Construct A Catapult

Catapults have been around for many years. In ancient times, catapults were used during war. Today, people use catapults for more than just weapons. They can be used to launch aircrafts and for events like pumpkin throwing contests! No matter how a catapult is used, they all work by using energy. Learn how to make your own catapult by using basic household materials such as popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons. Watch as your catapult launches objects into the air!

Whether playing at defending their own castle or simply chucking pumpkins over a fence, wannabe marauders and tinkerers will become fast acquainted with Ludgar, the War Wolf, Ill Neighbor, Cabulus, and the Wild Donkey—ancient artillery devices known commonly as catapults. Building these simple yet sophisticated machines introduces fundamentals of math and physics using levers, force, torsion, tension, and traction. Instructions and diagrams illustrate how to build seven authentic working model catapults, including an early Greek ballista, a Roman onager, and the apex of catapult technology, the English trebuchet. Additional projects include learning how to lash and make rope and how to construct and use a hand sling and a staff sling. The colorful history of siege warfare is explored through the stories of Alexander the Great and his battle of Tyre; Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and the Third Crusade; pirate-turned-soldier John Crabbe and his ship-mounted catapults; and Edward I of England and his battle against the Scots at Stirling Castle.

Integrates history, physics, mathematics and technoloy in its challenge to high school students to design and build a working catapult system.

Construct an arsenal of mini-models of large launchers, based on siege weapons used throughout history. All you need are everyday items and some adult help. Wheel them out as you conduct a siege and load your catapults with raisins or marshmallows. Bite-sized facts explain how these siege weapons were used in history too!

An " enormously entertaining" (Smithsonian), " clever, subtle, and adroit" account (Wall Street Journal) of how the author and his friend constructed a medieval siege engine in a San Francisco backyard. " So funny that I could not put it down" (Los Angeles Times).

Filled with anecdotes, plans, photographs, drawings and detailed descriptions of the workings and history of all the major types of catapults, these pages will help readers get started in this fascinating hobby of harnessing the power and energy of simple and ancient machines, then using them to hurl all sorts of silly things into the air just to watch them splat.

Launch a new generation of students into catapult- and boat-building-plus glove- and greenhouse-making-with this newly refreshed resource. Four sets of well-loved activities have been repackaged in one convenient volume that seamlessly combines hands-on experience with intriguing engineering concepts. Perfect for inspiring interest in STEM topics, the activities encourage high school classes to learn by doing. Each of the four units provides thorough explanations, materials lists, cost and timing estimates, and teaching suggestions.