Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet...

21
1 Hanover High School Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 http://www.ghsteched.com/catapult2.jpg http://n-pass.edc.org/archives/Trebuchet%20image.gif

Transcript of Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet...

Page 1: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

1

Hanover High School Physics

Catapult and

Trebuchet Handbook

2013-14

http://www.ghsteched.com/catapult2.jpg http://n-pass.edc.org/archives/Trebuchet%20image.gif

Page 2: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

2

Page 3: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

3

Catapult or Trebuchet Contest Guidelines Your catapult or trebuchet will launch a foam ball provided by your teacher. The

ball may not be altered in any way. Catapult builders will be given an elastic band as an energy source. This band

can be cut but additional elastic material cannot be added to your catapult. You may request a new band to replace yours, if it gets stretched out

Aside from the ball and band, you supply the materials for your weapon.

Small Scale The finished trebuchet or catapult must fit within a 0.2 x 0.2 x 0.3 m box. The

throwing arm of the trebuchet (including string, rope, or any extensions) must not extend more than 0.3 meters.

The trebuchet may use a counterweight of up to 500 g. Weights may be signed out for use at home. Catapults use the rubber band supplied by your teacher, which can be replaced if needed. Both throw a foam practice golf ball.

Large Scale The size of the catapult is limited to 1 X 1 X 2 meters. It must be able to fit in a

box of those dimensions prior to firing (i.e. a firing arm may swivel "out" of this box during firing, but the firing arm must fit into the 1 X 1 X 2 meter box when "loaded" in the firing position. The catapult may fire in any position (sideways, upright, or horizontally).

The trebuchet may use a counterweight of up to 30 pounds. You supply these weights. Catapults use 1 meter of physical therapy band, supplied by your teacher.

Both catapult and trebuchet fire a foam baseball, supplied by your teacher.

Firing Mechanics All weapons must have a loading mechanism that will remain loaded without

human intervention.

Safety You are expected to work safely when

constructing your catapult or trebuchet. This includes wearing gloves and eye projection.

Parents will be asked to sign a letter of permission, so they are aware of the project and risks involved.

Using a different elastic band, weight, or projectile is NOT permitted and will result in substantial grade penalty. This is for your safety.

Page 4: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

4

Due Friday

4/11 or before

Start NOW!

MAY M

T

W

Th

1

F

2 5 6 7 8 9

12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 24 X 27 28 29 30

Due Friday 5/2

CATAPULT or TREBUCHET Checklist Your Goal: To design, build, and test a catapult or trebuchet. To Get Started Read the Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook and

learn what the project involves. Study the rules and dimensions required. Use this information to…

Write your Project Proposal using the form in this packet. o Be specific and detailed, showing that you understand the steps and

requirements of the project. o Meet with your teacher if you have questions or need help. o Your proposal is worth 10 POINTS of your project grade (out of 100).

Before Construction Find and Read references about your chosen weapon.

o What is the source of stored energy? o What makes an efficient trebuchet or catapult? o What variables can you change to improve your

weapon? o How can you maximize the range?

Find a software simulator and experiment with the dimensions and variables of your weapon. Use the masses or elastic potential energy for the small- or large-scale weapons given in the contest guidelines. Details are supplied on a later page of this handbook. o You can use Interactive Physics to model a catapult or a commercial website

called Sigmazone.com, linked on the Capapult web page. There are free software tools specifically designed for trebuchets. You can try TrebStar at http://www.algobeautytreb.com/ or VirtualTrebuchet at http://virtualtrebuchet.com/Trebuchet.aspx

o Make at least 3 alterations to your simulation to improve the firing range and efficiency of your weapon. Keep your alterations within the guidelines of the project for size, mass, and elastic PE.

o Print out your results for each revision, showing maximized range and efficiency, to include in your paper. Annotate your print out to show what the dimensions and conditions were. Write a paragraph describing each of your revisions to optimize the range and efficiency of your weapon. This will be useful when you write your final paper.

