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Catapult Project

Objectives

To design a catapult that is able to launch the projectile (eraser) as far as possible.

Step 1: Ideation

Brief sketch of initial catapult design concept

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Step 2: 1st prototype

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Step 3: Analysis using line graph

The higher the launch angle, the further the projectile travelled.

Screenshot 2021-10-23 105250.png

Step 4: Cause and effect analysis

  • We determine how the design of the catapult affects the distance travelled by the projectile.

  • We use this cause and effect analysis to improve our 1st prototype

Screenshot 2021-10-23 105702.png

Step 5: 2nd Prototype

  1. Improve on the structure of the launcher by combining 2 plastic spoons together

  2. Add more rubber bands

  3. Increase the height where the projectile is launched by increasing the length of the swinging arm as well as adding a cardboard box to the base of the 1st prototype

  4. Improve on the stability of the catapult by increasing the weight at the base of the catapult.

  5. Using a different projectile with a lower surface area (e.g. blue tack).

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Step 6: Analysis using line graph for different projectiles

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Screenshot 2021-10-23 111627.png

Blue tack is a better projectile as compared to the eraser as it has a lower surface area.

Step 7: Analysis between 1st and 2nd prototype using line graph

  • The improved design launches the projectile further than the initial design.

  • Whereas the initial design launches the projectile more consistently than the improved design.

  • However, the main objective of this prototype is to launch the projectile as far as possible, thus the consistency of the catapult is not a variable that is measured.

Screenshot 2021-10-23 112144.png

Reflections

  1. I learned how to manage my time properly and set realistic expectations by breaking down the project into a few parts so that I can allocate deadlines to complete the different parts. For example, I started by allocating 1 week to design the prototype, collect the data and finish the slides, respectively. In school, there are many different projects that are ongoing at once, so it is important to set deadlines so that we do not rush our work and feel stressed. 

  2. This project honed my creativity by allowing me to think of creative solutions to solve the problems that I faced during the project such as how to increase the distance travelled by the projectile.

  3. I also learnt to be more independent and self resilient.

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