NAME:
DATE DUE:
SCORE:
Projectile Motion: Catapults
PHYSICS
Objective:
This lab is designed to allow you to apply the laws of Physics and equations for projectile motion to your own
catapult or trebuchet design. You will test your catapult to determine if you can accurately launch a
marshmallow and hit a designated target. You will compare your experimental data to theoretical data and
understand the difference between the two.
Methods:
 You will be building a marshmallow catapult.
 Your catapult will need to be able to launch a regular-sized marshmallow to land on a target at the same
height and at a distance of 5 meters.away.
 You must design, build, and test your catapult at home and bring it in ready to launch on the due date.
 You may NOT purchase a kit of a ready-made catapult design, however you are welcome to find ideas
and pictures online to use for your catapult.
You will be graded on the following:
 Design Plan
 Data Analysis
 Conclusion
 Organization of lab report
 See rubric for details
Paper Heading MUST include:
 Your name, the date, and period number.
 Title of the Project
Your Introduction must include:
 Objective for the project
 A brief history of catapults (one small paragraph is fine)
 Why you picked the design you chose
 Description of the physics concepts and physics equations used in operation of a catapult
Your Design Plan Must Include:
 List of materials used (bulleted)
 A diagram of your catapult
o Final diagram should be drawn on plain white paper or graph paper, should fill most of the single
page, and should include dimensions labeled with units, drawn neatly with a straight edge if
possible.
Your Data Analysis must include:
 Data Table
Distance


Time
Angle
Vx0
Vy0
V0
A value for the average velocity of the projectile
An explanation of how initial velocity of the projectile was determined
Your Conclusion must include:
 A discussion of how your project worked and possible sources of errors
 A discussion of what you learned from the project
 At least two real-life examples of projectiles whose landing spots must be carefully predicted.
Organization of lab report:
 Information should be neatly written or typed, with all sections well marked
 No eraser marks, scratch out or white-outs
 All answers are presented in complete sentences excluding the list of materials which may be bulleted.
You now have abundant access to technology. Use it! Look up information on catapults and how best to design
your own project. If all else fails use a public library.
Possible material suggestions:
Rubber bands
Masking tape
Meter sticks
Popsicle sticks
Glue
Get creative
Name:
Date:
Period:
Rubric : Catapult Laboratory Report
Outcomes
Statement of Objective: States why
the student is doing the investigation
and what the goals are. Should be
clear and concise
Design Plan: Complete description of
the catapult and diagram with all parts
labeled and clearly drawn.
Data: All data taken should be listed
in this section. All data must have
units and data tables should be clearly
labeled. Must include: time of flight,
distance in x direction, angle of launch
and initial velocity.
Data Analysis: Correct equations
have been used, calculations are
correct and appropriate units are used.
See packet for additional requirements
Conclusion: Results are summarized
and the hypothesis addressed.
Significant sources of error and
suggestions for improvements are
addressed.
Accuracy: Projectile hit target on
testing day
Organization: Report is neatly typed
or written, sections have been well
marked, mistakes ae either erased or
deleted with a single line.
Nope!
Below
Expectations
Meets
Expectations
Exceptional
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