Write Progress Report #1 o Use the form in this packet o It is worth 5 POINTS of your total project grade (out of 100). o The more you get done, the higher your grade!

APRIL 2014 M

31 T 1

W2

Th3

F 4

7 8 9 10 11 April Vac atio n !!

21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30

Page 5: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

5

MAY M

T

W

Th

1

F

2 5 6 7 8 9

12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 24 X 27 28 29 30

Have your conference whenever you need help.

Due Friday 5/16

Catapult or Trebuchet Construction Choose a scale for your catapult Gather materials Begin Construction. Design loading and firing mechanism.

o A large scale catapult or trebuchet will fire a foam practice baseball o A small scale catapult will fire a foam practice golf ball. o Your catapult or trebuchet must have a loading mechanism that will remain

loaded without human intervention (i.e. you cannot simply hold the “slingshot” or weight and release it, to fire your weapon)

o If making a trebuchet, research and design the sling. This is sometimes the trickiest part.

Label your weapon with all partners’ names. Practice and test

o Make sure your weapon can fire consistently and be loaded quickly and easily. Schedule a conference with your teacher to ask questions, check your progress, and

earn 5 points. Write Progress Report #2

o Use the form in this packet o It is worth 10 POINTS of your total project grade (out of 100). o You should have more work done since the first progress report!

Weapon Testing and Analysis Record the range (horizontal distance) for at least 10

test firings. Your device must be transported to school and fired for

an “official” distance measurement at the catapult showcase on the turf field.

Complete a Conservation of Energy and projectile analysis of catapult or trebuchet for final paper. Details are in a later page of this handbook. o Calculate or measure the stored potential energy of

the loaded weapon. For a trebuchet, this is gravitational potential energy. For a catapult this is elastic potential energy.

o Calculate the velocity of the ball, as it leaves the weapon, using conservation of energy.

o Use projectile analysis to calculate the expected range of your throw from its initial velocity and angle.

Calculate the actual efficiency of your catapult. o Use an average value of the measured range of your catapult to calculate the

velocity of the ball as it leaves the weapon. o Calculate the KE of the ball at the start of the throw from this velocity. o Calculate the actual efficiency from actual KE and the stored PE. o Compare this to the efficiency of your simulation by percent difference.

Page 6: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

6

Final Papers

are due

Friday 6/6

MAY M

T

W

Th

1

F

2 5 6 7 8 9

12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 24 X 27 28 29 30

Presentations begin on or

around Weds. 5/28

Oral Presentation Outline and organize o Introduction o Design o Construction process o Preliminary test results o Conservation of energy and projectile analysis o Efficiency o Conclusion o Demonstration of throw, if possible.

Create visual aids that add to your presentation by o being visually interesting o communicating information clearly

Check presentation rubric and revise, if needed. Practice your presentation

Final Paper Introduction

o Goals of project o General background on catapult or trebuchet, forces, energy transformations,

construction, materials o Steps and aspects of project

Materials and Methods o Details of actual design described in paragraphs o Clear technical drawing with dimensions, materials, and

all views (sides, top, and front) o Can someone duplicate your weapon from your drawings and text?

Results o Simulation results with printout, described in paragraphs o Weapon testing results in table, described in paragraphs o Description of changes made to improve performance o Conservation of energy, projectile, and efficiency analysis with clear calculations

Conclusion o Did your weapon perform as expected? Where was mechanical energy lost? o Did your weapon illustrate conservation of energy and projectile motion? o How could you improve your design or construction to make it work better?

References o Must be complete references, clearly cited in MLA or APA format o Must show depth and breadth of research, 5 references minimum o All images, simulation software, and this packet should be referenced.

Format o Typed, spell checked, grammatically correct, readable o Clearly organized with sections labeled, o All images, simulation software, and this packet1 should be referenced.

