Science You Can Really Sink Your Siege Engine Into
So you've got a large-scale model medieval siege engine in your garage and you're just not sure what to do with it? Maybe it's a trebuchet that was used to fling large large rocks into castle walls or dead cows over them. Well, castles are pretty hard to find nowadays and don't even get me started on dead cows. So what is to be done?
Well, you know who loves to throw things? Kids. So take your thingamajig tosser and do some science.
That is exactly what we did last week. Some of the children at Akany Avoko rolled up their sleeves and helped build a couple of meter tall trebuchets. A few adjustments here and there and they were ready for some good hands-on science teaching.
We had a warm-up lesson exploring the basics of levers, but on Friday we were ready for the real thing.
The two teams of 4th and 5th graders loaded up their trebuchets with tennis balls and prepared for battle. Each team was at one end of a basketball court and had to try and hurl the ball at a target on the other end. Hit the target three times and win.
Three, two, one...jump back and fire! After each shot the machine was adjusted and fired again. The lever arm of the trebuchet had three different settings to choose from.
The losing team had to face a firing squad! It was a water balloon firing squad, so it wasn't as bad as it sounds. The winning team got to fling one balloon at the losing team.
But then we made it fair. We moved the trebuchets closer and both teams switched from tennis balls to water balloons! Sounds a lot better than a science book doesn't it?
The trick was firing at the enemy without getting sloshing wet from an incoming balloon yourself.
Sometimes there was just nothing to do but take one for the team.
But really, on a toasty hot afternoon, who doesn't want to be drenched with a water balloon.
5 comments:
Wow, it looks like the kids had an amazing experience. Our class is working with PEEK this week to build a catapult. Isn't that funny that we are so far a part learning about the same things. We miss you! And we are very much enjoying your blob.
Mrs. Thomas 3rd Grade
Great pictures and lesson, Mr. Lebo. There are different types of catapults...What makes a trebuchet a trebuchet?
Here's an interesting article and you can try the Toothpick Giraffe Puzzle:
Martin Gardner
Mr. Holsten
A catapult is a machine that throws things and is too big to hold in your hands.
The energy to toss things can come from bending a piece of wood, twisting up a piece of rope or leather, pulling hard on some ropes, or, if you have a large heavy weight that falls down and flings the other end up, you have yourself a trebuchet.
A counterweight trebuchet if you want to get picky.
Dear Mrs. Thomas's Class,
So glad you are enjoying my "blob". Hope you like the "blog" as well.
Don't worry. I am probably the world's worst speller also in possession of a bachelor of arts in English literature. But "blob" was just too good to pass up.
I would love to see some photos of your flinging machines if you want to email some my way.
Keep playing and tinkering; it's a great way to learn.
We think learning with a catapult looks like great fun.
Did you ever get to be the water balloon target?
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