In the annual Engineering Olympiad, SECME students are challenged to create a "mousetrap car" that can be entered into a competition. Before starting the mousetrap vehicle (MTV) design challenge, students should have a good understanding of simple machines, force and motion, and the design process. The spring of a mousetrap can store a considerable amount of potential energy when it is pulled back and its tension is increased. When released, this energy can be transformed into the kinetic energy of movement, making the mousetrap the perfect "motor." As the trap closes, the metal bar pulls a string that has been wound around the axle of the MTV. This causes the axle and attached wheels to spin, propelling the MTV forward. While many aspects of the MTV's design can change, this is the basic method of movement.
The MTV Engineering Design Competition requires participation in four areas:
construction and performance, technical drawing, technical report, and interview.
Construction and performance (100 pts)
The N score of the MTV is the product of the ratio of w (the weight of the mousetrap) to W (the weight of the entire vehicle) multiplied by the square of D (the distance the MTV travels) to L (the length of the entire mousetrap vehicle).
The N score is compared to the highest performance score of the competition site (NL) and multiplied by 100.
Design Drawing (50 pts)
The accuracy to which the drawing illustrates the actual MTV, the proportions in the drawing correctly relate to and represent the team's actual MTV, the correctness of the names/labels of all of the parts in the drawing of the MTV, and the quality of the visual presentation of the MTV drawing entry.
Technical Report (50 pts)
The describing the design, construction, and operation of the MTV. Outline, organization, precision, sentence formation, and mechanics are considered.
Team Interview with Judges (50 pts)
A 5-10 minute discussion with 3 team members will cover details of the car‘s design and testing. Teamwork, application of technical principles, knowledge of formulas, and oral communication skills are all considered.
