Trebuchet Final Projects!

In my Classical Mechanics courses, student groups build a medieval siege engine (trebuchet) with K’Nex and then create a numerical model of the trebuchet’s motion in Mathematica. Groups answer research questions and take part in friendly competitions for the longest and most accurate launch.

Here are some photos from projects in previous years:

A large digital sign announcing, "You have been summoned to the Ye Olde Trebuchet Conference." The sign contains more details of the event.
A K'Nex Trebuchet with a hinged counterweight and swinging projectile
A floating arm trebuchet made from K'Nex
A K'Nex Trebuchet with a hinged counterweight and fixed projectile
A K'Nex Trebuchet with a hinged counterweight and swinging projectile
Trophies for the Farthest Distance Launched and the Most Accurate Launch
Winning Group in the Farthest Launch Competition, 2023
Winning Group in the Most Accurate Launch Competition, 2023
A particularly tall K'Nex trebuchet
A trebuchet under construction
A large K'Nex trebuchet with a sling and a hinged counterweight
An assortment of trebuchets, large and small!
Winning Group in the Most Accurate Launch Competition, 2024
Winning Group in the Farthest Launch Competition, 2024