Check with paper rubric and revise, if needed. 1 Hair, Sally. Hanover High School Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook. Hanover, NH, n.p., 2014. Print.

JUNE M

T

W

Th

F

2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13

Page 7: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

Physics Project Proposal Form

Project Proposal is due Friday 4/11 or before leaving for April Vacation 7

Name(s) _____________________________________________________ Class Period(s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Independent Topic ______________________________ Catapult Trebuchet (circle one) Large Scale Small Scale (circle one) Amusement Park (Teacher Initials required ____________)

Proposals are due Friday, April 11, or before. Late proposals receive no credit.

Submit one proposal for the project, if you are working with a partner.

For catapult, or amusement park, please show that you have read the instructions and understand the project's steps and requirements.

Explain your project by discussing the following in clear, well-organized, and detailed paragraphs. You may attach a typewritten proposal, if you prefer. Questions to be answered or ideas to be investigated: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In your project will you: measure something build something both What will you measure? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What tools or apparatus will you use for your measurements or data collection? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Explain how the data will be measured. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What apparatus will you build?

Page 8: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

Physics Project Proposal Form

Project Proposal is due Friday 4/11 or before leaving for April Vacation 8

(If you are not building anything, leave this blank) _________________________________________________________ How do you propose to design, build, use, and test your device or apparatus?

(If you are not building anything, leave this blank) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How will you analyze the data you collect? What theories, equations, or calculations will you use? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Can you compare your results to known values or Hanover High records? Yes No What are these values or records? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What safety considerations are part of your project planning? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there anything you want to ask your teacher about your topic? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page 9: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

9

Catapult Design and Optimization While a catapult has fewer moving parts than a trebuchet it can be just as complex to get the details right. Things to consider are the ratios between the elastic strength and length of the arm, the direction the elastic pulls the arm, and what point on the arm the tension is applied to. Also it’s important to consider the release angle. Creating a catapult model with Sigma Zone Catapult Simulator 1. Find the simulator by clicking on the link on the Catapult web page or by going

to http://sigmazone.com/SL/Catapult/ 2. The simulation allows you to vary the release angle, the launch angle, the

elevation of the cup, and the elevation of the pin, and the attachment of the elastic bungee.

3. Test the effect of each variable on the range of the projectile by changing one at a time and optimizing the distance of the throw. Try to ask and answer questions like • What is the best place to position the elastic on the fixed and rotating arm? • Does it matter how far the cup is pulled back before release? • What is the optimal launch angle?

4. Keep careful records of the changes you make and the range of the projectile to optimize at least 3 variables.

5. Record and print screen shots to show your optimization and final results for your paper.

Creating a catapult model with Interactive Physics You will want to make the model as simple as you can. To make your catapult, you will need a fixed part, a rotating part, and a spring in between the two. Before you start, check the settings on Interactive Physics. Make sure that air resistance is equal to zero and that gravity is vertical and equal to 9.807 m/s2. 1. Once in Interactive Physics, use the shapes (rectangles, a circle, and a spring)

on the left-hand side of the screen to create something that looks somewhat like the picture below:

2. To turn these unattached shapes into a catapult, you will need joints. Think about this. Which joints should be pin joints (joints that connect two parts, and allow them to rotate about the joint) and which should be rigid joints (joints that connect two parts, and hold them at a fixed angle)? You can find these joints, along with the other parts you will need, on the left-hand side of the screen.

Page 10: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

10

3. You will need an anchor to hold the catapult in place. Think about this. Where should the anchor go? Which areas of the catapult need to remain fixed?

4. Double click on the spring, and define K (or the spring constant), as equal to 100

N/m. The length of the spring should be between 1 and 2 meters. 5. In order to get your catapult to work, you will want to experiment with changing

some things, such as the places where the spring connects to the catapult, the length of the catapult arm, the angles of the catapult’s start and release, etc. Do not change the spring constant.

