Using an everyday mousetrap to build a car that actually works would be an experiment that students would likely remember as they encounter motion concepts in the future. Teaching physics to 8th graders can be somewhat of a challenge. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to purchase materials so that one of my classes could actually build their own mousetrap cars. We did a variety of activities relating to the mechanical advantages and a variety of motions of the cars. It was amazing how much the students enjoyed this hands-on activity and how well they understood the physics of motion. I recently had a student stop by from the high school to visit one afternoon and he was telling me how he enjoyed building his own mousetrap car and that it helped him to understand the physics concepts that he was now being taught in physical science.
My school is located in a rural area in Johnston County. Approximately 58% of the student's population receives free or reduce lunch. I know from previous experience that it would a hardship for a majority of my students to purchase their own kits or the materials to build their mousetrap car. I would like to be able to purchase a classroom bulk set and the materials so students could build their own mousetrap car. Teams would be supplied with materials and directions to build their own from a kit or they could design their own. I already have a variety of lab activities that we could do once their cars are completed. I would need to order kits from Delta Education. This would give me 24 kits to be shared among three classes/75 students. Much is retained and students actually would understand the concept rather than memorizing information relating to motion. It is a wonderful activity that students can really sink their minds into and make learning a difficult concept somewhat easier.
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