Catapult Project

Science, Catapult Project

Science, Ms. Kimbrough, May 2005

Project Requirements
Pathfinder - Helpful hints for finding more information.

Print Resources:

Use General Encyclopedias - Search "Catapult" and/or "Artillery"
Books in Falk School Library - background information
- Castles - 940.1 BOA
- Knights and Castles - 940.1 BUE
- Charge! Weapons and Warfare in Ancient Times - 355.8 GON
- The World of the Medieval Knight - 940.1 GRA

Online Resources:

Use the Britannica Online
Use the POWER Library

Websites:

The Grey Company Trebuchet Page
The Grey Company Trebuchet Page: How do Trebuchets Work?
Knight for Hire: Catapult - Pictures of simple catapults
War Machines
Discovery Channel TLC: Roman Catapult
Secrets of Lost Empires - PBS details the use of catapults and other ancient weapons. Interactive page allows you to see specific designs of catapults and their uses. Click on "Destroy the Castle" to experiment with catapult variables and design
Aerodynamics in Sports Equipment - Learn about Principles of Aeronautics through sports equipment.
Ballistic Trajectory Tutorial

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Project Requirements:

Objective:

To create a catapult that launches a clay ball the furthest distance/range

Limitations:

*
*
A base can be no larger than 30 cm × 30 cm.
The arm can not extend over the base.

Materials:

Keep track of all materials used. This includes the amounts of items used.

Sketch: (written)

This needs to be labeled and detailed.

User Manual: (written)

* Parts and Materials Specifications (list)

* Operating Instructions should provide a step-by-step set of instructions for operating your catapult.

* Safety Measures describe what precautions the user needs to take when using the catapult.

*

Firing Tips summarize your advice (do's and don'ts) to the user. Provide as many tips as you can for helping the user get accurate and reliable performance.

Science in your Catapult: (written)

Discuss the scientific principles involved in the operation and use of your catapult.

History of your type of catapult: (written)

Think about these questions.

1. For what purpose was this type of catapult used or designed?

2. Did it persist in use for the original purpose?

3. How did its uses and/or purposes change through history?

4.

Are there contemporary uses of the device itself, or as part of another machine? Give examples.

Works Cited: (written)

* See the attached Works Cited sheets.

*
No more than half of your total number of resources can be internet websites.

Responsibility/Work Log: (written)

Each day, each student is required to keep track of what he/she and his/her teammates contribute to this project. This is to be taken very seriously. Comments should not contain any personal attacks, only objective and observable comments related to the catapult project.

Good examples:

Eileen was supposed to bring in wood for our base and bungee cords. She brought these in plus her dad's drill and screws.
OR

Alison sat during our whole science period doodling in her notebook. She did not contribute at all.

Bad examples:

I really can't stand what Carmie is wearing today. So she didn't do a good job with our catapult project today.
OR

Travis has no idea how to handle a drill - what an idiot!

Date Due:

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Prepared by Linda Herward 5/5/05
Contact Ms. L. Herward at herward@pitt.edu

Objective:
		To create a catapult that launches a clay ball the furthest distance/range
Limitations:
	* *	A base can be no larger than 30 cm × 30 cm. The arm can not extend over the base.
Materials:
		Keep track of all materials used. This includes the amounts of items used.
Sketch: (written)
		This needs to be labeled and detailed.
User Manual: (written)
	*	Parts and Materials Specifications (list)
	*	Operating Instructions should provide a step-by-step set of instructions for operating your catapult.
	*	Safety Measures describe what precautions the user needs to take when using the catapult.
	*	Firing Tips summarize your advice (do's and don'ts) to the user. Provide as many tips as you can for helping the user get accurate and reliable performance.
Science in your Catapult: (written)
		Discuss the scientific principles involved in the operation and use of your catapult.
History of your type of catapult: (written)
		Think about these questions.
			1.	For what purpose was this type of catapult used or designed?
			2.	Did it persist in use for the original purpose?
			3.	How did its uses and/or purposes change through history?
			4.	Are there contemporary uses of the device itself, or as part of another machine? Give examples.

Works Cited: (written)
	*	See the attached Works Cited sheets.
	*	No more than half of your total number of resources can be internet websites.
Responsibility/Work Log: (written)
		Each day, each student is required to keep track of what he/she and his/her teammates contribute to this project. This is to be taken very seriously. Comments should not contain any personal attacks, only objective and observable comments related to the catapult project.
		Good examples:
			Eileen was supposed to bring in wood for our base and bungee cords. She brought these in plus her dad's drill and screws. OR
			Alison sat during our whole science period doodling in her notebook. She did not contribute at all.
		Bad examples:
			I really can't stand what Carmie is wearing today. So she didn't do a good job with our catapult project today. OR
			Travis has no idea how to handle a drill - what an idiot!
Date Due: