A better mousetrap

For 25 years, Professor Steve Klein has had his students build cars, boats and planes (all powered by a simple mousetrap), to teach the concepts of engineering to his freshmen students.

Comparing all the diverse vehicles he has seen over the years, Professor Klein has found that cars, built from both mousetraps and computer mice, far outlast contraptions from the previous years.

The mousetrap races that Klein started in 1977 continue into its twenty-fifth year, still proving to students that, according to Klein, “design is essential to engineering.” The purpose of the project is to design and build an alteration to a computer mouse that will move the mouse with the energy stored in a standard cocked mousetrap.

Klein believes that the assignment is “simple enough for first year students, but challenging enough to keep them busy.” Equipped with a one page set of rules and regulations, students often let their imaginations run wild. “They’re allowed to enter as many cars as they’d like, so they can try all the designs and techniques they can think of,” Klein explained.

The races have grown in popularity over the years. So much so, that Butte College students are invited to participate as well. In fact, Butte College student Lance Thomas holds the “World College Student Record” when his car traveled the 2.5 meter course in 1.51 seconds.

However, Bill Schultz, former dean of the math and science department, now holds the “World Record” at 1.23 seconds when he entered his very own mouse last year.

Klein hopes that this will inspire other to try their hand at engineering and see if their mouse measures up.
“Everybody is more than welcome to enter a car,” he added. If you are interested in building a mousetrap car to enter the upcoming race, Klein suggested that you visit the website at http://ms.yuba.cc.ca.us/mousetrap/mouse2002/ to see an official copy of the rules and for more information on how to contact him.

This year, two races will be held. The “official” race will take place in room 713 on April 24 at 2:30 p.m. A second race involving Butte College and MESA will be held on May 1. All are welcome for a day at the races.