LIVE Challenges
Catapult Catastrophe!
Questions? Please contact Shannon Brunette at:
Email: shannon.brunette@nwtc.edu
Phone: 920-498-5692
SCIENCE
Student capacity: 21 teams of 3
Use the design, build, testing, and competition to demonstrate principles of physics with your
students. Meet state and national standards in 2-dimensional vector analysis, measurement,
experiment design and more. Hit soft skills such as teamwork, professionalism, and meeting
deadlines. Win scholarships for your students!
The Challenges:
1. Be the most accurate team hitting a target at a range of 6-8 meters
2. Be the most destructive to a (cardboard block) wall with a bucket of tennis balls.
3. Shoot the highest and the Farthest in competition given only two shots!
The rules:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
All teams should consist of 3 students between the ages of 14-18 and one advisor. An
advisor cannot be responsible for more than two teams at the competition. Due to safety
concerns, an adult must be present with all teams during the challenge.
Catapults must not exceed .90 meters in any dimension in order to fit through a standard
American 3-foot wide door. The arm may be longer, but if it exceeds door height, it
should be easily removable. Students on the team must be able to easily and
safely maneuver t heir machine between testing locations, so be aware of total mass, and
have a moving plan.
Catapults must be powered by human energy input. No motors of any kind.
All measurements should happen in the SI System of Measurement (metric).
All projectiles used in the competition will be provided during the contest. They include
standard game sandbags and regulation tennis balls. All teams are encouraged and
welcome to connect with the contact above to arrange a visit to the college and see the
launch zone and projectiles, or to email the instructor with questions.
A video must be presented at a date two weeks prior to the competition displaying your
catapult design and specifications that includes a sample launch. These may be used for
team introductions as well as for a safety review by the college prior to the contest to
allow for modifications if required.
No more than $200 should be spent on your catapult. A cost analysis should be provided
with your analysis materials. NWTC strongly encourages the reuse and upcycling of
materials so long as doing so does not create an unsafe or unstable catapult.
5