Mini Desktop Catapult

Ancient Engineering SeriesCatapult Kits

Have you hurled today?

Mini Desktop Catapult

HIGHLIGHTS:

Working model catapult
Ideal for indoor use
Sturdy wooden construction
Parts pre-cut and drilled
Easy to follow instructions
Manufactured in Canada

Specifications:

Footprint: 20cm (8") x 10cm (4")
Axle Height: 14cm (5.5")
Throwing Arm: 20cm (8") [4:1 Ratio]
Counterweight: Single rubber band
Range: 2m (6')

Overview:

From the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans up through medieval times catpults were used to gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield. The simplest form of the weapon was the onager or mangonel, where a projectile was placed in a cup or spoon on the end of a throwing arm. The arm would be powered by twisted ropes of hair or fibre. When fired, the arm would swing up and slam into a stopping block, causing the entire catapult to buck, and sending the payload on its way.

"Inspired by early designs."

Our catapult is inspired by these early designs. It is powered by a discreetly placed rubber band, and features a simple spoon and arm type arrangement.

"Accurately machined"

Each piece has been accurately machined from carefully chosen lumber, and precisely drilled to allow easy assembly. Detailed, clearly illustrated assembly instructions guide the builder through each step of construction. The completed model measures 20.3cm(8") x 10.1cm(4") x 15.2cm(6"). A how-to section demonstrates loading and firing the completed catapult, including tips on tuning the finished kit.

"Safer than a pointy stick"

We manufacture all of our products locally without the use of lead. This kit is simple to load and fire, and uses lightweight hurling stones to prevent injury

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Price: $19.95
Minimum age: 9
Availability: out of stock

Item code: 11004

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Notes:
Why should a kid
build a catapult?
Because the world needs good engineers and scientists, and because the kids who will grow up to become engineers and scientists need a way to get hands-on experience with physics, math and engineering.
In this age of 200-plus channels of TV, the Internet and computer games, kids are also spending far less time building tree houses, tinkering with engines, or designing downhill racers. We believe those are important skills to have. They help form the basis for good problem solving skills and an innate understanding of the real, physical world that you just can't get from a computer game, no matter how good its physics simulation software is.
Ballistic motion was one of the key players in the development of the science of physics. The word "engineer" even originated as the builders and designer of Siege Engines
Why is a budding engineering student expected to take a year or two of calculus in high school, but she isn't expected to have any real-world experience in building or working with machines and materials? Pencil and paper (or computer screens) are only one part of the learning experience. Where will she apply all of the stuff she learned in geometry and trig? Without physical projects to touch, feel and see, the lessons become abstract, their utility questionable.
A catapult project gives students a chance to see that science and engineering really can be fun, and it's a lot more than just numbers on paper. The real payoff for an engineer is in the field, where she can see and enjoy the results of her ingenuity. And it may seem counterintuitive, but engineering projects not only help kids learn math and science, they are also great at getting kids back outdoors, away from the massive over-exposure to video games, TV and the Internet.
Why all this interest in getting kids to study science and engineering? Because it's important to our society, and it's great mental cross training regardless of what field of work the kids eventually go into. Most people develop a sense for what they want to do in life while they are still in high school or even earlier. A catapult project is fun and interesting enough to inspire some kids to study the science behind how they work, and then go on to become the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.