The Catapult Project
OBJECTIVE: Build a catapult that launches a balloon that hits your beloved teacher resting upon his
throne, looking disdainfully down at you.
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS: You must build a catapult. That is, an object that has an arm to fling the
wa te r b a llo on . Wa ter ba l loo n la u n ch e r s a n d a ll s imi la r d e si gn s a r e not c at ap u lt s a nd wil l
receive no credit. If you have a question about the legality of your design bring in your
catapult and ask me.
Basically, any type of catapult is legal.
THE CONTEST:
1)
You may work in groups of 2 to 3. If you smell really bad you may work alone. Under no
circumstances shall anyone work in a group of 4.
2)
You must build a CATAPULT balloon launcher.
3)
No test launches while others are competing. Practice before launch day.
4)
You get 3 shots. If you decide to throw a balloon a someone, that counts as one of your shots.
If I allow you to take a third shot, don’t expect me to sit there and get hit by the balloon or give
you credit.
5)
Building, designing, and testing is up to each group.
6)
Turn in a rough sketch of your catapult by October 18.
7)
We will have only one launch day--November 1. If your group misses that day then you lose
100 points.
8)
Each group will launch separately as called upon from the 12 yard line.
SCORING:
100 points -- if you hit me
You lose 1 point for every 0.5 meter you miss me by .
10 feet
22 yards
3 yards