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 make connections between the construction and operation of the MPV with topics covered in class

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, each car should be built by only one 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 2 more points if the car moves past 20m, 68 blocks 4 more points if the car moves past 30m, 102 blocks 8 more points if the car moves past 50 m, 170 blocks 16 more points if it moves past 100 m, 340 blocks For the run to count, it must be observed by the teacher or an assigned watcher

8. Operation Phase Each Student has to run their car at least 5 times AND record the displacement AND time for each run. Calculate what is needed to complete chart 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, so extend the chart onto other side if needed

9. Chart grade The completed chart will be included in the first homework grade

10. What jobs do the pieces perform?

11. Timing device Stopwatch (I only have a limited number that work) Stopwatch on phone

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

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

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

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

16. CDs Serve as wheels for the car 2-3 wheels stuck together make better wheels Coffee lids, plastic plates, records, and pizza pans have all been used

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

18. Options Piece of wood Allows the eye screws to be screwed in rather glued and taped Allows use of bigger wheels Weight issues 6 inch Ruler Extends the mousetrap arm Makes car go father, but slower

19. Steps to assemble an MPV

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

21. Glue, tape eye-screws to body

22. Check fit and alignment of eyescrews

23. What was done wrong?

24. Make 2 fatter (power) wheels wheels

25. Connect wheel to spool

26. Connect one spooled wheel to axle

27. Use washers as connections

28. Use cardboard as connection

29. Slide axle through 2 eye-screws

30. Connect second wheel to axle

31. Repeat last steps for the other axle

32. Last steps Cut rubber band at one place Tie one end onto the top of mousetrap arm Lay the rubber band along the body of the car If loose edge of rubber-band extends beyond other axle, cut off excess

33. 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

34. Do NOT give the car an added push!

35. Chart to be completed when running cars

36. Name: ___________ Class Period: ______ Displacement Measured in number of blocks Displacement calculated in centimeters Displacement calculated in meters Time Measured in seconds Average Velocity Measured in meters/second 1 2 3 4 5

37. Relationship between blocks and metric units Each block is about 29.5 cm long 100 cm = 1 meter