Introduction
Watch the video below on Catapults and answer the questions on your guide sheet.
Task
Now that you have learned all about the forces of motion and energy, you will use your knowledge to create a catapult that will launch a marshmallow. The Team that launches a marshmallow the farthest will win, but before you begin you will need to research the history and design of catapults.
Process
Complete the following on your learning guide:
Part 1 A. Use the following links to answer the questions. Be sure to identify the source of your answer.
History of Catapults (source 1)
More about Catapults (source 2)
Catapults with Video (Source 3)
Information on Catapults (Source 4)
Wonderful World of Catapults (Source 5)
Part 1 B. Visit a Medieval Castle using the classroom VR set. While you visit the castle, take note of the how the castle was designed and where you think catapults may have best been placed within the castle.
Part 2: Think of two research questions not mentioned above about catapults (history or science). Then use NC Wise Owl to locate the answers to your questions. Be sure to give source information.
Part 3: Watch the videos below of different catapults in action. Explain how each uses force and motion.
Part 4: Solve the "Missiles and Math" Problem
Part 5: Extending to Modern Day 1
For most of history, Catapults were used as a weapon and relied on a great deal of man power. Modern Catapults, however, are used for a larger range of possibilities. Watch the video below to see one way catapults are used today. Identify what type of catapult is this most like?
Part 6: Extending to Modern Day 2
Science has made some amazing advancements. Engineers are not using Catapult technology with magnets in order to create motion. Watch the videos below and summarize how scientists have combined magnets and catapults.
Evaluation
Now it's your turn. Using what you have learned, your team will compete to see who can launch a marshmallow the furthest. You must:
1. Plan what type of catapult will you use?
2. Design what it will look like and how it will work. Make sure you think about motion and energy and the angle. Draw out your design showing details and measurements.
3. Decide on what materials you will need to use to build your catapult.
4. Construct your catapult.
5. Test and make adjustments as needed.
6. Write a hamburger paragraph (4-5 sentences) describing the science behind your catapult and why you decided to design it the way you did.
| 3 points | 2 points | 1 point | 0 points | |
| Introduction Questions | 76-100% of all questions answered correctly | 50-75% of all questions answered correctly | 0-49% of all questions answered correctly | Did not attempt |
| Part 1 | All questions answered with source numbers | All questions answered, but missing some sources | Some questions answered and some sources given | Did not attempt |
| Part 2 | 3 questions, answers, and sources related to catapults | 2 questions, answers, and source related to catapults | 1 question, answer, and source related to catapults | Did not attempt |
| Part 3 | 3 catapult types were correctly explained | 2 catapult types were correctly explained | 1 catapult type was correctly explained | Did not attempt |
| Part 4 | Work completed for all 4 angles and at least 3 are correct | Work completed for 3 angles and at least 2 are correct | Work completed for 2 or less angles | Did not attempt |
| Part 5 and Part 6 | Both questions answered with support | Both questions answered but without support | 1 Question answered | Did not attempt |
| Catapult Design | Detailed design drawn using measurements and labels | Detailed drawing using measurements or labels | Drawing shows neither measurements or labels | Did not attempt |
| Catapult Construction | Great care was taken to create a working catapult that follows the science behind the machine and utilizes materials well | Some care was taken to create a working catapult that mostly follows the science behind the machine | Little care was taken to create a working catapult that follows the science behind the machine | Does not have a working catapult |
| Catapult: Application of Knowledge (Paragraph) |
4-5 detailed sentences explaining: The type of catapult reasons for building it how you did Science behind your catapult |
3-5 sentences explaining 2 of the 3: The type of catapult reasons for building it how you did Science behind your catapult |
Less than 3 sentences and/or explaining less than 2: The type of catapult reasons for building it how you did Science behind your catapult |
Did not attempt |
| Reflection | Shows thoughtful refection to both questions | Answers both questions, but only shows reflection on one | Answers at least one question, but does not show reflection | Did not attempt |
Conclusion
Think about what you have learned.
1. If you could go back and modify your catapult to make it more effective, what would you change and why?
2. Now that you understand the science behind catapults and modern day launching systems, hypothesize some other things that could benefit from the use of catapults.
Credits
Created by C. Whitt- Efland Cheeks Global Elementary School
Thamespolarbear. "Tower of London Seige Weapons: London Tonight". 2 August 2018. YouTube.