Summary

This is a 129x106x116 catapult. It has holes in it to adjust the angle at which it starts on the arm and holes to adjust the angle at which it releases its payload. The cup has dimensions of 30x30x15 mm. I have included a payload to use. Due to technical difficulties, (my printer broke), I was unable to print and show off this Thing.

Project: Adjustable Catapult

Objectives

            <div><p>Students should learn how the release angle and windup affect the trajectory of the projectile. They will learn the best positions for distance and for height.</p></div>                <p class="detail-title"><strong>Audiences</strong></p>            <div><p>This project is designed for 4th through 9th grade students. Students do not need a background in physics as this project is designed to introduce them to physics. </p></div>                <p class="detail-title"><strong>Preparation</strong></p>            <div><p>The students will need a worksheet with a 3x3 chart to note down their findings, rubber bands, pipe cleaners, and a meter stick. They will also need to know the Scientific Method so they have a structure while doing this experiment. </p></div>                <p class="detail-title"><strong>Steps</strong></p>            <div><ol><li>Print all of the given .stl files EXCEPT for the "Adjustable Catapult"</li><li>Divide the students into groups of 3-5 and give each a catapult</li><li>To use the catapult, insert an axle into the single hole on the pylon, through one of the start angle holes on the catapult, and out the other pylon. To set the launch angle, insert an axle through on of the other holes on the other pylon. The angles in both cases are marked next to the hole. Attach a rubber band to one of the three protrusions on the arm and to the short protrusions on the base and wrap the pipe cleaner around the launch axle to prevent damage.</li><li>To launch, press the arm down until it touches the base. Ensure there are students standing by to take measurement, then release the arm. Record the distance and max height in cm.</li><li>Have the students test all combinations on start and launch angles and note down findings in the 3x3 chart. </li></ol></div>                <p class="detail-title"><strong>Results</strong></p>            <div><p>The students should discover that starting vertical and firing at a 45 degree angle gives longest distance and that starting from vertical and launching horizontal gives the most height. To grade, check if the conclusion was correct and if they did the assignment. </p></div>

Adjustable Catapult Phyics Experiment