3rd Annual Mousecar Racetrap Challenge

A few weeks ago, my partner David and I built our mousetrap racecar and competed in the race. I enjoyed the build a lot even though I came close to snapping my fingers off a few too many times. We didn't compete very well (near last place to be specific).

However, we still managed to complete 10 achievements:

1. Brainiac

Ideas and Concepts:
-Small body
-Lightweight
-Small wheels
-Rubber wheels
-Goes straight
-Strong
-Accelerates well
-Aerodynamic
-Use as few materials as possible
-4 wheels

2. Visualize It

Sketch

3. Build It

Finished Car

4. The Price of Glory

We calculated our total cost to build the car at $17. This money was spent on 4 wheels, 2 axles, 4 bars, 3 holds, 2 blocks, one piece of string, and a mousetrap.

5. Competitor

6. Feedback

+ - It moved and held together
Change - We definitely could have used a lot less parts to make the car
? - If we used significantly less parts but the same design, would the car have gone significantly faster?
! - Make a lighter, thinner, more aerodynamic car.

7. Re-work

Reworked Car

8. Game Changer

Andrew and Federico built a car that had the required 2 axles, but only one was in use to move the car. The other was taped on top for no practical purpose. If I was in charge, I would refine the 2 axles requirement to 2 USED axles.

9. Name It

I would rename the "Brainiac" achievement to "Secretary" because that achievement requires writing, which is what many secretaries do.

10. Leave it cleaner than you found it

David and I completely disassembled the car and put all the spare parts laying around our workspace in their proper bins. We also threw all trash away in our workspace and returned tools like scissors, rulers, etc. to the front of the class.