(Full teacher resource documents are included in the PDF)
Lesson Focus This lesson focuses on trebuchet design. Teams of students construct trebuchets from everyday materials. They then test their trebuchets to determine the farthest distance they can hit a target with a marshmallow projectile.
Lesson Synopsis
The "Trebuchet Toss" lesson explores how trebuchets were used during the Middle Ages to launch projectiles over or through castle walls. Students work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own trebuchets out of everyday items. They test their trebuchets, evaluate their results, and present to the class.
Age Levels: 12-18
Objectives
Design and build a trebuchet
Test and refine their designs
Communicate their design process and results
Anticipated Learner Outcomes
As a result of this activity, students will have:
Designed and built a trebuchet
Tested and refined their designs
Communicated their design process and results
Lesson Activities
In this lesson, students work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own trebuchet out of everyday items. They test their trebuchet, evaluate their results, and present to the class.
