Siege Engine Design Challenge

A Technology Education Activity by:

Mr. Presti

Constraints

• Must be made from materials provided by the teacher.• May use additional materials from home.• Catapult must be able to through a projectile 15 feet.• Catapult must be adjustable and be able to hit the target

accurately.• Catapult must be similar in design to catapults you have

learned about.• Catapult must have wheels and employ the same principles

used by the catapults you learned about.

Materials Provided

• Lumber 3/4x1/4x16• Rubber Bands• Dowels• String• Wooden Wheels

Informed Design

• Clarify the Design Problem• Research and Investigate the Problem• Generate Alternative Designs• Choose and Justify the Optimal Design• Develop a Prototype• Test and Evaluate the Design Solution• Redesign the Solution With Modifications• Communicate Your Achievements

The Process of Design

• Technology addresses many types of problems and their solutions. Some problems require both science and technology to be resolved.

• Design is a creative planning process that leads to useful products and systems.

• Design steps can be performed in different sequences and repeated as needed.

• Design involves making a product or system and documenting the solution.

Principles of Design

• Functionality is the capability of a product, system, or process to fulfill its intended purpose.

• Quality is the degree of excellence with which a product is made.

• Ergonomics is the science of adapting the work environment to people. It involves designing products so they can be used easily.

Principles of Design (continued)

• Safety is an important element of any design because a product system, or process must be designed so that it is safe for consumers to use.

• Aesthetics is the study of the way something looks and how it affects people’s feelings about it.

• Maintainability is important in design to allow for access to certain parts for tasks such as cleaning or repair.

Solving Real-World Problems

• Sometimes, there are trade-offs between social and personal desires.

• Design solutions should benefit society but have minimal impact on the environment.

• Values and beliefs shape people’s attitudes toward technology.

Solving Real World Problems• Engineers and designers must keep in mind how their

solutions will affect society and the environment.

Trade -Off RISK BENEFIT

Airplane Passengers have little chance of surviving a crash.

Enables people to travel long distances in a short time

Insecticides Can harm wildlife and the environment.

Reduce damage to crops by insects.