Mousetrap Racers

In this 2-part lesson, students work in groups to design and 3D print components for a Mousetrap Racer. Then they will design improvements to increase the distance the Mousetrap Racer travels.
Subjects
Design and TechnologyMathematicsPhysics
Years | Grades
8th Grade | 12-13 years9th Grade | 13-14 years10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years12th Grade | 16-18 years13th Grade | 18-19 years
Duration
Lesson 1: 50 minutes Print time: ~ 1 hour Lesson 2: 50 minutes

mousetrap racers trailer
Play 0:58

Objectives

  • Manufacture a Mousetrap Racer designed to travel the furthest distance possible
  • Use TinkerCAD® software to design a Mousetrap Racer optimized for 3D printing
  • Know how to calculate the radius and circumference of a wheel
  • Understand how the wheel circumference and axle size affects the distance travelled
 

Tools and equipment

  • BE3D eDee 3D printer
  • Set of example models
  • Internet-enabled computer and TinkerCAD
  • Paper pad and pencil
  • Printed lesson resources
 

Page BreakSkill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to:
 
  • Use TinkerCAD or similar CAD software at a beginner level
  • Enter correct 3D print settings in DeeControl layering software
  • Use BE3D eDee 3D printer

Mousetrap Racer walkthrough
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3D models overview

  • Total print time 18 hours 50 minutes
  • Total filament 52 m
  • Additional non-printable components
  • Printed all at once
Mousetrap Racer chassis
  • 4 hours
  • 11 m
Mousetrap tray
  • 2.5 hours
  • 7 m
Front wheel (CD)
  • 1 hour 15 minutes
  • 3.6 m
Rear Wheel
  • 2 hours 15 minutes
  • 7.4 m
Rear Axle
  • 2 hours
  • 3.5 m
Front axle 2nd Part
  • 50 minutes
  • 1 m
Front axle 1st Part
  • 40 minutes
  • 1 m
Boom 120 mm
  • 30 minutes
  • 1 m
Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

  • Lesson plan
  • Worksheet
  • Walkthrough
  • Presentation
  • 3D models
  • 3D print instructions
  • Curriculum Alignment: ISTE standard compliant