The Catapult
Here are two catapults: one made from wood. It is a model. One was made by a student using cardboard and a little wood. We used a table tennis ball in the classroom as our standard projectile.
A catapult is a simple machine. In ancient time it was used to throw stones and other projectiles. It was a powerful military weapon.
A catapult is a simple machine. In ancient time it was used to throw stones and other projectiles. It was a powerful military weapon.
The Assignment
Students, the garbage barrel is a castle under siege. You live in it. You are surrounded. What would you have to do to be prepared? What supplies of food and water would you need to survive a siege.
The Contest
Each student or team was given three table tennis balls. Their task was to fling the three balls into the barrel as fast as they could.
Construction
Before you start, you will need to gather a lot of thick cardboard to make this project. Also, you will need a fine tooth small saw. The saw in the photo did a great job of cutting the big pieces. A meter stick makes a good tool to measure and draw straight lines.
1cm square graph paper
Drawing Tools
Use paper to make a plan. This student wants her catapult to look like a pyramid.
This is a bench with a slot. It makes cutting large pieces of cardboard easy.
A fine tooth 30cm cross-cut saw will cut the cardboard easily.
Place your hand and knee firmly on the cardboard and cut slowely.
Cut the surface of the cardboard
Fold, bend 90 degrees and tape
Cut a 2cm X 2cm piece of wood 5cm long with a fine tooth crosscut saw
Use a glue gun to attach the 4 pieces of wood to the corners of the base.
This is a 2cm thick X 5cm wide piece of wood that will anchor the lever hook.
After making the base, sides and 2 buttresses, glue the parts together.
Layout and trace your plan. Cut your cardboard. Use masking tape to assemble and hold your three pieces.
Planning Your Project
Constructing the Base
Constructing the Frame
Buttress
Axle
Frame
Beam
Effort
Load
The Beam
How to Make a Catapult
The Fort
1. If you want to construct a catapult you will need to make a list of the tools and materials you will need.
2. It takes a large amount of cardboard to make this project. The thicker the cardboard, the better.
3. If you haven't made something with cardboard start by practicing making a cube, pyramid or tetrahedron out of cardboard.
4. The most difficult part is drilling the holes through the beam. You may want a little help from an experienced adult
2. It takes a large amount of cardboard to make this project. The thicker the cardboard, the better.
3. If you haven't made something with cardboard start by practicing making a cube, pyramid or tetrahedron out of cardboard.
4. The most difficult part is drilling the holes through the beam. You may want a little help from an experienced adult