Project Information Handout

Medieval Madness
The Great ‘Catapult’ Challenge

This activity will demonstrate your mastery of the key concepts of Design and Construction, of a Mechanical device, used to exert a Force, to propel an object, to a set target, over a specified distance.

You are asked to design and build a working model of a Medieval Catapult that compliments the following Junior High Science Units:

· Structures and Forces (Grade 7)

· Mechanical Systems (Grade 8)

Catapult Guidelines

Criteria

Description

Mark

Design...

Provide a poster which outlines the details of your design.

20

Scientific Principles...

What scientific principles (key concepts) that you have learned in the Unit are applied to the system you have created.

10

Model...

Catapult

20

Challenge...

Earn points for landing the bean bags in target area.

50

Total

100

Student Name ______________________________ Class ___________
Criteria		Possible Mark	Your Mark
Design...		20	___
Scientific Principles...		10	___
Model...		20	___
Challenge...		50	___
Total		100	_____
.
Comments:	.________________________________________________ .________________________________________________ .________________________________________________

Description of Event:

Device must fit the description of a CATAPULT – an ancient military device used for hurling objects at the enemy.

Catapult Specifications:

• Maximum weight - 2 kgs.
• Maximum height – 1 meter (cannot exceed this height at any time during its operation)
• Must rest on the floor
• Energy used to power the Catapult must come from one of the team members

(no chemicals, explosives or electrical enhancements are allowed)

• Only 1 projectile (bean bag) can be launched at a time – from behind the start line

Battlefield:

Start

A B C D E

A – 1.5 meters
B - .91 metre high wall (.5 meters wide)

C – 7.8 meters

D - .91 metre high wall (.5 meters wide)

E – Target area (Circle – 5 meters in diameter)

(Total horizontal distance – from the start line to the centre of the target is 11.8 meters)

Bean Bags can be launched throughout the time allowed (1 at a time)

Points will be given for successfully launching the bean bag over the walls to the target area

§ 2 points for clearing both walls

§ 3 points for landing in blue area

§ 5 points for landing in yellow area

§ 10 points for landing in red area

Accuracy is the key to doing well in this Challenge

Just as in Medieval Times, a Catapult was only effective if the objects it was propelling would clear the Castle walls and land in the Courtyard – That is what you are trying to do.

You can use any materials you wish, provided you stay within the Specifications

Good Luck !!!