Storm the Castle is an event where teams build a catapult that fits the event parameters as described in the rules and calibrate the machine so that it is able to throw far and accurate.The goal is to be able to throw a ball into a bucket given any weight in a given range. The bucket will be roughly 5 gallons and will only be able to be placed in 0.5 meter inrements away from the device. The farther the ball can go, the more points you get. If it goes into the bucket, you get more points. There are no kits provided for this event, so it is more of a trial and error system. Trebuchets may be too finicky, but there are a few videos below that define the perfect ratio of a catapult, and that will be very important to use whether you build a trebuchet or not. Every source will have a diffirent opinion on the perfect ratio, so it will be important to test various ratios before you decide on the perfect design for your catapult.Â
It is very important to read the rules thoroughly and double check them throughout your preparation. At the competition, you are required to bring a design log. You must collect and record launch and performace data regarding your device. You must bring eye protection (type B eye protection is required, check lab events resources for help on that (linked below)), and you may bring tools, supplies, writing utensils, and 2 stand-alone calculators of any type. At the competition, you must only impound one device and the design log. The projectiles, bucket, and weights will be provided at the event. Helpful links are below. It is suggested to get supplies such as a base and dowels from Home Depot.