Weapons that once smashed castle and fortress walls are now great lessons in how basic mechanical principles turned simple materials into very useful and effective tools. This Catapult is based on historic designs from catapults that were used during the Middle Ages. The kit uses only wood, rope and leather - materials that would have been available to the people who originated the design. Pieces are joined by wooden dowels, not screws or nails. No elastic, rubber, motor or batteries are used to create the movement of the swing arms. All pieces are pre-cut and drilled requiring only wood or white glue to assemble.

The instructions are detailed and complete with educational notes about the siege engine. When completed, the Catapult stands 15 cm (6") tall x 13 cm (5") wide x 25 cm (10") long and can shoot a ball of soft modeling clay over 15 feet when properly tuned. This scale model demonstrates the principles incorporated by their original users and Ages 12 and up.

What's included?

In the Catapult kit, you will receive all the wooden architectural pieces, the connecting ropes and leather, and clay you will need to complete and have a blast with your Catapult. In addition, you will also receive an instruction manual that will have this complex machine ready for use within two hours.

What does it teach?

The Catapult, using a system of simple machines to develope a complex and useful machine, will help teach scientists, young and old, about potential and kinetic energy, force and work, and basics of construction and engineering. The instruction manual will guide their efforts and, with proper supervision, they will grasp the catapult to a point that further spurs their desire to learn about the subjects.

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