The Consistency of a Catapult Design

Evelyn Kelly-Mavretic, Chatman Nichols, Miles Johnson, Zoe Wood

Background: We communicated within a scientific Washington Latin Public Charter School
framework by working together to build and create
our catapult. We used designing and executing 5200 2nd St NW, Washington, DC 20011
investigations by considering different errors in our
designs to the best of our ability. We were analyzing
and interpreting data by recognizing patterns and
effects in order to determine relationships between
variables and fix our mistakes. We were developing
and using models by actualy building our design.
We used mathematics and computational thinking
by identifying needed equation and used the
Problem Solving Process to engineer solutions to
problems, make the catapult, use developed
decision making, research and use problem solving
skills.
Our inspiration for making a trebuchet catapult was
from some quick google search, some previously
known knowledge and a youtube video. We really
wanted to make something that we could replicate
consistently.
Research objective: Our goal was to hit a target
consistently or get over 10m every time.
Materials:
7 wood (2x4's) - $0
1 sand - $0
2 bag - $0
2 food basket - $0
4 wood screws - $2.43
1 Big roll of duct tape - $0
1 Circular piece of wood - $0
20 drywall and wood screws - $0
1 door lock - $0
15 kg weight - $0
1 string - $0
Fig. 1) Initial Design
Procedure
Fig. 2) Gathering materials
Fig. 4) We added the arms to the
side of the base by attaching the
screws to the base horizontally and
and diagonally.
Fig. 3) Making the base. First
horizontally, then vertically
(as seen below).
Fig. 5) We attached the pvc to
the arms with screws, then we
attached the big arm to the
pvc so it could freely rotate.
Acknowledgements/References:
1. Youtube -
Fig. 9) Final Plots
Conclusion: The objective was not met as we
did not hit any of the targets or go over the 10m
line. One thing we are proud is the consistency of
where the ball landed. Three times in a row our
catapult launched consistently to the same place
(fig 7). Our design was quite accurate because it
landed within a meter of the other points every
time. Our first design was quite a tall, slanted
catapult (fig 1,5). Our finished product ended up
being a lot more short and compact (fig 6) with a
lot more durable items (wood instead of pvc where
there was 20 pounds of pressure) and less loose
parts. In conclusion we slightly missed our goal but
still produced a functioning, consistent catapult.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myGSumfNnw8
&t=1041s

2. A special thanks to Francesca Murray and Miles

Fig. 6) This was on launch day and
it's the final look of our catapult and
it’s very taped up.
and Chatman´s parents.
3. https://www.stormthecastle.com/trebuchet/weighing
Fig. 7) This is the area in -the%20trebuchets-counterweight.htm
which the three balls hit in the
target space. We got 7 points
consistently for each.