Studying levers couldn't be more exciting! Learners build their own catapults and test the results as they make adjustments to the fulcrum. They compete against other groups to create the most accurate apparatus.

Concepts

potential energy, kinetic energy, trajectory, range, energy, levers, fulcrum

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Challenge groups to create the catapult with the best accuracy; test by calculating the average distance from a target after a set number of trials

Classroom Considerations

• Requires specific materials for the construction of the apparatus
• Expects a basic understanding of the function of a lever

Pros

• Allows pupils to make adjustments to their catapults
• Includes a link to historical events for a real-world connection

Cons

• None