Trebuchet Project
You will be researching, designing, and building a trebuchet that will launch an object of your choice the furthest possible distance. In addition to being long ranged, the trebuchet should also be able to reliably hit a target. What is your reward? Glory and honor, as was the case for medieval knights in battles long ago!
Your task will be divided as follows:
The Alpha Knight:
You will research the history of the trebuchet. It is a descendant of the catapult. Look into when and how it evolved and how it was constructed. You should include things like:
- the dates and descriptions of battles where trebuchets were used (especially if trebuchets played a pivotal role);
- reproduced schematics for trebuchets that were used in battles;
- locations of use (Europe? Asia? America?);
- date during which they were in use; and
- how their use may have affected the course of history.
Use your imagination and include anything you feel is interesting! In addition to the research, you will be primarily responsible for your presentation. You may choose to file a written report or prepare a video or PowerPoint presentation. Either way, your presentation must include:
- your research;
- a consistent feel to the report or presentation (e.g., same font, bridging between sections);
- visuals (e.g., incorporation of photos or video);
- a creative theme throughout the report or presentation; and
- a bibliography.
The Beta Knight:
Your task will be to develop a plan for the construction of the trebuchet. The Internet is a wonderful resource! You should be able to find lots of sites with ready-made plans, but you may want to check that they work by making use of one of the simulators listed below under resources. Your part of the report should include:
- detailed information about the different types of trebuchets (e.g. traction, fixed arm, floating arm, wheel) and your reasons for choosing your particular model. You may need to consult with your builder here;
- detailed information about the parts of the trebuchet and how it works;
- drafts of at least three models considered in the process of arriving at the final model;
- evaluation of the mechanics of your models using a simulator. Include test results;
- detailed explanation of how the final model was chosen with reference to mechanical evaluations;
- a blueprint of the final model from three different views: front, side, top; and
- a list of materials that will be needed.
Restrictions: Your trebuchet must fit into a 0.5 m2 box in its launch ready position and your maximum counter weight is 5 kg.
The Gamma Knight:
Your task is to oversee the building of the trebuchet. You will make sure that the plans are followed, recording any necessary modifications along the way. Once constructed, it will be your responsibility to operate the trebuchet and record test results. Your part of the report should include:
- an accurate and detailed construction log complete with pictures;
- an accurate and detailed record of any modifications that were made to the original plan and the reasons for doing so;
- an explanation of the safety precautions that were implemented during construction and testing (BE CAREFUL!!!);
- outline of methods used for testing range and precision; and
- results of range and precision tests along with two to three ways the trebuchet could be modified to improve both.
Rubric
Alpha Knight
| Categories | Level 1 (50 – 59%) | Level 2 (60 – 69%) | Level 3 (70 – 79%) | Level 4 (80 – 100%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking and Investigating -uses creative thinking processes to develop a creative theme woven through the presentation SI1.11 | – uses creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies with a limited effectiveness | – uses creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies with some effectiveness | – uses creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies with considerable effectiveness | – uses creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Communication -expression and organization of ideas and information in a clear and consistent manner SI1.07, SI1.11 | -expresses and organizes ideas and information with limited effectiveness | -expresses and organizes ideas and information with some effectiveness | -expresses and organizes ideas and information with considerable effectiveness | -expresses and organizes ideas and information with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Communication -communication for different audiences and purposes by the inclusion and good use of visual components SI1.11 | -communicates for different audiences and purposes with limited effectiveness | -communicates for different audiences and purposes with some effectiveness | -communicates for different audiences and purposes with considerable effectiveness | -communicates for different audiences and purposes with a high degree of effectiveness |
*Note that the report must contain original work and a bibliography must be included with the report.
Note: A student whose achievement is below Level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.
Beta Knight
| Categories | Level 1 (50 – 59%) | Level 2 (60 – 69%) | Level 3 (70 – 79%) | Level 4 (80 – 100%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking and Investigating – use of processing skills and strategies (e.g., performing and recording, gathering evidence and data, observing, manipulating materials and using equipment safely, solving equations, proving) to evaluate the mechanics of potential trebuchet models | – uses processing skills and strategies with limited effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with some effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with considerable effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Thinking and Investigating – use of critical/creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies (e.g., analysing, interpreting, problem solving, evaluating, forming and justifying conclusions on the basis of evidence) to justify final trebuchet model choice | – uses critical/creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies with limited effectiveness | – uses critical/creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies with some effectiveness | – uses critical/creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies with considerable effectiveness | – uses critical/creative thinking processes, skills, and strategies with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Communication -communication for different audiences and purposes by the development of clear blueprints | -communicates for different audiences and purposes with limited effectiveness | -communicates for different audiences and purposes with some effectiveness | -communicates for different audiences and purposes with considerable effectiveness | -communicates for different audiences and purposes with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Application -transfers research skills to gather data on the historical development of trebuchets | – transfers research skills to unfamiliar context (trebuchets) with limited effectiveness | -transfers research skills to unfamiliar context (trebuchets) with some effectiveness | – transfers research skills to unfamiliar context (trebuchets) with considerable effectiveness | – transfers research skills to unfamiliar context (trebuchets) with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Application -making connections between science, technology, society, and the environment by assessing the historical impact of trebuchets | -makes connections between science, technology, society, and the environment with limited effectiveness | -makes connections between science, technology, society, and the environment with some effectiveness | -makes connections between science, technology, society, and the environment with considerable effectiveness | -makes connections between science, technology, society, and the environment with a high degree of effectiveness |
*Note that the report must contain original work and a bibliography must be included with the report.
Note: A student whose achievement is below Level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.
Gamma Knight
| Categories | Level 1 (50 – 59%) | Level 2 (60 – 69%) | Level 3 (70 – 79%) | Level 4 (80 – 100%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinking and Investigating -use of processing skills and strategies to use equipment safely | – uses processing skills and strategies with limited effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with some effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with considerable effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Thinking and Investigating – use of initiating and planning skills and strategies to test the trebuchet (e.g., formulating questions, identifying the problem, developing hypotheses, selecting strategies and resources, developing plans) | – uses initiating and planning skills and strategies with limited effectiveness | – uses initiating and planning skills and strategies with some effectiveness | – uses initiating and planning skills and strategies with considerable effectiveness | – uses initiating and planning skills and strategies with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Thinking and Investigating – use of processing skills and strategies to carry out trebuchet tests and record observations (e.g., performing and recording, gathering evidence and data, observing, manipulating materials and using equipment safely, solving equations, proving) | – uses processing skills and strategies with limited effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with some effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with considerable effectiveness | – uses processing skills and strategies with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Communication -expression and organization of ideas and information in the building journal | -expresses and organizes ideas and information with limited effectiveness | -expresses and organizes ideas and information with some effectiveness | -expresses and organizes ideas and information with considerable effectiveness | -expresses and organizes ideas and information with a high degree of effectiveness |
| Application – transfer of knowledge and skills (e.g., concepts and processes, safe use of equipment, scientific investigation skills) to propose and make modifications to the trebuchet design for improved function | – transfers knowledge and skills to unfamiliar contexts with limited effectiveness | – transfers knowledge and skills to unfamiliar contexts with some effectiveness | – transfers knowledge and skills to unfamiliar contexts with considerable effectiveness | – transfers knowledge and skills to unfamiliar contexts with a high degree of effectiveness |
*Note that the report must contain original work and a bibliography must be included with the report.
Note: A student whose achievement is below Level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or activity.