First Quarter Performance Task in Practical Research 2
Mouse Trap Car Race Guidelines
Objective:
To design, build, and race a vehicle powered solely by the energy of a mousetrap. The car that travels
the farthest distance wins.
Car Design Rules:
1. Only one standard mousetrap may be used. No additional springs, motors, or stored
energy devices should be used.
2. Mousetraps should be bought from a prescribed store to ensure everybody will use the same type
of mousetrap. The mousetrap should not be altered in any way to gain an advantage.
3. Any material is allowed (wood, plastic, CDs, etc.) as long as the power comes only from the
mousetrap. Prefabricated materials are allowed; however, students are encouraged to use
repurposed materials.
4. The car must be safe to operate and have no sharp edges or projectiles. The spring
mechanism must be securely fastened to the frame.
5. The mousetrap must be manually triggered at the start line. No remote controls or external
assistance once released.
Race Rules:
1. Each mousetrap car must be placed behind the start line and may only be activated by triggering
the spring mechanism. Upon the official signal, participants must release the car without any
external push.
2. Each run is limited to 15 seconds. After 15 seconds, the distance reached by the car—even if it
is still moving—will be measured and recorded.
3. Each team gets three attempts, but only the longest distance will be counted.
4. Distance is measured from the start line to the farthest point reached by the car in a straight path.
Teams are allowed to make modifications or repairs between attempts.
5. If a car fails to move or topples over immediately, the team is allowed one retry per attempt.
The retry must still occur within the same 15-second window.
Awards:
Award Description
Mousetrap Race Champion Awarded to the car that travels the farthest
2nd Place distance from the starting line using only the
3rd Place power of its mousetrap.
Best Engineered Car Awarded to the car with the most precise, stable,
and structurally sound design
Most Innovative Design Awarded to the team that demonstrates
outstanding creativity and originality in their car’s
design and mechanics.
Eco-Friendly Award Awarded to the car that best incorporates recycled,
repurposed, or sustainable materials without
sacrificing performance.
TIPS FOR MAKING A MOUSETRAP CAR
1. Maximize Lever Arm Length. Attach a long, lightweight arm to the mousetrap's snapper
to increase the pulling distance and gradually release energy for smoother motion.
2. Use Lightweight Materials. Choose materials like foam board, balsa wood, or plastic for the
frame to reduce weight and increase travel distance.
3. Keep the Car Straight and Balanced. Ensure the car is symmetrical and wheels are aligned.
Uneven construction can cause the car to veer off or wobble.
4. Minimize Friction. Use smooth axles, washers, or straws as bearings to reduce
resistance between moving parts and let wheels spin freely.
5. Use Large, Thin Wheels for Distance. Larger rear wheels roll farther with each turn and
store more energy when used properly.
6. Secure All Connections. Make sure wheels, axles, and the mousetrap arm are tightly attached
to prevent parts from falling off during motion.
7. Adjust Axle Diameter. Smaller axles mean more wheel rotations per mousetrap pull, which
can help increase distance.
8. Test and Tweak Your Pull String. Use strong thread or fishing line to connect the
mousetrap arm to the axle. Adjust length and wrapping technique to optimize energy transfer.
9. Practice Multiple Test Runs. Run trials and make small adjustments to improve
stability, balance, and energy efficiency.
Rubric for the Mousetrap Car Project
Criterion
Car Design and Construction (30 points)
- Creativity and Originality of Design / 10
- Functionality /5
- Quality of Construction /5
- Ability to use repurposed materials / 10
Scientific Documentation (30 points)
- Evidence of planning and problem-solving (documentation /30
of prototyping and testing)
Race Performance (20 points) /20
Teamwork and Participation (20 points)
- All members contributed to the design and construction /10
- Good cooperation and communication /5
- Responsible and sustainable use of materials /5
Total
PERFORMANCE TASK DOCUMENTATION
Section: Group Number:
Members:
SPECIFICATIONS:
Height:
Weight:
Length:
Mousetrap Arm Length:
Materials used:
Body:
Wheel:
Recorded Speed (during trials):
Actual Speed (during competition):
Attach a photo of the mousetrap car with labelled parts
TRAIL RUNS
TRIAL NUMBER ADJUSTMENT MADE DISTANCE TRAVELLED
DOCUMENTATION