Once you have your simple model created, you will use it as a tool to improve your design. By clicking a dragging a box over the whole catapult, select the entire model. Copy it and paste a copy next to your original. Keep the two models in a line, one above the other. You are now ready to test different properties of your model. Pick a variable: something you can change. It could be the length of the arm or the release angle. Change only this variable on one of your models and start the simulation. Make small changes to find the optimum angle or ratio. You can also try this with more than two models running at once. Tracking the center of masses of the bodies being thrown can be very helpful. After you have determined the optimum value for your variable, set all of your models to that value and test another variable. You may realize that certain combinations work better than the sum of their parts, so experiment!

Trebuchet Design and Optimization A trebuchet has lots of moving parts and changing the ratios between these parts can change the height and speed of the projectile. Your challenge is to find the optimum conditions to throw the ball as far as possible without surpassing the restrictions. There are many trebuchet simulators online. One that is very easy to use is http://www.virtualtrebuchet.com/Trebuchet.aspx It allows you to change many measurements of the trebuchet then simulate the flight of the projectile. Change different measurements to find the optimum values.

Remember the size requirements: --The trebuchet can’t be more than a meter long or two meters high when loaded. --The counterweight can’t exceed 30 pounds --The ball weighs around 42 grams and is about 7 cm in diameter The Sling One challenge in designing a trebuchet is making a proper sling. Look for online sources with different sling designs. Try http://www.siege-engine.com/SlingsAndPouches.shtml or try online communities like Instructables if you need help. http://www.real-world-physics-problems.com/images/physics_trebuchet_3.png

Page 11: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

11

Catapult Calculations Your paper should include clear calculations. Your presentation can summarize the results but should explain the concepts of the calculations to the class.

Conservation of Energy 1. Calculate or measure the stored potential energy of the loaded

weapon. For a trebuchet, this is gravitational potential

energy. GPE = mgh. Measure the mass that falls and the distance it will fall. This is the stored energy.

For a catapult this is elastic potential energy. You can determine the spring constant of your band using Hooke’s Law (F = -kx), then calculate EPE = 1/2 kx2. Measure the force on the band (F) and the distance it stretches (x). You should graph F vs. x and find the slope (-k). The EPE will be the stored energy for the stretched distance, x.

OR You can measure the force applied to the band (borrow a spring balance)

vs. the distance the band is pulled. Then you can calculate work from the graph of F vs. x. This should be roughly linear and the area under the curve is the work done to stretch the band. The work done equals the stored potential energy.

2. Use Conservation of Energy to find the initial velocity of the ball.

If energy is conserved, the stored energy will equal the kinetic energy of the ball as it leaves your weapon. (PE = KE = 1/2 mv2) Solve for v.

Projectile Analysis 1. Use the initial velocity from conservation of energy and the

measured or estimated angle of release to calculate the range of your projectile.

The range formula is your best friend.

R =v0

2

gsin 2θ

Compare the calculated range to the average actual range from several throws by % difference.

Page 12: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

12

Efficiency 1. Calculate the actual initial velocity of your

projectile from the actual range. Work backwards, using the range formula. Solve

for vο and use your average experimental range (R) and angle of release (θ).

Work backwards, calculate the kinetic energy of the projectile from its initial v and mass.

2. Compare the calculated KE from your actual range to the PE you

determined from your Work, EPE, or GPE. Calculate the efficiency as

Efficiency =Actual KE calculated from measured range

Calculated PE from GPE,W,EPE×100%

Compare this to the efficiency of your simulation by percent difference.

