The Accuracy of a Skinny Catapult
Aitana Camponovo, Liam Saxon, Amal Buba
Design process :
Background:
When planning for this project, we
created accurate diagrams of the
catapult and recognized patterns in
order to determine relationships
between variables. For instance, we
realized that the skinnier we made
the body the farther the ball would
go. We chose this design of the
catapult because it was what looked
the most efficient.1 It is a sleek, less
bulky design that focuses more on
distance than power.
Research Objective:
The objective for this catapult was to
reach the 10 meter mark and stay
within that range for each shot.
Materials:
Data:
● Cord ($6)
● Wood 2x4 (1) ($0)
● More wood 1x1 (2) ($0)
● Screws ($0)
● Lacrosse stick ($0)
● Stakes ($0)
Washington Latin Public Charter School
5200 2nd St NW, Washington, DC 20011
Conclusion:
● The objective that we
originally placed was met
perfectly, winning our group a
30/30.
● The proportions of the design
that we made worked just like
we planned and powered the
Figure 1: initial Design
The plan for our catapult
ball just enough to reach our
Figure 2
with measurements. The wood is being cut
goal.
and measured correctly ● The only thing that we changed
according to the design
plan.
was the mechanics for the
contraption in the back of the
catapult that would let the arm
go. Instead of a rope and
scissors like was what originally
planned, we used camping
stakes.
Adkowelegements/ References:
Figure 3
Once all of the cut wood
pieces have been put together, The majority of the materials and
we began to create the arm
and drilled out holes in the
building the first parts of the catapult is
sides to set up the torsion. Figure 4 all thanks to Aitana’s Dad. He was
The final catapult,
ready to be used to very generous and invested a lot of
shoot. his time in order to help us.
Catapult physics. Real World
Physics Problems. (n.d.). Retrieved
December 1, 2021, from
1. https://www.real-world-physics-probl
Figure 5 Figure 6
ems.com/catapult-physics.html.
Where the ball landed in terms of Where the balls landed in
the score sheet. terms of cones on the field.