Catapult Construction and Efficiency Challenge
Created byDan Thomas
18 views0 downloads

Catapult Construction and Efficiency Challenge

Grade 7Technology4 days
The Catapult Construction and Efficiency Challenge is a project for 7th-grade technology students designed to deepen their understanding of simple machines, particularly levers, by building an efficient catapult. Through this project, students explore the principles of mechanical advantage, evaluate different catapult designs, and engage in iterative testing to improve performance. The project emphasizes applying scientific inquiry and mathematical concepts, encouraging collaborative learning and problem-solving as students design, test, and refine their catapults.
CatapultSimple MachinesLeversMechanical AdvantageIterative TestingDesign EfficiencyProportional Relationships
Want to create your own PBL Recipe?Use our AI-powered tools to design engaging project-based learning experiences for your students.
📝

Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we apply our understanding of simple machines to design and build a more efficient catapult?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How do different types of simple machines, like levers, contribute to mechanical advantage?
  • What factors affect the efficiency and performance of a catapult?
  • In what ways can the design of a catapult be modified to improve its range and accuracy?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Understand and identify the components and functionality of simple machines, especially levers, in the context of mechanical advantage.
  • Design and build a functional catapult considering engineering principles and the role of levers.
  • Analyze the efficiency and performance of a catapult through systematic testing and iteration.
  • Apply mathematical concepts pertaining to proportional relationships to measure and improve catapult performance.
  • Engage in scientific inquiry by testing hypotheses related to catapult design modifications.

NGSS

MS-ETS1-1
Primary
Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.Reason: The catapult project involves defining criteria and constraints for designing a more efficient catapult.
MS-ETS1-2
Secondary
Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.Reason: Students will need to evaluate different catapult designs to decide which is most efficient, aligning with this standard.
MS-ETS1-4
Primary
Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.Reason: The project requires students to test and modify their catapult designs to achieve optimal performance.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.7.RP.A.2
Supporting
Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.Reason: Students will measure and compare proportions such as force and distance in the catapult designs.
CCSS.Math.Content.7.G.B.4
Secondary
Know the formulas for the area and circumference of a circle and use them to solve problems; given the radius or diameter, calculate the area or circumference of a circle.Reason: Students may calculate areas related to input and output energy efficiency.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Catapult Launch Competition

Begin with a competitive catapult demonstration where various models launch different objects. This event will inspire students to inquire about what makes certain designs more efficient and to channel the spirit of competition into their own designs.
📚

Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Levers in Action: Exploring Simple Machines

Students will explore the fundamental components of simple machines, specifically focusing on levers, to understand how they contribute to mechanical advantage and efficiency. This foundational knowledge is essential for designing an effective catapult.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce the concept of simple machines and their role in mechanical advantage, with a focus on levers.
2. View a demonstration or video showing examples of levers in real-world applications.
3. Participate in hands-on activities using classroom materials to create basic lever models.
4. Discuss how different components and configurations affect the lever's mechanical advantage.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityBasic lever models that students can use to demonstrate mechanical advantage principles.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the standard of understanding simple machines (NGSS MS-ETS1-1) as it helps define criteria for the role of levers in design efficiency.
Activity 2

Catapult Design Blueprint: Planning the Vitals

Students will plan their catapult designs by creating blueprints that incorporate simple machine principles, specifically levers, to optimize efficiency. This planning phase is crucial in ensuring successful designs that meet the project's criteria and constraints.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Review the project criteria and the constraints of catapult design.
2. Brainstorm possible catapult designs, considering the components and role of levers.
3. Sketch a blueprint of the proposed catapult design, labeling key components and their functions.
4. Share designs with peers for feedback and potential improvements.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint of the catapult design that incorporates lever principles for optimal efficiency.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity supports NGSS MS-ETS1-1 and MS-ETS1-2 standards by requiring students to define criteria and constraints in their design blueprints.
Activity 3

Iterative Innovators: Testing and Refining Designs

Students will engage in an iterative process of testing their catapult designs and making modifications based on performance data to achieve optimal efficiency.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Conduct initial launch tests of the constructed catapults, recording performance data.
2. Evaluate the collected data to identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement.
3. Modify the catapult design based on analysis, applying engineering principles of simple machines.
4. Repeat testing and modification cycles to achieve improved performance results.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn optimized catapult model refined through iterative testing cycles, demonstrating improved performance and efficiency.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity addresses NGSS MS-ETS1-4 standard by involving students in iterative testing and modification for optimal design.
🏆

Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Catapult Challenge Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Understanding of Simple Machines

Measures students' grasp of simple machines, especially levers, and their application in mechanical advantage.
Criterion 1

Knowledge of Levers

Assess understanding of lever types and their mechanical advantage.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of lever types and can articulate their role in mechanical advantage with insightful examples.

Proficient
3 Points

Shows thorough understanding of lever types and their mechanical advantage with relevant examples.

Developing
2 Points

Shows emerging understanding of lever types with inconsistencies in examples given.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows initial understanding of lever types with inaccurate or incomplete examples.

Category 2

Design and Engineering Process

Evaluates the planning and execution of the catapult design focusing on problem-solving and creativity.
Criterion 1

Blueprint Development

Assessment on the design plan detailing principles of levers for efficiency.

Exemplary
4 Points

Presents a highly detailed and innovative blueprint incorporating advanced lever principles effectively.

Proficient
3 Points

Develops a clear and functional blueprint that effectively applies lever principles.

Developing
2 Points

Creates a basic blueprint that partly applies lever principles with visible gaps.

Beginning
1 Points

Produces an incomplete blueprint with poor application of lever principles.

Criterion 2

Iterative Design Testing

Evaluates the process of testing and improving catapult efficiency through iterative cycles.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional structured testing with multiple iterations leading to significant performance enhancement.

Proficient
3 Points

Conducts organized testing cycles resulting in clear improvements in design efficiency.

Developing
2 Points

Engages in basic testing with few iterations and moderate efficiency improvement.

Beginning
1 Points

Limited testing and design changes with minimal performance enhancement.

Category 3

Application of Mathematical and Scientific Principles

Assesses use of mathematical and scientific skills in evaluating catapult performance and design enhancements.
Criterion 1

Proportional Relationships and Calculations

Assesses understanding and application of mathematical calculations related to catapult performance.

Exemplary
4 Points

Applies mathematical calculations with high accuracy and insightful analysis of proportions and efficiency.

Proficient
3 Points

Demonstrates accurate math calculations with correct analysis of key performance metrics.

Developing
2 Points

Performs basic math calculations with errors affecting analysis of performance metrics.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows difficulty with basic calculations and understanding of performance metrics.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on how your understanding of simple machines and levers has evolved through the Catapult Challenge. What key insights did you gain about mechanical advantage?

Text
Required
Question 2

How would you rate the effectiveness of your catapult design before and after the iterative testing process?

Scale
Required
Question 3

What was the most challenging aspect of designing and building your catapult, and how did you overcome it?

Text
Required
Question 4

Which design modification had the greatest impact on the performance of your catapult?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Changing lever arm length
Adjusting the fulcrum position
Modifying weight distribution
Altering tension mechanisms
Question 5

Reflect on the role of collaboration and peer feedback in improving your catapult design. How did it help you and what would you do differently next time?

Text
Optional