December 19,2013
Parents and Students,
In science class over the next few weeks, we will be participating in a
medieval interdisciplinary unit with Mrs. Smith’ language arts class, Ms.
Heacock’s math class, and Mr. Ruhl’s history class. To go along with the
medieval theme, the students will be making catapults or trebuchets that we
will tie in with Newton’s Laws of Motion and the scientific method process
that we are studying in science class. I have attached a rubric or guideline
for the students to follow.
Students will have the opportunity to be creative! These can be made
from any materials. I have seen them made from “Legos” and even popsicle
sticks.
The students will not be given time in science class to work on the
project, but I will be available to answer question and help solve problems
that may come up. A drawing of the catapult or trebuchet will be due
Friday, January 21st so that I can make sure the students are on the right
track. The final project is due Friday, February 18th and the seventh grade
team is planning a “launch” so that students can see their classmates
projects and test their “creations.”
Some web sites that may be helpful are:
http://www.stormthecastle.com/
http://www.stormthecastle.com/catapult/popsiclestick-catapult.htm
http://www.howtomakecatapults.com/x.php?
Please let me know if you have any questions,
Heather Nicholson
hnicholson@mgschools.org
419-947-9517
Samples
Catapult
Catapults or Trebuchets Project
Objective: Students will design and make a catapult or trebuchet that will
launch a large marshmallow at least 6 inches. The students will use the steps
of the scientific method process to predict, design, create and tests their
catapults or trebuchets.
Rules
1. All catapults and trebuchets will be designed to launch a large
marshmallow.
2. No electricity, batteries, or motor of any kind can be used.
3. All catapults and trebuchets can not be larger than 2.5 by 2.5 by
2.5 feet, but there is no minimum size.
Rubric (Requirements)
Points
0
10
15
25
January 24,
2014
Drawing of model
is not turned in.
Does not contain
parent signature
Model handout is
incomplete and
turned in late. Does
not contain parent
signature.
Model handout is
turned in late.
Drawing does not
have parts labeled.
Handout contains
parent signature.
“Designing an
Experiment” handout
Handout is not
turned in.
Handout is
incomplete and
turned in late.
Handout is turned in
late and has missing
data.
Model handout is
turned in on time.
Complete with
drawing of project
and labels of parts.
Handout contains a
parent signature.
Handout is turned in
on time and
completed.
75
100
Catapult or
trebuchet is made
out of 3 different
materials, meets
size requirement
and follows the
rules. Catapult or
trebuchet shows
creativity and
launches a large
marshmallow.
Catapult or
trebuchet is made
out of 4 different
materials, meets
size requirement
and follows the
rules. Catapult or
trebuchet shows
creativity and
launches a large
marshmallow.
Scale Drawing due
February 21,
2014 with catapults
due
or trebuchets
Rubric for Catapults and Trebuchets
Points
0
50
Catapults and
Trebuchets
Final project due
Project is not
turned in
February 21,
2014
Total Points: 150
Catapult or
trebuchet is made
out of 2 different
materials. Does not
meet size
requirement.
Catapult or
trebuchet does not
show creativity and
can not launch a
large marshmallow