Build a Trebuchet

Downloadable (1 PDF - 8 pages) 

Ideal for grades 4-8, this is a design challenge is based on engineering principles where students create and improve their own trebuchet to launch a weighted object to a target. An understanding of forces and levers is developed to successfully complete the task.

After completing this design challenge, students will understand:

• Elements of the iterative design process
• How to build a trebuchet and the components involved
• Levers and why they are useful

Resources included:

• Lesson plan
• Student worksheet

Additional resources required:

• Optional: Digital access to Medieval Levers on Wonderville.org
• A marked target on the ground (can be created with a sheet of paper, a taped “x”, other)
• A consistent weight for students to launch (e.g., golf ball or beanbag)
• Scissors (one pair per group of 3-4 students)
• Tape (preferably duct tape or heavy packing tape, one roll per group of 3-4 students)
• A variety of materials for students to build their trebuchet with (at teacher’s discretion/choice). Examples: cardboard sheets, empty paper towel rolls, string, straws, styrofoam plates, plasticine or play-dough, wooden skewers.