Quantitative Literacy Names: _______________________

Modeling Quadratics: Catapult Project

QUADRATIC CATAPULT PROJECT

OBJECTIVE: Calculate and test the accuracy of the solutions to a quadratic equation.

MATERIALS: See “goodie bag”

PROCEDURES:

Step 1: Build a mini catapult using the materials and instructions provided

Step 2: Calibrate your catapult (to find your velocity components)

𝑦 = −192𝑡 2 + 𝑣𝑡 + ℎ0

𝑦 represents the height of the projectile at a given point in time, measured in inches

𝑡 represents time, measured in seconds

ℎ0 is the initial height of the projectile, measured in inches (Height of the catapult arm at launch point)

𝑣 represents vertical component of the initial velocity, measured in inches/second

What does the -192 represent in the quadratic equation above?

Step 3: Testing

Measure the initial height of where the object sits on the catapult – this is h0

h0 =

Using your projectile, a stopwatch, and tape measure, perform 5 trials launching the projectile. Perform test shots
of your catapult to see how long, t (time), it will take for the projectile to hit the ground, and how far, d
(distance), the projectile will travel horizontally.
Run and record FIVE trials and then find the average of t and the average of d.

Trial Time (seconds) Distance (inches)

Rounded to nearest tenth. Rounded to the nearest half-inch

1
2
3
4
5

Time, in seconds (t) = ______ Distance, in inches (d) =

____________
(average) (average)

𝑦 = −192𝑡 2 + 𝑣𝑡 + ℎ0

Finding velocity components using a quadratic model above.

Find 𝑣 by placing the average value you found above for 𝑡 into the equation and, and also plug in the value for ℎ0
(the initial height of the catapult). Plug in 0 for 𝑦, (elevation of target on the ground).
𝑡 𝑡
0 = −192( )2 + 𝑣( ) + ℎ0

v = ____________
Consider your value for 𝑣, what does it represent? (rounded to tenths)
 𝑑
Next find Q, (horizontal velocity) by taking the distance (d) divided by the time (t) . 𝑄= 𝑡

Q = __________
(rounded to tenths)
Consider your answer for Q, what does it represent?

Now, using the velocity equation you have calculated, determine the elapsed time your object is predicted to be
airborne.

Why do you get two answers? How do you know which one is right?

Step 4: Hitting your target!

Use the following quadratic equation and the 𝑣 and Q values you recently calculated to find how far away from
your target you must position the catapult in order to be successful.

You are now ready to create a quadratic equation in standard form!

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

𝑦 represents the height of the target, measured in inches

𝑐 represents the initial height of the projectile (use the ℎ0 value you found)

𝑥 represents the distance your catapult is from the target (inches)

Find 𝑎 and 𝑏 using the 𝑣 and Q values:

192 𝑣
𝑎=− 𝑏=
𝑄2 𝑄
Record answers for a, b and c, where c is simply the initial height of object (use the ℎ0 value you found)

a = ________ b = _________ c = __________

Enter these values into your equation, completing your model!

a b c
𝑦=( )𝑥 2 +( )𝑥 + ( )

Equation modeling your catapult:

Step 5: How far should you place the cup (target)?

Use your quadratic model to calculate the horizontal distance your object will travel before it hits the ground!
Remember: x represents horizontal distance and y represents vertical distance.

Show all calculations below:

Conclusion: The object will travel _________ inches

Now let’s test your calculations! Place a cup _________ inches (enter your horizontal distance calculated above)
from your catapult, and launch!

Does your object make it into the cup? How far off were your calculations???? Discuss below.
Step 6: Making adjustments!

If your experiment launching the object using your catapult didn’t go as planned, make adjustments to your
calculations and try again! Discuss below what adjustments you made. Did you figure out your mistake(s)?

Step 7: More Measurements!

a) Can your catapult hit a target whose elevation is 20 feet greater than the elevation of the catapult? Why or
why not? (Use your equation to answer the question).

b) When will your projectile be 20 inches higher than the point it is released from the catapult? (Use your
velocity equation)
Step 8: Switch catapults!!

Switch your catapult along with its representative equation with another group. Write their quadratic equation
below:

𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐

Calculate the horizontal distance an object will travel using THIS model. Show calculations below:

Conclusion: The object of this group’s catapult will travel _________ inches

Test your conclusion! Were you correct? How far off were you? Discuss below:

If you have extra time, switch with another group and do the same thing!!
 Build a Catapult with Popsicle Sticks and a Spoon

Materials
● Craft sticks
● Spoons
● Rubber bands

Instructions
1. Take 5 sticks and stack them, securing one end with a rubber
band. You'll need to wrap the rubber band around several
times to make it nice and secure.

2. Slide one more stick between the bottom stick and the rest of
the stack.

3. Secure the other end with a rubber band.

4. Place the spoon on top, and attach the end of the spoon to
the end of the single stick with the last rubber band.