CMTN Physical Sciences students test their mousetrap-powered vehicles at the Terrace Campus in 2024.
Terrace, BC – Coast Mountain College's Physical Sciences Department is seeking submissions for a mousetrap-powered vehicle competition.
The competition will be held in mid-June at CMTN's Terrace Campus (exact date and time to be determined).
There will be prizes for the winners and refreshments provided!
Contest details:
Objective:
To build a vehicle that uses a mousetrap as the only source of power. The goal is to go as far as possible using only the energy from the mousetrap.
Rules:
- There is no size or mass limit.
- The vehicle must have three or more wheels.
- It must use the basic Victor brand metal pedal mouse trap made from wood and metal (no plastic). They can be found at Canadian Tire (item number #059-3608-0 for a pack of two) and elsewhere.
- The mousetrap must be attached to the car and not simply used as a launching device.
- You may not add additional springs, elastics, etc. for power.
- The mousetrap must be removeable/replaceable.
- Each group will be given a new mousetrap that must be used for the competition.
- You may not alter/modify the mousetrap spring.
Suggestions for success:
- Living in Terrace provides the opportunity to observe many different types of vehicles.
- Use your knowledge from these experiences to guide the design of your project.
- Use your experiences with leverage and energy to help guide you.
- Learn about the dynamics involved including torque, levers, momentum, energy, friction, force, speed, and acceleration.
Testing:
- The vehicles will be tested in the hallway of Coast Mountain College's Terrace Campus academic building, so to be successful they must go in a reasonably straight line.
- The vehicle that travels the most distance will determine the winner.
- Contestants may do up to five trials and the trial with the greatest distance will be the one that is entered for your group.
Questions and sign-up information:
250-635-6511 ext. 5318.