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Ancient Engineering SeriesCatapult Kits
Have you hurled today?

Mini Desktop Trebuchet


This product is manufactured in Canada.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • WORKING MODEL TREBUCHET
  • IDEAL FOR INDOOR USE
  • STURDY WOODEN CONSTRUCTION
  • PARTS PRE-CUT AND DRILLED
  • EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE


FINISHED SIZE:

Eight inches long, Four inches wide and Six inches high at axle. The arm is Eight inches long. This machine can hurl the included missiles about 20 feet.

OVERVIEW:

The trebuchet was the ultimate artillery weapon of its time and the most highly evolved catapult type weapon. It could be built on location, and was able to hurl carved stone balls weighing up to 300lb (136 kg) at enemy fortifications. The trebuchet could be fired from a safe distance, outside the range of its victim's arrows.

"Ideal for classroom demonstration"

The design for our tabletop trebuchet kit has been refined and optimized over four years using computer aided design technology. It will stand up to rigorous use, safely and reliably firing the included projectiles. The sturdy wooden construction of this miniature trebuchet model is ideal for classroom demonstration, but it is equally at home on the desk of any medieval enthusiast. As part of a project on medieval history, as the centerpiece of a science project, or sitting on the mantel, it is sure to draw attention and generate interest.

"Accurately machined"

Each piece has been accurately machined from carefully chosen lumber, and precisely drilled to allow easy assembly. Detailed, clearly illustrated assembly instructions guide the builder through each step of construction. A how-to section demonstrates loading and firing the completed model, including tips on tuning the finished kit.

"Safer than a pointy stick"

This tabletop kit has been designed to safely demonstrate the operation of a trebuchet. With a simple, reliable trigger, a low counterweight mass and lightweight projectiles this kit is ideal for indoor use, even in a crowded classroom setting. Three easy-to-follow rules for public demonstration are provided to ensure everyone's safety.


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    Price: $39.00
    Our Price: $29.00
    Minimum age: 9
    Availability: In stock.

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    Item code: 11001

Notes:
Why should a kid
build a catapult?

Because the world needs good engineers and scientists, and because the kids who will grow up to become engineers and scientists need a way to get hands-on experience with physics, math and engineering.

In this age of 200-plus channels of TV, the Internet and computer games, kids are also spending far less time building tree houses, tinkering with engines, or designing downhill racers. We believe those are important skills to have. They help form the basis for good problem solving skills and an innate understanding of the real, physical world that you just can't get from a computer game, no matter how good its physics simulation software is.

Ballistic motion was one of the key players in the development of the science of physics. The word "engineer" even originated as the builders and designer of Siege Engines

Why is a budding engineering student expected to take a year or two of calculus in high school, but she isn't expected to have any real-world experience in building or working with machines and materials? Pencil and paper (or computer screens) are only one part of the learning experience. Where will she apply all of the stuff she learned in geometry and trig? Without physical projects to touch, feel and see, the lessons become abstract, their utility questionable.

A catapult project gives students a chance to see that science and engineering really can be fun, and it's a lot more than just numbers on paper. The real payoff for an engineer is in the field, where she can see and enjoy the results of her ingenuity. And it may seem counterintuitive, but engineering projects not only help kids learn math and science, they are also great at getting kids back outdoors, away from the massive over-exposure to video games, TV and the Internet.

Why all this interest in getting kids to study science and engineering? Because it's important to our society, and it's great mental cross training regardless of what field of work the kids eventually go into. Most people develop a sense for what they want to do in life while they are still in high school or even earlier. A catapult project is fun and interesting enough to inspire some kids to study the science behind how they work, and then go on to become the engineers and scientists of tomorrow.

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