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Tacoma/South Puget Sound MESA

Activities - Catapult

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2007-2008


 

Catapult


MesaDay04Students will build a catapult to launch a cotton ball the furthest distance.

Download Event Rules Here




Level/Grade

Elementary/Grades 4 - 5
Middle School/Grades 6 - 8
High School/Grades 9 - 12

Teams

2 students per team (individuals allowed only if pre-approved by MESA)

Diversity Statement Entrance Requirement

Teams should reflect the diversity and cultures of the real world.  “Diversity is about peoples’ strengths and their differences,” Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.  As reflected in our mission, MESA wishes to underscore the importance of diversity and strongly encourages that a team is put together showcasing different cultures, strengths, and abilities.

Each student will be required to have on file with the MESA office one short diversity statement (one paragraph), either as a team member or an individual, by February 28, 2008 to be eligible to compete at MESA Day.  (One statement per student not per activity.)  Each statement should explain the diversity of their team or various teams or, for individuals, be a short statement on the value of diversity.

Overview

Students will build a catapult to launch a cotton ball the furthest distance.


Materials

The following will be provided by MESA:

•    12” of string   
•    1 plastic spoon
•    2 cotton balls   
•    1 paper cup
•    4 rubber bands  
•    50 cm of masking tape
•    2 paper clips   
•    4 large craft sticks


Rules

  1. The catapult must be constructed using only the materials provided by MESA.
  2. No replacement parts will be provided.
  3. Materials may be bent, torn, and folded, but they cannot be cut with scissors.
  4. Contestants will have 20 minutes to build a catapult.
  5. Catapults must be free standing (the catapult must be able to stand in the launch position prior to and after launch, however, human stabilization may be used during launch, i.e. holding the catapult in place). 
  6. Catapults must remain in contact with the designated launch area during launch.
  7. Catapults must be launched from a stationary position.
  8. The judge's decision shall be final related to any apparent safety hazards.


Judging

  1. Students will launch one cotton ball with their catapult.
  2. Judges will measure the distance.
  3. Catapults may only be launched one time.


Awards

Awards are given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each grade level.  In the event of ties, duplicate awards may be given.