Andrew Wagner

Catapult Project Prompt

Prototypes are designs that are made to develop, test, and evaluate ideas or devices that
people have created to solve problems. A catapult is a device which launches an object in a
parabolic path across a distance. Historically, catapults were constructed as siege weapons of
war to break the walls and buildings of enemies. Modern catapults are used to launch fighter
planes on aircraft carriers or to fire pumpkins for fun.

You are to collaborate with a partner to research, design and build a prototype for a miniature
catapult. You are limited to using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, string, tape, hot glue, and
plastic spoons. Your catapult must be able to launch a Skittle a minimum of 5 meters.

You will keep a digital journal of your ideas and progress using Google Jamboard. You and your
partner will alternate journal roles each day.
Role 1:​ Create the journal slide for the day following guidelines below.
Role 2:​ Post at least 2 thought provoking questions or ideas for the next day on your partner’s
slide.

Jamboard Requirements:
At least one “slide” per day that shows what you worked on.
Each slide must have at least one drawing, image, or picture.
Each slide must have a 2-sentence reflection statement explaining what you learned about your
catapult project that day.
You will give feedback in the form of a question every day for your partner’s slide.
The final slide will consist of a paragraph summarizing the success of your project.

Questions to consider:
What materials will you choose? How will you attach the parts together as you construct it?
Where will the Skittle be placed in your design? How will the projectile get energy for launching?
Will your design have a base? Will it be mobile? How will you keep the Skittle in place before
you launch? Will your device be adjustable?
 Catapult Project Rubric
4 3 2 1

Jamboard There is a There is a slide for There is a day that Multiple slides are
Journal professional each day. is missing a slide. missing.
looking slide for
each day. Most days have an
Each day has an image or picture. More than 2 slides
Each day has a image or picture but are missing images
detailed image or could use more or pictures.
picture. detail.

Jamboard Each slide has a Each slide has a Most slides have a More than 2 slides
Reflections thoughtful reflection but could reflection or are missing
reflection. use more detail. reflections are reflections.
missing detail.

Partner You posted at least You posted at least You only posted You posted no
Collaboration one question or one question or questions or questions or
comment was comment was comments on some comments on their
posted every day. posted on each of their slides. slides.
slide.
Feedback could Feedback was
Feedback was Feedback was have been more superficial (such as
thoughtful and thoughtful. thoughtful or “good job!”)
useful. relevant.

The workload was The workload was The workload was The workload was
shared fairly. shared mostly somewhat unfairly. shared unfairly.
fairly.

Final The final summary The final summary The final summary The final summary
Summary paragraph is paragraph is paragraph needs paragraph is
detailed and uses detailed. more detail. missing or very
evidence to short.
support claims.

Catapult The catapult is built The catapult is built The catapult The catapult
Construction only using only using specified includes materials includes materials
specified materials. materials. that aren’t allowed. that aren’t allowed.

The catapult The catapult starts The catapult starts The catapult starts
remains intact after to break after 3 to break after 2 to break after 1
3 launches. launches. launches. launch.

Launch The catapult The catapult The catapult The catapult fails to
Parameters launches the launches the Skittle launches the Skittle launch the Skittle.
Skittle at least 5 at least 3 meters. at least 1 meter.
meters.
 Catapult Project Timeline

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5

Present Project Research Construction Construction Construction

Designs Day Day Day
Form Groups
Start Jamboard Preliminary
Research construction Checkpoint 2 Testing of
Catapult Devices
Designs Jamboard
Checkpoint 1 Jamboard
Checkpoint 3

Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9

Device Testing Launch Day Launch Day Final Reflection

Day (odd number (even number and Assessment
groups) groups) with teacher
Redesign as
needed Finish Jamboard Finish Jamboard
(even number (odd number Final Jamboard
Jamboard groups) groups) Check
Checkpoint 4