Catapult Project

thingiverse

I challenged my high school juniors and seniors to design their very own catapult for an engaging multi-disciplinary project that integrated history, math, science, and English beyond CAD skills. This creative challenge really ticked all my boxes, covering multiple subject areas while still giving them freedom to express themselves. Students dove deep into the historical evolution of catapults, researching their origins and how design elements transformed or remained unchanged throughout time. I next assigned a short essay about a specific type of catapult, its era, users, and reasons for its success in warfare. With this project underway, I asked students to get hands-on by designing their own catapults, requiring them to incorporate mathematical calculations and physics principles to create a functional device that could effectively propel projectiles. I watched as the excitement grew among my students! Throughout this educational escapade, my team of young engineers used Autodesk Inventor to bring their designs to life on screen. Upon completion, they constructed working prototypes using 3D printers, rubber bands, and creativity.