Lift It, Launch It, Let it Go: Siege Machine Challenge

Inventor Center (Engineering Design Lab) 

Experiment with different projectiles, arm lengths and other variables to build and launch with a siege machine. Catapults and Trebuchets will breach a castle. Don't let the force of gravity keep you down. Each team invention will test potential and kinetic energy.

In-person capacity may be limited in compliance with public health guidelines in effect on the day of your visit.

Subjects: Engineering & Design, Physical Sciences
Program Type: Engineering Design Lab
NYS Standards:

• K-2-ETS1-1. Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. 
• K-2-ETS1-2. Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem. 
• K-2-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.
• 3-5-ETS1-1.   Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
• 3-5-ETS1-2.   Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
• 3-5-ETS1-3.   Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
• 4-PS3-1. Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object. [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include quantitative measures of changes in the
• 4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.
• MS-PS3-2. Develop a model to describe that when the arrangement of objects interacting at a distance changes, different amounts of potential energy are stored in the system. 
• MS-ETS1-1.  Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. 
• MS-ETS1-2.  Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. 
• MS-ETS1-3.  Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success. 
• MS-ETS1-4.  Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.

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