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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

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

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

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