WORKSHOP: THE STATAPULT EXPERIMENT

We are interested in a device called the “Statapult.” This device simulates a

catapult where a ball is launched at a certain height and distance.

Figure 1 The Statapult

You are tasked to conduct an experiment involving the statapult as shown in

Figure 1. The objectives of the experiment are as follows:

 Hit a target that is six feet away from the base of the Statapult and

 Maximize the height of the ball when it is two feet away from the
base of the Statapult. (Place the meter stick two feet away from
the base of the Statapult and measure the height of the ball as it
passes the meter stick.)

Determine the settings of the factors that will enable you to attain these
objectives.
 Instructions:

1. Form yourselves into teams of 5 members each.

2. Brainstorm on how you will perform the experiment to achieve the

objectives.

3. The team should identify the factors that are important in achieving the
objectives of the experiment. There is no limit as to the number of
factors to be considered. Record these factors and their respective
settings.

4. Measure and record the responses in terms of the distance and height of
the ball. The Data Form, shown in Figure 1, will aid in your
experimentation.

5. Determine the set-up of the Statapult that will meet the objectives.

6. Use the following the information to compute for the Total Savings
using the team’s recommended set-up.

Item Equation/Solution Amount

Savings for $5,000 - $2000/ft x |6 ft.–Distance at recommended set-up |
the Distance

Savings for $200/ft x (Height at recommended set-up)

the Height

Less: $100/run x (Number of runs performed)

Cost for the
Runs

Total Savings

7. Make a summary of your observations and a conclusion regarding what

happened in the experiment.

8. Prepare to share your experimental results with the other teams.

Acetates and pens are available upon request.

You have 30 minutes to perform the experiment and make your conclusions.
 Name of Team :
Team Members :

Statapult Number :
Experimental Results:
Trial Factor Factor 2 Factor 3 Factor 4 Factor 5 Factor 6 Distance Height
1
No.

Figure 1 Data Form

Summary and Conclusions (include procedure followed, errors observed, group
learning, and conclusions on factor settings) :

How much were the savings of the team based on its recommended setting?

Figure 2 Data Form (cont.)