Past Results Large Scale 2013 Catapult Matt Couture, Ryan O’Rourke 58’ 2012 Catapult Jonathan Gougelet, Sam Shapiro 94' 0" 2011 Catapult Dan Gorman, Trey Rebman 55' 8" 2013 Trebuchet Zach Estes, Galen Richardson 154.3’ 2012 Trebuchet Greg Stragnell, Cole Flickenger 227' 9" 2011 Trebuchet Tyler Smith 119' 5" Small Scale 2013 Catpult Jesse Brown, Addison LaRock 46’

2012 Catapult Lexie Merguerian, Reigan Thomas 13' 5"

2013 Trebuchet Ricardo Addante 17.6’ 2012 Trebuchet Katherine Bradley 12' 7"

Current Record

Page 13: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

13

Catapult Project Progress Report #1

Name(s): Project Topic: Date: Have you found and read the background information on catapults? Y N Have you done library or on-line research and started a bibliography? Y N # of references: Have you worked with the Interactive Physics, Virtual Trebuchet, or Trebstar to simulate a catapult?

Results achieved: Y N Have you decided on a size of catapult to build? Y N Size: Have you finalized your catapult design? Y N Describe:

Have you gathered materials for building your catapult? Y N Have you met with any difficulties? Y N Have you solved these difficulties? Y N Explain: Write a paragraph or two summarizing your work on the project, so far. Include an overview of any measured results you have obtained. Attach a typed report to this sheet Please write a list of the things you need to do to complete your project.

Page 14: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

14

Teacher’s Comments:

Progress Report #1: 5 points maximum Has the group done book or on-line research and started a bibliography? 1 0.5 0 Has the group started working with simulation software? 1 0.5 0 Has the group decided on a design or structure for its weapon? 1 0.5 0 Has the group gathered materials or done other preliminary work? 1 0.5 0 Has the group made clear plans for the completion of the project? 1 0.5 0

Page 15: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

15

Physics Project Conference Please complete this form before and during your conference with your teacher. Name(s): Class Period(s) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Bridge Catapult or Trebuchet Amusement Park Independent

Topic: 5 5 5 10 points points points points Conference Date: Progress so far: Questions: Plans and next steps: Goals for next Progress Report or Oral Presentation:

Page 16: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

16

Page 17: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

17

Catapult Project Progress Report #2

Name(s): Project Topic: Date: Write a paragraph or two summarizing your work on the project, so far. Include an overview of any measured results you have obtained. Attach a typed report to this sheet Have you found and read the background information on your weapon? Y N Have you done library or on-line research and started a bibliography? Y N # of references: Have you worked with the Interactive Physics, Virtual Trebuchet, or Trebstar to simulate your weapon?

3 properties or dimensions varied: Y N Optimized ratios or dimensions:

Have you finalized your catapult or trebuchet design? Y N Describe:

Have you completed a scaled drawing of your design? Y N Please attach Have you gathered materials for building your catapult or trebuchet? Y N Have you started building your catapult or trebuchet? Y N Have you finished building your catapult or trebuchet? Y N Have you met with any difficulties? Y N Have you solved these difficulties? Y N Explain: Please write a list of the things you need to do to complete your project.

Page 18: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

18

Teacher’s Comments:

Progress Report #2: 10 points maximum Has the group done book or on-line research and started a bibliography? 2 1 0 Has the group completed weapon optimization with simulation software? 2 1 0 Has the group finalized its design and completed a scale drawing? 2 1 0 Has the group begun building its weapon? 2 1 0 Has the group analyzed data or solved any experimental problems? 2 1 0 Has the group made clear plans for the completion of the project? 2 1 0

Page 19: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

19

Catapult or Trebuchet Project Presentation Grading Name: Class: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I. Introduction (2 points)

Goals of project outlined. Presentation clearly outlined for audience. Background of the subject explained. Takes the audience from the knowledge learned in physics class to the knowledge needed to understand your project.

II. Materials and Methods (2 points) Experimental design is described and illustrated. Drawings or photographs show all views (top & sides) and fully illustrate the design of the apparatus. Show weapon to class, if possible.

Description of decision-making process, including alternatives considered, research methods, & reasons for any modification.

