Rubber Band Powered Car (Mousetrap Style)

by | Apr 7, 2026 | Engineering, Physics, Science Projects | 0 comments

Rubber band powered mousetrap car

A fun hands-on STEM project where kids build a rubber band powered car using popsicle sticks and simple household materials. This activity teaches energy storage, mechanical motion, friction, and wheel–axle systems in an engaging, kid-friendly way.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Concepts: Elastic Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy, Energy Transfer, Mechanical Engineering

Materials List

  • 3 colored popsicle sticks
  • 4 plastic bottle caps (wheels)
  • 2 wooden skewers or BBQ sticks (axles)
  • 1 small piece of wooden stick (for the back hook)
  • Rubber band (thicker works better)
  • Straws (used as axle holders)
  • Tape or hot glue
  • Acrylic paint or markers (optional)
  • Toothpick or stick for winding the rubber band

Steps

  1. Build the Car Body
  • Arrange 3 popsicle sticks in a triangle shape (two on the sides, one at the front).
  • Glue or tape them securely to form a solid frame.
  1. Add the Axles
  • Cut two small straw pieces and glue them under the frame — these are your axle guides.
  • Slide wooden skewers through the straws.
  • Attach bottle cap wheels by poking holes in the caps and inserting the skewer ends.
  • Secure with a drop of glue so wheels don’t fall off.
  1. Add the Rubber Band Engine
  • Tie one end of a rubber band to the front of the car frame.
  • On the back axle, attach a small horizontal stick (like in your image).
  • This stick will act as a winder.
  1. Power It Up
  • Twist the back axle to wind the rubber band.
  • Place the car on the floor and let go!
  • The rubber band unwinds → spins the axle → drives the car forward.

Science Behind It

This car is powered by stored energy in the rubber band.
When you wind it, you store potential energy.
When it releases, the energy turns into motion, spinning the wheels and moving the car forward.

A clean example of energy transfer + mechanical motion.

Watch the video!

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