Physics Students Make Trebuchets

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/12/2013 - 08:49

By Cherilyn Elder

 

The weeks of March 4-8 and March 11-14, Mr. Nielson’s physics classes designed, built, and tested trebuchets, or catapults with slings.  Mr. Nielson supplied the wood and other materials needed and the students went to work.  The point of the project was to put to use the things the students learned.

“The students are applying what they learned in class:  rotational speed and energy,” said Mr. Nielson.

The only requirement was that the trebuchet be no more than 12 inches tall from the platform. 

Most students just started cutting wood before deciding exactly what the trebuchet would look like.  The platform is made first and then the supports are glued to the sides.  Holes are cut through the tops of the supports for the metal piece to fit through.  The arm of the trebuchet is slid onto the metal and then the metal is clasped to the outside of the support.  A sling is made out of duct tape and string or fishing wire.  A nail is placed at the end of the arm for the sling to attach to.  Then a weight is tied with wire to the arm.  The clay ball is placed in the sling, the arm is pulled back, and then the clay flies across the hall. 

            Some students had to learn new skills such as using hammers and saws.

            “When you only do what you think you can do, you’ll never get anything done,” said Kylee Beaudry, about working on her trebuchet.

A few exceptional students went above and beyond the requirement.  A couple trebuchets are about 4 feet tall.  One is covered in silver paint and jewels.  Another trebuchet looks like a dragon. 

            The trebuchets were fun to make, but didn’t always work as well as the students hoped they would.

“It’s exhilarating to watch the projectile soar through the air… and land three feet behind you,” said Jessica Barker.

 

 

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By Cherilyn Elder
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