Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School Invitational
Pumpkin Chunkin’ Challenge
Catapult Design Challenge
Participants will design and build a catapult that will launch an ornamental pumpkin approximately 35 feet scoring
points in various goals. There can be up to 4 members on the team.
Students up to age 18 should submit the completed catapult during registration at the Grant Park Farmer’s Market
Registration Station. Students and Parents must be with their catapults during the test and competition. A time sheet
will be provided for sign up at check in.
CONTEST RULES:
1. Students will comprise a team of up to 4 individuals to create a catapult.
2. Only a true, launching catapult may be submitted. Trebuchets, Mangonels, Ballistas, and other forms of launching
devices are not allowed.
4. Students will be responsible for submitting the Catapult with the following criteria:
a. Catapult (50 pts)
i. The device may be no larger than 2 ft. x 2 ft. x 3 ft.
ii. It must contain a base with the dimensions no larger than listed above. The device must operate
completely within the given area.
iii. The device can have any type of spring mechanism to power the arm but all must be contained within the
2 ft. x 2 ft. x 3 ft. maximum footprint prior to launch.
iv. All parts of the device must start behind the Launch line but parts may extend over the line during and
after the last shot.
v. The device may or may not have wheels. If wheels are present, they should be able to lock in place.
vi. The device must be made totally from PVC pipe with the exception of the base, launch mechanism, firing
mechanism, and safety.
vii. The device must have at least an 8 ft pull cord to launch from a safe distance.
viii. When the device is on display or not actually engaged during the competition, it must be fully disabled
and unable to cock for firing. This is to prevent any accidental launches.
b. Testing for accuracy (Up to 175 pts)
i. Teams will receive pumpkins to launch from their catapult. 5 regular sacks and 1
bonus pumpkin worth double points and must be launched last.
ii. Once teams receive their pumpkins they will have 4 minutes to launch all 6 sacks and score as many points
as possible in the scoring area.
iii. The center of the scoring area will be approximately 35 feet from the launching area. The scoring area will
consist of a large, 11’4” ft x 11’6” tarp with 3 painted rings and 4 elevated goals worth varying points (see diagram
below). The elevated goals will have a small “backboard” to allow for trajectory. Bases will also be weighted to
prevent tipping.
iv. Scoring is as follows: Outer Ring (10’6” diameter) – 5 pts, Middle Ring (6’diameter) – 10 pts, Inner Ring (2’
diameter) – 20 pts, Front Low Goals (12” high) – 10 pts, Back Right Goal (20” high) – 15 pts,
Back Left Goal (30” high) – 25 pts, Any other place on the tarp will count as 2 points.
v. Pumpkins must be fully in the floor ring to count towards. If a pumpkin is touching any part of a lower
scoring area, the lower score will be awarded. Sacks scored in the elevated goals must at least be suspended
on the top of the goal (half in/half out).
TESTING:
The device will be put through a safety inspection to insure no harm or damage will occur. Any unsafe devices WILL
NOT BE TESTED and be counted as a disqualification.
EVALUATION:
Device (50 pts)
• Is the device the correct size? ..............................................15 pts)
• Is the device contained within a base? ................................. (5 pts)
• Does the device have a safe launching mechanism? ............(10 pts)
• Is the device well designed and well built? ............................ (20 pts)
Scoring (Up to 175 pts)
• pumpkins scored ................................................................... _______
b. Testing for distance
2 pumpkins and 1 additional pumpkin will be launched for distance.
receive the maximum points and others will be judged accordingly.
The longest launch recorded will
Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School Invitational
Pumpkin Chunkin’
Challenge
Entry Form
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Grant Park Farmers Market
600 Cherokee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30316
Registration and Set Up 10- 11 am
Contest 11 am
Awards Ceremony 12:30 pm
$5 suggested advance registration by November 6, 2013
$10 suggested registration after November 6, 2013
Team Name: __________________________________________________
Names of up to 4 Team Members:
1.
2.
3.
4.
_____________________________age_____
_____________________________age_____
______________________________age_____
______________________________age_____
Name of responsible parent who must accompany the team during the entire event:
Cell Phone: ___________________Email: __________________________
Entry Form and Registration of $5 may be submitted in person to MJHS as cash, a
cashier’s check or money order made out to Maynard Jackson High School or to the
volunteers at the Farmer’s Market by Nov 6, 2013 or $10 cash at the Farmers’ Market
the day of the event. Each participant will receive a certificate of participation. Six
trophies will be awarded in two categories of accuracy and distance, 1st, 2nd and 3rd
place based on point accumulation tallied by the judges.
Contact Dr. Faya Paul at [email protected] or Candace Dixon at [email protected]
or call Candace at 404-627-1921 for more information.
Sponsored by the MJHS Technology Student Association