The Mathematics and Science Behind Catapult/Trebuchet Launching MYP 4 & 5 Interdisciplinary Unit Assessment This assessment will be an interdisciplinary unit between mathematics and science and therefore, you will need to use skills from both subjects to achieve the most in your investigation. Introduction: Trebuchets and catapults were critical weapons of war in history – from launching boulders to crush castle walls, to launching dead, diseased animals (one of the first methods of biological warfare) or bombs and grenades. While many might attribute these two weapons to medieval warfare, few are aware of their significance in war tactics in trench warfare during World War I. Goal/Objectives: Imagine that you are you are in charge of building a working trebuchet or catapult that you can use to hit a specific target that is hidden behind a wall. Your role of the development of the weapon is very important in defending your country or castle and so accuracy is critical. Task: Create a catapult and design an scientific and mathematic investigation in which you will be able to recognize patterns in launching behavior. You will then analyze data collected, and derive rules from your catapult so that you can make accurate predictions when aiming for a specific target. In order to complete this investigation you will have to consider which factors affect the range of your projectile (horizontal and vertical distances). Pumpkin Chunkin Using a Trebuchet www.gbtribune.com Medieval Catapult Model jambarteambuilding.com WWI Trench Catapult article.wn.com The Mathematics and Science Behind Catapult/Trebuchet Launching MYP 4 & 5 Interdisciplinary Unit Assessment Task Phase 1 - Consider the context, objectives and research devices Science Mathematics Assessment Assessment Criteria Criteria B (i) B (i), D (i, ii) B (ii, iii, iv) B (i, ii), D (i,ii, iii) C (i) B (i, ii) , D (i, ii, iii) C (ii, iii, iv, v) C, D (all) - Construct device Phase 2 - Test structural integrity and safety of device - Make predictions with respect to objectives - Design experiments to test given variables Phase 3 - Carry out experiments (including preliminary tests) - Critically evaluate method and implement improvements - Collect and record data. Describe the patterns found as general rules and verify and justify them. Phase 4 - Write reports to interpret data, explain results and evaluate your findings The Mathematics and Science Behind Catapult/Trebuchet Launching MYP 4 & 5 Interdisciplinary Unit Assessment Mathematics-Specific Information: Task: Mathematically investigate patterns in the relationships mentioned above. In warfare, you won’t be able to guess and you will need a mathematical understanding of your weapon’s behavior so that you will be able to hit your target from a later-specified distance and later-specified obstacle hiding the enemy. Assessment Setting: This assessment is considered for Mathematics as a RealLife Investigative Task in which you can collaborate with each other to collect data when launching your catapult or trebuchet. However, any shared data must be acknowledged in the assessment and you will need to produce your own work and draw your own conclusions using the collaborative data. Most work will be done in class and some homework time will be dedicated to the assessment. Achievment Level Level Descriptor 0 The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below. 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 The student is able to: i. apply, with teacher support, mathematical problem-solving techniques to discover simple patterns ii. state predictions consistent with patterns. The student is able to: i. apply mathematical problem-solving techniques to discover simple patterns ii. suggest general rules consistent with findings. The student is able to: i. select and apply mathematical problem-solving techniques to discover complex patterns ii. describe patterns as general rules consistent with findings iii. verify the validity of these general rules. The student is able to: i. select and apply mathematical problem-solving techniques to discover complex patterns ii. describe patterns as general rules consistent with correct findings iii. prove, or verify and justify, these general rules. The Mathematics and Science Behind Catapult/Trebuchet Launching MYP 4 & 5 Interdisciplinary Unit Assessment Math Report: After your investigation, you will be given a target in which you will need to hit with an object launched by your catapult/trebuchet. From the information you have learned in your investigation you will create a math report that includes features of the data you collected and the rule derived (Criteria B). You will need to solve the target scenario prior to launching, and a discussion of the launched result. Be sure to discuss the mathematics involved in an organized manner. Review Criteria C and D together to ensure that you have included all relevant information in your report. Remember the following when justifying the degree of accuracy, as described by the MYP Mathematics Guide (2011), “The degree of accuracy of results is directly dependent on the context of the problem. In real-life contexts, there are certain automatic constraints. For example, there are conventions relating to currencies, the size of a human being, etc.” Teacher Assistance: The teacher will facilitate possible materials to use and lab supplies. Students are encouraged to make use of their TI-84. Other technological opportunities such as computer apps (Vernier Video Physics) and data processing programs are also encouraged but not obligatory. Science: In science, you will be assessed
