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Catapult Event

Design Constraints

Event Coordinator: Greg Keenan at: gpkeenan@yorkcsd.org

View Catapult Target

View Catapult Scoring

PROBLEM:

            Design and construct a device that fits the description of a catapult.

The device will be used to launch a projectile of choice at a given target 25 feet away. 

SPECIFICATIONS:

1.      There may be only one catapult structure per group. Groups may    consist of 1, 2, or 3 people

2.      Schools may enter a maximum of 5 teams 

3.      Teams may bring their own projectile for testing, however, the mass of the projectile has to be between 40-50 grams

4.      There will be a taped off 12”x12” starting box.  Students must shoot from within this starting box.  The distance from the front of the starting box to the front of the target is 25 feet

5.      It is up to the team of students to decide how they are going to secure their device.  However, the base of the catapult must remain in the 12”x12” starting box

6.      If using rubber bands to power your catapult, A MAXIMUM of 6 rubber bands may be used.   Extra rubber bands may be on hand incase the ones being used break or stretch.  Any other item used to power your catapult must be deemed safe by the teacher of the representing school and the judges of the competition

7.      All materials used for the project must be deemed safe by the instructors at the competition

8.      All catapult bases (where the catapult meets and rests on the ground) must fit within a 12” X 12” start box

9.      The overall height of the catapult can be no taller than 24”

10. The overall width of the catapult can be more than 24”

11.  Students are given 5 minutes to complete a total of 5 final shots at the given target.  The points will be scored according to the testing diagram