Name: ____________________________________________________
Period: _____
Angry Birds Catapult Challenge
130 Points
Design Brief:
Marketing departments of entertainment companies brainstorm a variety of products to sell to interested
consumers to make a profit. To accomplish this, virtual characters and games are often developed into
tangible objects. In a team, design and build a table-top, catapult model of the game “Angry Birds”.
Specifications:
1) Wood must be used for all structural components of the catapult
2) Design a theme around the game that will appeal to a wide audience
3) Include a non-language based manual to explain the game, difficulty levels and catapult to users
4) The “angry bird” must be supported by the structure
5) Include 3 different sized “angry birds”
6) 3 “pigs” will be provided: 2 small, 1 large
7) The structure needs to be free standing
8) The catapult should only require one person to operate
9) The launch angle of the device must be adjustable
10) Your team must design and create at least 3 different levels with increasing difficulty
11) The design should only require one person to operate the device
12) Materials from home are allowed in the solution
13) Work in groups of 2 to 3
Levers Research: Individual (5 points) Due date: ______________________________
Draw a diagram with labels for each class of lever. Give at least 2 examples of each class lever. Label the
fulcrum, effort and load. Include information on mechanical advantage and the law of levers. List what each
class lever gains (distance or force). Also, print out 5-10 pictures of catapults that inspire you.
Brainstorm: Individual (10 points)
Due date: ______________________________
Each catapult will use a standard base and is a required part of the design. Sketch 3 detailed ideas of a
catapult that will be able to launch the “angry birds”. Decide on which class lever you think will be able to
hit the “pigs”. Remember, the catapult must be adjustable and will only need one person to operate. Sketch
2 ideas for each level- easy, medium, and hard (6 levels total). Include dimensions and a list of materials
aside from wood that will be used in each design. Consider small toys or blocks that can be used as
obstacles.
Choose a solution: Team (10 points)
Due date: ______________________________
Based on all of the sketches from your team members, choose the best options and sketch your final design.
As a team, make a blueprint that includes: the side & top view of the catapult, the theme, colors, outside
props, final sketch of the 3 levels, point values for the pigs at each level and any negative points.
Create: Team (50 points)
Due date: ______________________________
This project will require the use of some basic hand tools and power equipment. You must follow all shop
safety rules as we work in the shop. Divide the workload between every group member. Each person should
work simultaneously on a different aspect of the catapult. Aside from the catapult itself, your team must
create 3 different levels that increase in difficulty. With each level, a set of diagrams must be made to serve
as the directions to set up the level.
Instruction Manuals: Team (15 points) Due date: ______________________________
Include a non-language based user manual for the game, the different levels and the catapult. Use diagrams,
pictures, symbols and colors to communicate the directions. The manual should also reflect the overall
theme your catapult has.
Test the Solution: Team (15 points)
Due date: ______________________________
Other teams in the class will have the opportunity to play with your catapult. Your team will write a
summary that addresses the following points:
1. What class lever was your catapult? What is the mechanical advantage?
2. Why did you choose the class lever you did?
3. Describe the positives and negatives you witnessed while other teams used your catapult.
Redesign: Individual (10 points)
Due date: ______________________________
Every design can be improved even if it worked. As an individual, write about several ideas to improve your
catapult in 1-2 paragraphs. Describe ways that could have launched the angry birds further and with more
force. Interview a team that used your catapult on what could be improved. Discuss these improvements in
terms of mechanical advantage and the different classes of levers. If needed, include sketches to better
convey your ideas.
Portfolio: Team (15 points)
Due date: ______________________________
As a team, create a portfolio that shows the development of the project. The papers can be stapled together
or placed in a folder. Use the chart below as a check list.
Page Items to include:
1
Cover page: picture of catapult (drawn or printed), names, course title, instructor’s name,
due date
2
Research: 3 types of levers with notes, mechanical advantage and law of levers
3
Brainstorming: all brainstorming sketches from every group member
4
Chosen solution: blueprint and diagrams
6
Final solution: pictures of the final catapult and levels
7
Instruction manual: manual for game, levels and catapult
8
Testing: testing write up of how your catapult did
9
Redesign: redesign write ups from each group member