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 longest launch and most accurate launch
Longest launch group winners
Most accurate group winners