Two straws and two dowels to serve as the axles. Thread Glue Discussion Engineers use the laws of physics in the design and construction of many things you see every day. The physical concepts of force, inertia, friction, and mass are explored in this activity. A force is a push or a pull on an object. Inertia is the tendency of an object at rest to stay at rest or a moving object to keep moving.
Friction is a force that resists movement between two surfaces.
This activity can be done first as a demonstration by the engineer with the students grouped together in teams of three to four to construct the vehicle. Arrange the students into teams of three or four. Distribute the materials. Glue the mousetrap onto the plywood chassis about three or four inches from one end. That end will be the rear of the vehicle.