Trebuchet Contest 2010

The trebuchet was considered the most dangerous war weapon during the medieval times. It was not untill the invention of the cannonball that anything compared to its destruction. Working with the laws of physics, you will now have the opportunity to create such a weapon, to lunch a projectile a sizeable distance!

Object: To create a trebuchet and test its launching ability.

Competition:

  1. Contestants must sign up before the event. Only 20 teams of 2 will be allowed to sign up on each of the three P/S/M Days. Click here for entry form.
  2. Contestants will build their trebuchets beforehand and bring them to California’s Great America on Physics/Science/Math Day.

Rules:

  1. Each team will construct a trebuchet that can launch a mini marshmallow. All energy/force given to the projectile must come from the trebuchet and not from the team members once the trebuchet is loaded. The energy source must be gravitational with no elastic energy used to propel the marshmallow.
  2. The team will be given three chances to launch their marshmallow the farthest. Their best score out of the three will be used to determine the winning trebuchets.
  3. The team must construct their trebuchet on a base no larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches. The trebuchet must be able to fit through a tunnel that is 8.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches tall.
              
  4. Teams are urged to use available and/or recycled materials as much as possible in their trebuchet. The use of a manufactured kit is expressly prohibited and teams using one will be disqualified. We encourage teams to keep their cost below $5.00.
  5. The judges reserve the right to award special prizes based on creativity and workmanship in addition to the distance winners.
  6. Arrangements will be made for storing trebuchets after the contest.

Time:

9:30-10:00 - Check in trebuchets and make adjustments as needed

10:00-10:30 - Contest

Location:

Celebration Plaza

 

Updated 10/23/2009