming predictions made using Newton's laws (40 min)
Peer Feedback - Share data analysis findings with peers and receive feedback to refine understanding and approach (40 min)
|
Design Iteration Workshop - Utilize feedback and data insights to iterate on car design, focusing on improvements in torque application and rotational movement (50 min)
Prototype Testing - Test the revised car design to evaluate changes in performance, particularly in terms of torque and speed (30 min)
|
Reflection and Documentation - Reflect on design changes and test results, documenting insights and remaining challenges in the engineering notebook (40 min)
Critique and Revision Session - Present the iterated design to the class, discussing successes, limitations, and potential further improvements (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Complete a lab report documenting torque measurements and analyzing their impact on the car's motion.
2. Submit a mathematical model prediction, including diagrams and calculations, showing the expected travel time of the car. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Prepare torque measurement tools and ensure students have access to necessary equipment.
2. Provide resources and materials on rotational kinematics and Newton's laws for the workshop. 3. Set up stations for free-body force diagram practice and provide guidance on using algebraic expressions for predictions. 4. Ensure students have engineering notebooks available for synthesizing and documenting their model predictions. |
|||
| Week 6 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Design Optimization Workshop - Focus on identifying and addressing inefficiencies in current mousetrap car designs based on data analysis from previous weeks (40 min)
Energy Conversion Analysis - Investigate changes in energy conversion processes resulting from design improvements and document findings (40 min)
|
Computer Simulation Activity - Use computer simulations to model the impact of design changes on car performance, considering constraints like energy and motion (50 min)
Peer Review Session - Engage in peer reviews to receive feedback on simulation outcomes and potential areas for further optimization (30 min)
|
Prototype Refinement Session - Refine car designs based on simulation feedback and prepare prototypes for testing (50 min)
Torque and Motion Testing - Conduct tests to evaluate the effectiveness of design refinements in terms of torque and motion efficiency (30 min)
|
Data Synthesis Workshop - Synthesize data from recent tests to evaluate performance improvements and remaining challenges (40 min)
Reflection and Documentation - Document design iterations, test results, and learning insights in the engineering notebook (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Revised 3D model of the mousetrap car using Onshape.
2. A brief presentation summarizing the design changes, rationale, and expected performance improvements based on simulation results. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to computers with Onshape and simulation software installed for all students.
2. Prepare a guide or tutorial on using physics simulation tools relevant to the project. 3. Collect and provide feedback from previous weeks' data analysis to guide redesign efforts. 4. Set up stations or areas for peer review sessions, ensuring each group has access to necessary presentation equipment. |
|||
| Week 7 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Design Review and Feedback - Present current mousetrap car designs to the class for critique, identifying strengths and areas for improvement based on performance data and engineering principles. (40 min)
Redesign Planning - Develop a detailed plan for redesigning the mousetrap car, drawing on peer feedback and data analysis to address inefficiencies and enhance performance. (40 min)
|
Implementation of Redesign - Begin implementing the planned redesigns, focusing on modifications that improve speed, reliability, and energy conversion efficiency. (50 min)
Simulation-Based Predictions - Use computer simulations to predict the impact of redesign changes on car performance, refining understanding of system interactions. (30 min)
|
Redesign Testing - Conduct tests on redesigned prototypes to evaluate performance improvements and efficiency in meeting project criteria. (50 min)
Data Analysis and Documentation - Analyze test results to assess the effectiveness of redesigns, documenting insights and challenges in the engineering notebook. (30 min)
|
Reflection and Synthesis - Reflect on redesign process and results, synthesizing findings to guide final adjustments and predictions for the mousetrap car. (40 min)
Peer Sharing and Feedback - Share redesign experiences and outcomes with peers, receiving feedback and discussing potential final adjustments. (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed computer simulation models that illustrate design changes and their impacts.
2. Mathematical models predicting the car's travel time over a set distance, including detailed calculations and assumptions. 3. Updated design plans based on simulation results and peer feedback, documented in engineering notebooks. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to computers with Onshape installed for all students.
