6th Grade
Catapult
Mini-Pumpkin Launching
Contest
Friday, October 31st during P.E.
We would like to invite all 6th graders to design and construct either a catapult or
trebuchet capable of launching a mini-pumpkin. This is an optional activity, but we
would like to encourage each student to participate.
Rules:
1. Students can work individually or in groups of up to four students.
2. Teams are responsible for researching, designing, and building their launchers outside of
school prior to the competition.
3. Ammunition (mini-pumpkins) will be provided the day of the competition. It will be on
display in Mrs. Borlin’s room throughout the month so students can see the approximate
size. You must supply your own practice ammo .
4. The launcher may be composed of any safe material and must be safe and controllable
when fired. Launchers should be tested using all appropriate safety precautions at home
and never be aimed at another person or animal.
5. The launcher, in its entirety, must fit within a 2’x2’x2’ volume. When firing, parts of the
launcher may extend beyond this volume. (Launchers exceeding the size limit will be
disqualified and will not be permitted to be fired at school.)
6. The launcher must be self-supporting to rest on the ground and cannot be held while
launching.
7. The launcher must be powered by mechanical means: gravity, spring, elastic, or torsion. If
using a catapult design, slingshot or crossbow type launchers are not permitted. No
electrical, human, animal, chemical, or nuclear source of energy may be used. If in doubt,
ask Mrs. Borlin for clarification on the energy source .
8. Distance will be determined based on the best of three launches and measured as the
straight line horizontal distance from the front of the launcher to the initial point of impact.
There will be no practice shots the day of the competition.
9. Launchers are not to be brought to school until the day of the competition.
Note: You may also email a short video clip (1 minute max.) from a trial
launch at home to Mrs. Borlin ([email protected]) to be posted on my
website (http://kborlin6.weebly.com/). The video should show at least a
short glimpse of all participants in the group.
Good Luck and May the Best Pumpkin Launcher Win!!!