Multi-Task Trebuchet
Note: The rules on this page reflect the local MESA rules Download Local Event Rules Here Download National Event Rules Here
Elementary/Grades 4 - 5
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.
Materials• There are no restrictions on the type of materials used. Hazardous materials like lead are not allowed.• Wood is commonly used for the trebuchet. • MESA will provide each group with hacky sacks and a budget for standard wood parts. • You are allowed to change the quantity and material of the stuffing. • All materials and creations should be safe. • A 4’ x 4’ finished plywood launch pad will be provided at the contest site. Rules1. Students must design and build their own trebuchet. The trebuchet must be solely powered by the dropping counterweight.2. The counterweight must be less than 1.5kg (3.3 pounds) and be detachable. 3. With the counterweight and sling removed, the throwing end of the rotating arm must rest on the launch pad. 4. The projectile must be more than 40 grams (1.3 oz) and be a typical commercial Hacky Sack or Footbag that is suitable for gym floors. 5. Projectiles can be modified by adding or taking away contents. All contents of the projectiles must be uniform. 6. For each trial within a task, a different projectile must be used. This means students should have several projectiles ready. 7. Only one projectile may be used per launch. 8. Projectiles must stay within the track or target region to be counted. 9. Projectiles must begin in contact with a horizontal surface no higher than 3 cm above the launch pad surface. The launch pad itself may serve as this horizontal surface. 10. Projectiles must not drop in height during the launch motion. 11. The pivot point of the rotating arm must be lower than 60 cm (just under 2 ft) above the launch pad. The counterweight cannot extend above 80cm from the launch pad at any time during operation. 12. The rotating arm must include its own pivot point. External pivot points are prohibited. There must be only one pivot point. 13. The pivot point of the rotating arm may not move vertically during operation. 14. The rotating arm should be rigid and not flex in such a way as to add energy. 15. During operation, the device must remain on the provided flat wooden Launch Pad. 16. Use of a sling is required in the competition. Two types of slings are allowed in the competition: Staff sling attached to the end of the throwing arm – one end of the sling is fixed to the end of the arm and the other is looped around a release point.  Single string sling attached to the individual projectile and the other end looped around the release point.  17. The device must incorporate a trigger mechanism that has a “ready-to-launch” position that can be activated by a single student in a specified launch area 150 cm to the side. 18. During the competition, the addition of new or alternate parts is not allowed. Altering the arrangement of parts is allowed. 19. Distance Task a. Two throws will be allowed. b. Distance is measured from the launch line to the initial point of impact. c. The longest throw will be the official “best throw.” 20. Accuracy Task a. Two throws at each target will be allowed. b. Distance is measured from the target center to the initial point of impact. c. The nearest throw for each target will be the official “best throw.” d. Each target is worth equal points. 21. Strength Task a. Two throws are allowed. b. Strength is determined by combining the projectile mass of two distinct throws to a vertical target. A net will catch all successful projectiles. 22. Design Efficiency a. The device mass will be measured as part of the specification check with the projectiles, counterweight, and slings removed. b. The Total Performance score from the Distance, Accuracy, and Strength tasks will be divided by the device mass (kg) to determine the Device Efficiency per kilogram. Competition DiagramsDistance Competition Area 
Accuracy Competition Area 
Power Competition Area  
AwardsMedals or ribbons will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at each level.All performance and efficiency scores and the diversity score will be combined to determine 1st and 2nd place teams for middle and high school (grades 6-12). Those teams will have the opportunity to compete in the State MESA Day Competition. Winners of the State MESA Day competition will compete at the National MESA Day Competition in Maryland. Request a copy of the National MESA Day rules for additional information. . |
Build a single trebuchet designed to launch a
projectile as far as possible, land projectiles within two ground targets, and
have the lowest ratio of score to device weight.