Science Design Challenge

Catapult Design

Objective

  • Design and produce a working catapult, within specified guidelines, that is adjustable and propels marble (weighing about 5.2 grams each) at the MPR in 60 minutes.

General Rules

  • Catapults must be safe and controllable. Participants are responsible for the safety of the operation of their design. Prior to competition, judges will disqualify any catapult that appears unsafe.

  • The catapult should be of sufficiently stable to ensure that it remains stable the launch line after the projectile has been launched

  • Judge’s score will be based on aesthetics, creativity and efficiency of design as described in the attached scoring guidelines.

Competition Format

  • Each team will be given 60 sets of wooden chopsticks, 50 rubber band, a bottle cap, hot glue, bottle cap and 60 minutes to complete their designs.

  • No extra time will be given to any team for any reason.

  • To participate in the tournament, a team must be registered with Mr.Aybars. Each team can consist of 3 or less people. This team can submit only one catapult in the competition.

  • All catapult must be set up in the assigned areas. You will be given notice of this area well in advance.

  • Each team will have 5 chances to launch their marb the farthest. Distance will be measured from the center-point of the leading edge of the catapult to the location of the launched marble.

  • No part of the catapult shall cross the firing line after launch.

  • If your catapult fails projecting the marble in 3 successive trials you will be eliminated.

Judging

  • Two judges provided by science department.

Design Ideas