How to Test a Mousetrap Car

Mousetrap cars are normally used in science classes to give students hands-on experience with circuits and circuit completion. Mousetrap cars are small vehicles with a motor and a battery. Testing a mousetrap car is a vital part of the process because it allows you to test the circuit and make sure the car works properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mousetrap car
• Flat surface
• Barrier
• Pencil

1. Locate a flat surface that is at least 5 feet in length. Hallways with linoleum or wood floors are great areas to test a mousetrap car.

2. Build a barrier to stop the car at the end of the test. The barrier needs to be made of a soft material such as a pillow or blanket to keep the car from being damaged in the test run.

3. Setup the barrier at the end of the test run area. The barrier needs to be large enough to cover the wall or object at the end of the test run area. If the area is not covered and the wheels are out of alignment, the mousetrap car can turn and travel into a wall or hard object and cause damage to the car.

4. Set the car up in the test area. Place the car at the opposite end of the test area, across from barrier. The car needs to be in the center of the lane. Set the mousetrap.

5. Trigger the mousetrap with the pencil. When the mousetrap releases, a connection from the battery to the motor is made and the car travels down the test area. If the circuit does not complete, the car will not work.

Tips & Warnings

• Get everyone out of the test run area. Mousetrap cars are generally fast and can cause abrasions and bruises if they run into someone.