So for our school project we are supposed to build a mouse trap vehicle which starts at a platform approximately a meter-1.5 meter off the ground and go as far as it can (in terms of x axis) without hitting the ground.
The only power allowed is the mouse trap spring.
So far my idea is to build a mouse trap car which releases mass amounts energy at first therefore containing lots of potential energy. When it launches off the platform, it will have hang glider wings which allow it to "glide" down as far as it can before hitting the ground.
The only problem I have is what material the hang glider should be made out of. I'm thinking balsa wood but i don't know if it'll work well.
I am also open to any other suggestion. I thought about a catapult, and a spinning mechanism, and other stuff and decided this idea was the best.
Also the mouse trap has to travel with this so called "vehicle".
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!