MOUSETRAP VEHICLES
DESCRIPTION:
The contestants will construct and bring with them a vehicle which uses a standard one-spring
mousetrap as its sole means of propulsion.
THE RULES:
1. Only one standard mousetrap (5 x 10 cm), provided by the contestant, may be used. Although it
may be altered, no alteration to the energy-storing capability is allowed. ALL parts of the vehicle
must move forward as a whole (i.e., no launching ramps, etc.). Any common materials may be used
to construct your vehicle. (ex. records, CD’s, balsa wood, string, gears, toy parts, etc.). You may
NOT use store-bought kits or parts of kits made for this type of project. You will receive the lowest
score possible if you are suspected of this type of cheating!
2. All energy available to the vehicle at the start of the run must be in the mousetrap spring. Other
energy storage is permissible but it must be powered-up by the mousetrap. (ex., a rubber band
could be used in the device but it must start the run at its lowest energy state unstretched.) CO2
cartridges, explosives, or other dangerous devices are not permitted.
3. Testing will be on a smooth level floor. No push may be given to start the vehicle. Eye
protection should be worn when starting your vehicle. Be aware of safety issues.
4. When it is your turn, the vehicle must be started by the normal release mechanism of the
mousetrap.
5. The participant will be given three (3) trials, with the highest score being used for judging.
Modifications to your vehicle may be made between trials but must be made as quickly as possible.
SCORING:
1. Scoring will be ten (10) points per meter traveled, minus one (1) point per second in transit.
Timing will be from the instant of trigger release to the instant when the vehicle stops moving
forward.
2. Distance will be measured perpendicular to the starting line from the line to the center of the
mousetrap spring. Vehicles will start with the spring centered on the starting line.
3. The higher the score the better!