![]() It’s design may be relatively simple, but it packs an incredible punch and is a wonderful way to dig into STEM for all ages. Some catapults could launch projectiles weighing over 350 pounds over 300 feet! This weapon of warfare proved incredibly effective and was a key weapon of warfare until Medieval times. This classic STEM activity was first invented in 400 BCE! Invented by The Greek Dionysius the Elder of Syracuse. And that was building the much loved catapult! So this week we set about fixing that.īuilding catapults is an Engineering challenge, where students learn how to follow a design process, but also learn physics and maths. At least not as a stand alone STEM project. ![]() But there was one thing we had never done. Our Craft Stick Launchers were a massive hit both with our kids and with kids around the world. In the past we have built some really fun projects. Or visit our YouTube channel to see if the video has been uploaded there. Not seeing our videos? Turn off any adblockers to ensure our video feed can be seen. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This activity was created by Kate Fraser and Michele Engelbrecht.Disclaimer: This article may contain commission or affiliate links. McDougal Little Science: Motion and Forces. Different proposals for solutions can be compared on the basis of how well each one meets the specified criteria for success or how well each takes the constraints into account.(secondary to 4-PS3-4) ResourcesĬlub Zoom: Engineering Activity Guide. The success of a designed solution is determined by considering the desired features of a solution (criteria). Possible solutions to a problem are limited by available materials and resources (constraints). Compare the design to the design of other catapultsĮnergy can be transferred in various ways and between objects.Did it propel the marshmallow or pompom over a long distance? Did the missile hit the target? Could the catapult launch a projectile over a castle wall?.Create a prototype of the catapult design. ![]() Discuss the desired outcome of the project: to design a device that will send a marshmallow or soft pompom flying over the longest distance.Students may be interested in learning about the long history of catapults during battles. It is important to stress only large soft marshmallows or other soft objects are propelled, and that safety goggles be worn at all times. The design and materials for each student would vary. The design propelled the pompom upwards to a height of almost 2 feet but did not propel the pompom forward towards the target. The design illustrated was created by one of our students for a science fair. Students in their construction will also develop understanding of creating a prototype, testing it out, and redesigning. Since drawing is sometimes difficult for a student with a visual impairment, adaptive materials such as Wikkistix™ can be used to create a drawing of the design.Ĭreation of designs can be done tactually, and differences in design can be examined both tactually and visually. ![]() In technology engineering beginning students frequently make diagrams of their designs. There are many designs available on the web, but a true technology engineering experience involves students creating their own design. The design shown here requires few materials and tools. An effective design will reflect understanding of both. To build a catapult, students first need to be familiar with a variety of materials and their properties as well as understand some physics principles. Catapults can be simple or complex in design. This gives a student a desired outcome, and the student must design a piece of equipment that gets the job done. ![]() Generally in an introductory technology/engineering class, students may be asked to design a catapult that will send a marshmallow flying over a distance. To enable students who are blind or visually impaired to design and build a catapult that will toss a marshmallow or pompom over a distance of at least 12 inches, using the appropriate materials and tools safely Background Information: ![]()
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