III. Data and Results (1 points)

Data and results fully presented. This includes simulation results, premliminary distance data, energy and projectile calculations.

IV. Conclusion (2 points)

What distance do you predict your weapon will throw? How could you improve your design to make it work better? What would you do if you had more time? What factors contribute to the success and efficency of your weapon?

V. Visual Aids (1 point)

Clear, engaging, helpful to audience attention & understanding. VI. Answers to Questions (1 points)

Clear, thoughtful, accurate, complete. Shows good understanding of project topic.

VII. Overall Clarity (1 point)

Organized, smooth, clearly communicated TOTAL

________/2

________/1

________/1

________/1

________/2

________/1

________/1

________/1 ______/10

Page 20: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

HHS Physics 2012-13

20

Catapult or Trebuchet Project Final Paper Grading I. Introduction (5 points)

Problem defined, questions posed, goals of project outlined. Background of the subject explained. Takes the reader from the knowledge learned in your physics course to the knowledge needed to understand your project. Includes figures or diagrams, if needed for clear explanation.

II. Materials and Methods (5 points) Details of the experimental design are described and illustrated, with dimensions and materials labeled and defined. Equipment used is listed by correct name. Drawings or photographs must show all views (sides, front, and top) and dimensions required to fully understand the design of the finished apparatus. The apparatus should be able to be duplicated from this information. Safety precautions are addressed. Description of decision-making process, including alternatives considered, research methods, & reasons for any modification.

III. Data and Results (5 points)

Data and results fully presented in well-organized tables and sample calculations. This includes answering the individual questions posed for each project. For a weapon, this includes simulation results, distance data, energy and projectile analysis.

IV. Conclusion (5 points) Did your results correspond to your “expected results?” If not, why not? How could you improve your design to make it work better? What would you do if you had more time? What factors contributed to the efficiency and success of your weapon?

V. Footnotes and Bibliography (5 point)

At least 5 sources. Clear and complete citations in APA or MLA format. All images and photos properly cited.

VI. Format (2 point) Typed. Spelled Checked. Well organized. Readable. Sections are labeled with headings.

VI. Understanding of Physics (3 points) Communicates solid understanding of physics concepts without vagaries, misconceptions, or mistakes.

TOTAL

_______/2 _______/3 _______/3 _______/2 _______/5 _______/5 _______/5 _______/2 _______/3

_______/30

Page 21: Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook - WikispacesCatapult+Packet.pdf · Physics Catapult and Trebuchet Handbook 2013-14 ... human intervention. Safety ... Physics Project Proposal Form

21

Catpult or Trebuchet Project Grading Rubric Proposal, Progress, Conference (30 points) ____/10 Project Proposal completed on time (no credit if late) ____ /5 Progress Report #1 completed on time ____/10 Progress Report #2 completed on time (includes experimental results) ____ /5 Conference with teacher, form turned in for record-keeping Quality of Construction (15 points): ____/3 Design based on optimized simulation ____/3 Ten test firings recorded ____/3 Consistent official firing at school ____/3 Loading mechanism holds w/o human intervention ____/3 Meets all size conditions for scale Oral Presentation (10 points):

____/10 See breakdown in presentation grading rubric

Written Report (30 points) ____/30 See breakdown in paper grading rubric

Rewards (up to 25 points)

____/10 Worked w/o partner ____/5 Award for design excellence ____/5 Winning distance for 2014 ____/5 New HHS record

____ TOTAL POINTS EARNED

Points Lost ____ -5 for each cut class in presentations ____ -5 to -10 for materials left at school ____ -5 for each day final paper is late

____ TOTAL POINTS LOST

FINAL GRADE

______ /100

www.cecs.wright.edu/students/activities/trebuchet/sites/cecs.wright.edu.students.activities.trebuchet/files/images/Trebuchet_black_resized.pngp

www.hcpl.lib.tx.us/sites/default/files/catapult_0.jpg