8th Grade Technology Engineering Activity
Trebuchets
The Trebuchet was the most advanced of all the catapults used in the ancient world. The functioning of it is relatively simple yet quite a few interesting facts can be discovered while trying to unravel its workings in detail. For a machine to be a trebuchet, it must abide by certain conditions: It must be powered only by a counterweight and must be on a self-supporting structure made of wood.
Design Brief: Following a set of predetermined parameters, teams of 2-3 students will design, build, and test using various materials, a Trebuchet type catapult. Testing will be done and data collected to see who's Trebuchet can throw a 2 oz. projectile the farthest and most accurate.