2. Gather previous data from physical tests to be used in simulations and mathematical modeling. 3. Prepare resources for peer critique sessions, including rubrics and guidelines for constructive feedback. 4. Organize materials needed for updating engineering notebooks, such as graph paper, rulers, and pens. |
|||
| Week 8 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Design Iteration - Analyze feedback from previous tests and synthesize the data to make the final design changes to the mousetrap car, focusing on addressing any outstanding performance issues. (40 min)
Prototype Refinement - Implement the final design modifications using available materials and tools, ensuring that all changes are accurately represented in the prototype. (40 min)
|
Performance Testing and Data Collection - Conduct a comprehensive set of tests to evaluate the final design's performance under various conditions, focusing on speed, efficiency, and reliability. (50 min)
Data Analysis Session - Analyze the collected data to determine the effectiveness of the final design changes, using graphs and mathematical models to represent improvements. (30 min)
|
Mathematical Model Development - Develop a detailed mathematical model to predict the mousetrap car's performance over a set distance, incorporating all collected data and observed trends. (40 min)
Peer Review and Feedback - Present the mathematical model and final design to peers for feedback, refining the model based on constructive critique. (40 min)
|
Documentation and Presentation Preparation - Document the entire design process, testing, data analysis, and final outcomes in the engineering notebook, ensuring clarity and coherence. (40 min)
Final Presentation Rehearsal - Prepare and rehearse the final presentation, focusing on clearly communicating the design process, mathematical model, and predicted performance to an audience. (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Completed revised design of mousetrap car using Onshape.
2. Updated sections in the engineering notebook documenting design changes and justifications. 3. Peer feedback summary with action plan for improvements. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to computers with Onshape software for design revisions.
2. Prepare 3D printers and laser cutters for student use, including necessary materials. 3. Organize a peer review session format to facilitate constructive feedback. 4. Provide resources on advanced design modifications and physics applications in vehicle design. |
|||
| Week 9 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Model Refinement - Review feedback and data from previous weeks to refine the mathematical model predicting the mousetrap car's movement, ensuring accuracy and completeness. (40 min)
Prototype Adjustment Session - Implement final design adjustments based on the refined model, focusing on optimizing the car's performance for the upcoming exhibition. (40 min)
|
Comprehensive Testing Session - Test the final version of the mousetrap car under various scenarios, collecting data on speed, reliability, and energy efficiency to validate the refined model. (50 min)
Data Analysis and Synthesis - Analyze the testing results to confirm predictions made by the mathematical model, preparing data representations for presentation. (30 min)
|
Presentation Development Workshop - Develop a detailed and engaging presentation to communicate the design process, mathematical model, and performance outcomes ahead of the exhibition. (40 min)
Peer Review and Rehearsal - Present the draft presentation to peers for feedback and conduct a rehearsal to refine clarity and delivery. (40 min)
|
Documentation Finalization - Complete the engineering notebook, ensuring all design iterations, test results, and performance analyses are thoroughly documented. (40 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Prepare for the competitive showcase by organizing materials, setting up the display, and practicing presentation delivery. (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Refined mousetrap vehicle design with documented changes.
2. Updated mathematical model predicting the vehicle's travel time. 3. Presentation slides or materials summarizing the design process, data analysis, and final predictions. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to Onshape software and any necessary design tools.
2. Arrange for testing space where students can safely test their vehicles. 3. Provide materials for any additional modifications, such as 3D printing or laser-cutting equipment. 4. Organize peer review sessions for presentation practice. |
|||
| Week 10 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Competition Overview - Provide an overview of the upcoming competition, detailing the format and judging criteria, and discuss strategies for presenting and defending designs. (30 min)
Final Presentation Preparation - Finalize and rehearse the presentation, focusing on clearly articulating the design process, mathematical model, and predicted performance. (50 min)
|
Exhibition Setup - Collaboratively set up the exhibition space, ensuring all materials, displays, and prototypes are organized and accessible for the competition. (40 min)
Dress Rehearsal - Conduct a full dress rehearsal of presentations, incorporating peer feedback to refine delivery and content for clarity and effectiveness. (40 min)
|
Competitive Showcase - Participate in the exhibition, presenting and defending designs and mathematical models, and demonstrating vehicle performance in the race. (80 min)
|
Reflection and Debriefing - Engage in a reflection session to discuss the competition experience, share insights gained, and identify areas for future improvement. (40 min)
Celebration and Recognition - Celebrate achievements and recognize individual and team successes, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community. (40 min)
|
| Deliverables |
1. Finalized mousetrap car design with documented refinements.
2. Mathematical model and prediction for car travel time. 3. Organized engineering notebook detailing design process, data, and analysis. 4. Presentation for exhibition, including a defense of design choices and predictions. |
|||
| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to all design and testing materials for final adjustments, including tools for any last-minute modifications.
2. Provide resources for students to compile and organize data, such as computers with necessary software for modeling and data analysis. 3. Set up the exhibition space, ensuring it accommodates presentations and the race competition, with clear guidelines for the event. 4. Arrange for guest judges or audience members to engage with students during the exhibition, providing feedback and fostering a collaborative environment. |
|||