Boy Scout Project: Build a Car 20m with Mousetraps & Beans

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a Boy Scout project that requires participants to build a car capable of traveling 20 meters using two standard mousetraps and two 8 oz cans of pork and beans. The project emphasizes creativity within design constraints, including the prohibition of sharp objects and chemicals, and mandates that the car must move autonomously without a push start. Participants are encouraged to share ideas and plans to foster understanding of the underlying principles of the project.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to motion and energy
  • Familiarity with mechanical design concepts
  • Knowledge of mousetrap mechanics and their potential as energy sources
  • Basic skills in project planning and execution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research mechanical design principles for creating efficient vehicles
  • Explore various energy transfer methods using mousetraps
  • Investigate successful science fair project examples for inspiration
  • Learn about project management techniques for group projects
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for Boy Scouts, educators, and mentors involved in youth projects, as well as anyone interested in hands-on engineering challenges and creative problem-solving.

robin14559
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Here is the task... Boy Scout project (Not Homework)
- Build a car that can travel 20m in straight line
- Design Constraints:
- Carry (2) standard mousetraps and (2) 8 oz cans of pork and beans
- Use 3 of the above 4 items as energy sources, with 1 as pure payload
- Complete freedom over what car is made out of except nothing sharp and no chemicals.
- No push starts. Car must move from start under its own power.

Extra Prize for fastest car to cover the 20m distance
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Greg Bernhardt said:
Great, show us your plan :)
Absolutely will as it progresses. Looking for varied ideas for the scouts that haven't any ideas. Trying to help them understand the principles behind the project rather than leaving them on an island. :-)

Any ideas and project plans are appreciated. Love seeing the different ways people come at a project.
 
robin14559 said:
Any ideas and project plans are appreciated. Love seeing the different ways people come at a project.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

I haven't looked yet, but there must be some websites with 100s of suggestions for these kinds of instructional projects. Have you tried searching on it yet? Have you found any good websites that you can share with us?

I know there are websites with lots of ideas for Science Fair projects, but that's not exactly what you are looking for. I often point people to the Intel STEM project competition website (although I believe Intel no longer sponsors those competitions)...

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us...ternational-science-and-engineering-fair.html
 

Similar threads

Designing a Mousetrap Car for Optimal Distance: A Physics Project
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Building a Self-Contained Egg Tower Device: Grade 12 Physics ISU Project
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Maximize Mousetrap Car Performance for Physics Project
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Other Senior project ideas? - Physics/Engineering
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Designing a Mousetrap Car with Weapons for Physics Project
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
17K
Upper division physics lab -- Project ideas
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
High School How Can a Physics Car Project Achieve Automatic Stopping at a Set Distance?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
How Can I Build a Non-Traditional Propulsion Car for a Physics Project?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Programs 7 Keys to Success with a Physics Degree
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Graduate Read Physics Postdoc's Reflections on Education, Knowledge, & Life
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K