Week 8

How do trebuchets work, and what cool ideas can we use to make a super awesome trebuchet today?

learning intentions

Research historical trebuchet models and current engineering principles for design insights.
Apply knowledge to create an innovative, optimized trebuchet design.

Tasks

Investigation Skills

Draw and test a scale design of your trebuchet

Literacy & research

500 words research on trebuchets

Knowledge and understanding

Trebuchet Design & Build Challenge

The trebuchet is a classic example of ancient engineering design. Not only is it a compound machine (a device that uses a number of simple machines), it relies on one primary simple machine, the lever, to launch a projectile. Trebuchets were engineered due to an enhanced understanding of gravity, potential energy, and acceleration—each of which is a key concept in engineering today.

The difference between a catapult and a trebuchet:

Catapult

Catapults are any device that throws an object, although it commonly refers to the medieval siege weapon.

Trebuchet

Trebuchets are a TYPE of catapult, using gravity (with a counterweight) or traction (men pulling down), to propel the arm and often employing a sling at the end of the arm for greater distance.

Investigation skills

Draw a scale design of your team’s trebuchet (A4 size). Make sure it clearly labels the parts, has dimensions in cm/m and the scale. You will have to research the ratio of the length of the effort arm to the load arm. Make sure this ratio is clearly stated. Test out your ratio in this link and insert a screenshot of your findings https://virtualtrebuchet.com/ Change the units to metric first!!

These websites will help to provide design ideas for a trebuchet that are made from paddle pop sticks and glue plus some other easily sourced materials.

How to build a Trebuchet (Mythbusters) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-Hwxw4fgqk

http://www.stormthecastle.com/trebuchet/how-to-make-a-trebuchet-out-of-popsicle-sticks.htm

https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Build-a-Trebuchet/

https://www.real-world-physics-problems.com/trebuchet-physics.html

Literacy & research

Part A Research 500 words: Submit this document to google classrooms individually.

Write a paragraph about the use of the trebuchet?

Trebuchets were used in war; they were usually built at the area they were going to fight as such a massive structure couldn't easily be moved, by humans or animals.

A trebuchet is a type of catapult. What makes it different from other catapults? What is the science behind the trebuchet.

How is a trebuchet different from the other siege engines?

Are there any benefits to building a trebuchet over the other machines?

What problem does the trebuchet solve - why is it different/superior to the catapault for example.

extension: How could trebuchets and quadratic functions be related?

What were the advantages (+) and disadvantages (-) of the trebuchet in warfare?

e.g. Advantages (+)

An advantage is that it is way easier to build then a normal catapult as you wouldn't need as much materials but the problem is it is very big so you can't move it easily

Disadvantages (+)

Bibliography: Harvard style

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