Hannah Gibbons STEM Catapults "Defend Your Castle"
Students developed blueprints, measured 2x4s and used power tools to construct their team catapult.
In April, the 7th grade students at Hannah Gibbons STEM School had a contest to decide whose catapult would launch the farthest. The objective was to apply the engineering design process to construct and test a catapult.
Students formed superhero teams to follow and complete a webquest, "The Evil Fire People Are Marching…Defend Your Castle." Through a strong interdisciplinary approach, balancing science with technology, engineering and math, they developed blueprints, measured 2x4s and used power tools to construct their team catapult.
On launch day students had to track the trajectory and make modifications to get their best range. The winning team’s catapult launched an average of 35 feet. This first place team will be able to present their project at our school STEM Fair on May 9th at 6:00 pm and at the citywide STEAM Festival on May 18th at the Great Lakes Science Center from 10:00am -3:00pm.
Leora Sullivan teaches 6th, 7th and 8th grade at Hannah Gibbons STEM School.
Leora Sullivan
by Leora Sullivan Middle Grade Teacher 6th 7th and 8th
Sean Patton Principal Hannah Gibbons STEM