LIVE Challenges
Catapult Catastrophe !
Questions ? Please contact Shannon Brunette at : Email : shannon . brunette @ nwtc . edu Phone : 920-498-5692
LIVE Challenges
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 . 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 .
2 . 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 their machine between testing locations , so be aware of total mass , and have a moving plan . 3 . Catapults must be powered by human energy input . No motors of any kind .
4 . All measurements should happen in the SI System of Measurement ( metric ). 5 . 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 .
6 . 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 .
7 . 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 .
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