If you've ever launched something from a plastic spoon (hopefully not food at your brother or sister!), you might know that if you add more force by pulling the top of the spoon back farther, the projectile goes faster and farther. Think of the simplest type of catapult possible: a plastic spoon. How do you think force affects the speed of the Ping-Pong ball and the distance it travels? (Answer: More force means more speed and more distance.) The more force you apply to a catapult, the more force is applied to the object being launched. If we are trying to hit targets with the catapults, we need to discuss a few science concepts. Let's say we want our catapults to launch Ping-Pong balls at a certain target. These days, catapults are used for a variety of reasons, from toys to even launching planes and jets from aircraft carriers that have limited runway space! Who has heard of catapults? What do they consist of? (They consist of a lever and a wheel-and-axel.) What are catapults used for? (Listen to student ideas and experiences.) Originally catapults were designed for use during battles or wars. Like engineers following the engineering design process, before we begin designing or building, we must research catapults and learn as much as we can about them. We are preparing for an activity we will get to do very soon, during which we will design and build our own catapults. Today we are going to learn all about catapults and the important math and science concepts behind them. Engineering Fun! Catapult Presentation Notes Answers (pdf) Visit [ to print or download.
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