A trebuchet is a medieval war machine that flings a projectile by using a sling attached at one end of a pivoted lever arm and a counterweight attached to the other end of the lever arm. Historically, the trebuchet was used to hurl large, heavy objects, sometimes on fire or sometimes infected with diseased animal parts. The trebuchet was effective at blasting down castle walls or wooden barriers because the trebuchet was precise in hitting the same spot more than once.
What is a catapult?
A catapult is a weighted lever arm that flings a projectile using stored potential energy inside rubber bands or twisted ropes.
The trebuchet and catapult construction projects will be scored using a provided rubric. Students will earn daily teamwork and construction grades. Additionally, student will earn a testing grade based on accuracy hitting floor target, a bucket target and a castle target. In addition, students will earn points for completing a medieval web quest and coat of arms.
